COVER STORY
Which categories do you expect to face the most challenges with in 2026? (Select all that apply.)
In addition, two thirds of retailers (66%) said they plan to introduce more grab-and-go or prepackaged prepared foods in 2026, and 38% said they plan to add more freshly pre - pared or made-to-order prepared foods. The deli/foodservice area was also the category that retailers said they expected to have the most success with in 2026, cited by 55% of retail respondents. Deli/foodser - vice edged out fresh produce (52%) as the category that retailers were most optimistic about, reflecting the ongoing success retailers have had with prepared foods during the past few years. Digital initiatives on tap for 2026 Retailers also said they expected to invest in a range of digital and technology initia - tives in 2026. These encompass ecommerce investments, as online grocery sales con - tinue to ramp up, and investments in other digital tools, including expanding the use of artificial intelligence across a wide range of functions. One retailer said they plan to invest in “more digital marketing, loyalty and fulfill - ment,” as well as making investments in “AI for marketing, logistics, ordering and train - ing employees.” A wholesaler predicted a “bloody com - petition” as the industry ramps up the deployment of AI solutions to increase efficiencies. Another retailer said they plan to change their third-party ecommerce delivery partner in 2026 as well as upgrade their ecommerce website. These digital investments come as some retailers reported tallying a higher percent - age of their sales from online grocery. Nearly half of retailers (45%) reported that online sales accounted for 6% or more of their total sales in 2025, including 24% of retailers who said online sales accounted for more than 10% of their total sales. Retailers were optimistic for continued growth in online sales in 2026, with two- thirds of retailers (66%) predicting that online sales would account for 6% or more of total sales in the year ahead. That included 28% who expected online sales to account for more than 10% of their total sales.
All respondents
Food retailers
38%
48%
Fresh meat
33%
44%
Center store grocery
General merchandise (including paper goods, cleaning supplies, etc.)
29%
37%
20%
30%
Fresh produce
13%
26%
Dairy
16%
19%
Frozen aisle
12%
15%
Deli-foodservice
20%
15%
Fresh bakery
11%
15%
Health & wellness/HBC
Non-alcoholic beverage (Energy drinks, soda, pre/probiotic drinks)
16%
22%
What retail channel(s) will be the biggest threat(s) to your business in 2026? (Select up to 3 choices.)
All respondents
Food retailers
46%
62%
Mass retailers (Walmart, Target, etc.)
Direct-to-consumer online channels (Amazon, etc.)
49%
55%
33%
45%
Warehouse clubs
34%
31%
Dollar stores
38%
28%
Online retailers
6%
7%
Natural retailers
1%
3%
Drugstores
9%
3%
Convenience stores
16 SUPERMARKETNEWS.COM WINTER 2026
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