12 • July | August 2026 • abasto.com Top 10 gas stations in the US (top ten) USA Today revealed the best gas stations brands for 2026: 02. Royal Farms 01. 1. Kwik Trip 03. QuikTrip 08. OnCue 04. Allsup’s/Yeswa 09. Sapp Bros. Travel Center 07. Rutter’s 06. Hy-Vee 05. RaceTrac 10. Casey’s Kroger is experiencing a major lea- dership transition with the retire- ment of two longtime executives. Valerie Jabbar, Senior Vice President of Re- tail Divisions, retired in May after a 38-year tenure that began as a store clerk. Following her, Tim Massa, Executive Vice President and Chief Associate Experience Officer, will reti- re in September after 16 years of leadership. Massa joined Kroger in 2010 after a 21-year career at Procter & Gamble. Both executives rose through numerous senior roles, leaving a legacy on the grocery giant’s operations and corporate culture. U.S. 250th Anniversary: Hispanic Consumers THE CONSUMER & RETAIL IMPACT $15+ Billion: The pro- jected consumer spending boost on food, beverages, and patriotic mer- chandise during the 2026 Independence Day week alone. 4th of July Staples: In a typical year, Americans spend over $4 billion on meat/poultry and $3.5 billion on beer and wine for July 4th. For the 250th anniversary, industry experts expect these grocery categories to break all-time records. THE HISPANIC MAR- KET CONNECTION $3.2 Trillion: The total GDP of the U.S. Latino market (which would rank as the 5th largest economy in the world). 65+ Million: The current Hispa- nic population in the U.S. participating in this historic miles- tone. GLP-1 Consumer Behavior Is Rewriting the Food Retail Playbook While Gen Z and Millennial GLP-1 consumers lead in their interest in these products and their attributes, Gen X con- sumers also express interest. This reflects a significant opportunity for innovation and growth across health and beauty for all channels,” said Megan Rand, SVP of Client Development for Acosta Sales Agency. Entrecomillas Starter Kroger says goodbye to top executives