84 • March | April 2026 • abasto.com 4 The NGA Show 2026 Dispatch: The Future of Hispanic Retail BY RON MARGULIS A s independent grocers gathered last week for the National Grocers Association (NGA) 2026 Annual Meeting in Las Vegas, a recurring theme of cultural connection is the new frontier of grocery growth that resonated across ses- sions. For Hispanic retail operators, the in- sights shared on technology adoption, su- pply resilience and shopper engagement during the Show offered a clear roadmap for competitive strength in the year ahead. Technology Innovation Forum During the Technology Innovation Forum, speakers from leading retailers and vendors emphasized that the next phase of omnichannel success will de- pend on “merchandising with meaning.” Hispanic grocers, who are almost always deeply embedded in their communities, are uniquely positioned to lead this shift by blending digital tools with authentici- ty. AI-driven demand forecasting, in-sto- re digitalization and real-time inventory visibility were showcased as ways to keep high-demand categories like fresh produ- ce and cultural staples both stocked and profitable. FOR MORE INFO AT THE HALLWAYS OF THE NGA SHOW 1. Idaho Potato Commission, Matt Zapczynski, Mark Daniels, Patrick Mills y Ross Johnson. 2. MexSnax , Jesús Camacho. 3. Teloloapan Supermarket. 4. Equipo Arteagas Food Center. 5. YaEsta, Dionisio Martínez, José René Menéndez y Lucía Figueroa. 6. Pepito USA, Gustavo Jaime Ornelas, Armando Medina, Isabel Mendoza, Ingrid Yoseff y Alejan- dro Cárdenas. 3 6 1 2 5 • Continues on page 86 • FOOD INDUSTRY