58�NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2025 ABASTO.COM Driven by infation and va- lue-seeking behaviors, 35% of Hispanic shoppers shifted toward store brands for afor- dability, with culturally relevant favors such as limón, churro and horchata pushing mains- tream appeal. In-store merchandising hi- ghlighted traditions and festi- vals, with themed promotions around Día de los Muertos and Tree Kings’ Day creating dee- per connections with shoppers. Fresh and organic produce conti- nued its upward trend, with 35% of Hispanic consumers prioriti- zing these options—especially among younger generations see- king authenticity and sustainabi- lity, according to Statista. TECHNOLOGY AND OMNICHANNEL INTEGRATION Two-thirds of grocery retailers ramped up technology invest- ments in 2025, reports SPAR Group, prioritizing AI-powered As consolidation accelerated, traditional Hispanic grocers le- veraged digital innovation, com- munity-centered marketing, and expanded product assortments to defend their market share. The top five Hispanic chains, including Northgate and Carde- nas, captured only about 20-25% of total Hispanic grocery sales, highlighting ongoing fragmen- tation and regional opportunity, revealed L.E.K. consulting. For food retailers, the challenge in 2025 was clear: evolve quickly, stay authentic and innovate to earn shopper loyalty in a rapidly diversifying marketplace. For 2026, we can expect these issues to continue permeating and will likely see new tests to the Hispanic retail sector’s mar- keting, operating and financial acumen. HISPANIC FOOD RETAIL OUTLOOK personalization, inventory auto- mation, electronic shelf labels and frictionless checkout solutions. Bricks Meet Clicks repor- ted that online grocery sa- les are expected to soar to $220.48 billion, reflecting shoppers’ growing embrace of omnichannel convenience and home delivery platforms, reported several outlets. Tird-party delivery platfor- ms that integrated SNAP be- nefts expanded accessibility, with nearly 41.7 million par- ticipants—more than 12% of the U.S. population—benefting from digital payment options and improved food access, ac- cording to ExtendaRetail. ...Continuation of page 56 58��NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2025 ABASTO.COM