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Global Food Marketer - May/June 2026

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Global Food Marketer®

Educating & Enriching News of Global Food Markets

How AI Is Reshaping Global Food Buying

Digital tools and artificial intelligence are changing how global buyers discover, evaluate, and purchase food products. From AI-powered search recommendations to evolving e-commerce platforms and consumer trend forecasting, exporters are navigating a rapidly changing marketplace.

For small- and mid-sized food companies, understanding these shifts is becoming increasingly important to staying competitive internationally. Food Export provides market insights, educational resources, webinars, and buyer engagement opportunities that help companies better understand emerging global trends and position products for growth. As digital shopping behavior evolves, exporters that adapt strategically will be best positioned for future success.

How Food Export Can Help

Resources to help exporters understand evolving global market dynamics and position products for longterm growth.

Stay Informed!

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Market Profile

A highly digital consumer market with strong demand for premium foods, convenience products, and online grocery purchasing.

Market Profile

Discover more about the Thailand market including overviews about the retail, foodservice, and food-processing sectors.

Webinars

Stay informed on evolving export trends, digital commerce, and international market developments.

Success Stories

How companies are using Food Export resources to grow internationally.

Insights

Expert perspectives on global food trade trends and exporter strategies.

Digital Buying Trends

How AI, e-commerce, and changing consumer behavior are reshaping global food discovery.

Upcoming Activities

Find Buyers Missions, Tradeshows, Product Showcases and learning opportunities.

Product Highlights

THE NEW DIGITAL SHELF

How Global Buyers Are Discovering Food Products

Digital commerce, AI-powered recommendations, and evolving consumer behaviors are changing how products compete globally. Exporters that understand these shifts can better position their brands for growth.

Search Is the New Shelf Space

‣ What’s changing: Consumers increasingly discover products through online search, retailer apps, and AIpowered recommendations before ever entering a store.

‣ Products with strong digital visibility and clear positioning are more likely to gain buyer attention.

Buyers Want Data-Driven Confidence

‣ What’s changing: International buyers increasingly rely on market intelligence, trend data, and consumer insights to evaluate opportunities.

‣ Exporters who understand market trends and buyer behavior can position products more strategically.

Digital Trust Matters

‣ What’s changing: Consumers increasingly evaluate brands online before purchasing.

‣ Transparency, product storytelling, certifications, and brand credibility influence purchasing decisions.

Packaging Must Perform Online

‣ What’s changing: Packaging now has to stand out both on physical shelves and small mobile screens.

‣ Clear branding, readable claims, and durable packaging influence online conversion and shipping success.

Consumer Trends Move Faster Than Ever

‣ What’s changing: Social media, digital influencers, and online retail accelerate trend cycles globally.

‣ Exporters need to monitor evolving demand and adapt quickly to changing preferences.

Bottom line

Food Export helps companies stay informed on evolving consumer behaviors, market trends, and international opportunities in the fast-growing digital economic environment. Learn more.

AI Is Already Changing How Consumers Shop

AI-powered shopping tools, digital product discovery, and online recommendation engines are rapidly influencing how consumers evaluate food products globally.

For exporters, understanding these changes is becoming increasingly important to long-term growth and visibility.

The Rise of AI-Assisted Shopping Grocery and Food Purchasing Are Evolving

58%

of consumers now use generative AI instead of traditional search to find product recommendations.*

Nearly 60% of consumers report already using AI while shopping online.*

70%

of U.S. consumers actively use AI shopping tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot for comparing products, researching purchases, and finding deals.**

AI-driven traffic

to retail websites increased 4,700% year-over-year from 2024 to 2025.*

SOURCES

*Capital One Shopping Research – May 2026

**Acosta Group – June 2025

***dunnhumby – May 2026

Consumers are increasingly using AI tools to:

• build grocery lists

• compare prices

• research products

• discover new brands

• evaluate nutrition and ingredients

Grocery adoption of AI shopping tools is currently outpacing many other retail categories.

28% of shoppers say they are likely to use AI shopping tools this year.***

AI Is Already Changing How Consumers Shop (cont.)

What This Means for Exporters

Digital Visibility Matters More

Consumers increasingly discover products through AI-powered recommendations and digital search platforms before visiting stores.

Packaging Must Communicate Quickly Products need strong visuals, readable claims, and clear differentiation for both mobile screens and retail shelves.

Trust and Transparency Matter

Even as adoption grows, consumers still prioritize authenticity, trust, and clear product information.

Buyers Are Using More Data

International buyers increasingly rely on digital tools and consumer insights to evaluate products and suppliers.

How Food Export Helps Companies Adapt Questions Exporters Should Be Asking

Food Export provides:

‣ international market expertise

‣ educational webinars

‣ export guidance

‣ buyer engagement opportunities

‣ custom market research

‣ end-to-end fundamentals

‣ country profiles

to help exporters understand evolving global market dynamics and position products for long-term growth.

• How are consumers discovering products in my target market?

• Is my packaging optimized for e-commerce?

• What trends are influencing buyer demand internationally?

• Are there emerging markets aligned with my product category?

• How important is digital visibility to buyers in my market?

• What product categories are seeing the strongest online growth?

Stay Informed. Stay Competitive.

Global food buying behavior is evolving quickly. Food Export provides the tools, insights, and connections companies need to adapt and grow internationally.

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Global Food Marketer - May/June 2026 by Food Export USA - Issuu