64 • March | April 2026 • abasto.com Strategies that Will Shape Food Retail in 2026 Alison Schilling analyzes trends, challenges, and opportunities for supermarkets. BY HERNANDO RAMÍREZ-SANTOS T he food retail sector is un- dergoing a period of re- definition marked by de- mographic changes, inflationary pressures, new value demands, and the expansion of global flavors in the American diet. In this context, Abasto spoke with Alison Schilling, managing director and partner in the Consu- mer division at L.E.K. Consulting, to analyze the most effective stra- tegies that supermarkets should adopt, as well as the trends that will influence customer service, product offerings, and growth in the coming years. L.E.K. Consulting is a strategic consulting firm, as its name sug- gests. They support their clients in areas such as growth, store ex- pansion, white space analysis, ope- rations optimization, commercial excellence, and more. They also help retailers analyze where it is most productive to invest space and how to reach new consumers, whether through acquisitions or improvements in offerings. Consumer Trends in 2025–2026 Abasto: What consumer trends are redefining the market? Schilling: U.S. consumers are de- manding more flavors and variety. Exposure to Mexican, Cuban, Puerto Rican, and other cuisines has expan- ded from foodservice to retail. This is driving increased product offe- rings and growth in the Hispanic ais- le, even in traditional supermarkets. Expectations About Value and Experience Abasto: How have consumer ex- pectations regarding value chan- ged? Schilling: Inflationary pressure has not let up. This has reinforced an “hourglass economy” behavior: demand is growing for both pre- mium products and value options. Consumers are looking for compe- titive prices, which is driving club stores, discount stores, and private labels. The average shopper feels pressure and is migrating to more economical alternatives. • Continues on page 66 • FOOD INDUSTRY