Independent grocers are gaining ground as cost-pressed shoppers place more trust in local stores than national chains. To keep that edge in 2026, independents must pair community credibility with digital convenience, personalized value, and smarter savings tools.
Circana forecasts slower F&B growth in 2026 as economic pressure and supply chain complexity reshape the competitive landscape. Still, experts say brands that balance pricing and evolving consumption “moments” for customers can still thrive.
Online grocery is accelerating into 2026 as retailers lean into functional beverages, agentic AI, and ever faster fulfillment to boost loyalty. The winners will be those who blend smarter tech with sharper product strategy to meet rising consumer expectations.
MenuData predicts four forces will shape 2026 menus, from texture‑obsessed consumers and nostalgia‑driven LTOs to the resurgence of animal fats and the growing influence of GLP‑1 users. For brands, these shifts signal major opportunities for innovation—and risks for those who fall behind.
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