56�NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2025 ABASTO.COM By Ron Margulis 2025 has been a pivotal year for the food re- tail industry, marked by robust innovation and shifting con- sumer priorities—particularly among the Hispanic consumer segments. Merchandising and Hispanic Consumer Trends 2025’s Hispanic food retailers now fnd themselves at the intersec- tion of digital transformation, value-driven merchandising and rising demand for authentic cul- tural representation in both their in-store and online channels. INDUSTRY STATISTICS AS A REFERENCE First, some industry statistics as a baseline. For the year, ove- rall in-store grocery market is expected to show resilience, with food-at-home prices rising a mo- dest 2.4%—slightly below the 20-year average—helped by ste- ady demand and adaptation fo- llowing years of economic uncer- tainty, according to the USDA, Economic Research Service. Hispanic households remain a powerful force in food mar- keting, accounting for about 16% of U.S. consumer packa- ged goods growth, even though economic headwinds and policy concerns have led to a recent plateau in spending, reports Circana. Hispanic consumers wield over $2 trillion in purchasing power in the U.S., with a pro- nounced preference for enga- ging and personalized digital content, according to Circana. In 2025, mobile-friendly si- tes, bilingual campaigns and culturally authentic storyte- lling via platforms like TikTok and Instagram have become even more crucial in connec- ting with younger Hispanic audiences. Video content in Spanish and Spanglish formats drove engagement, and brands that actively celebrated His- panic heritage and partnered with community influencers gained the most traction. As seen at the major trade events during the year, most recently Groceryshop in Las Vegas, retail media networks emerged as essential tools for grocers to remain relevant. National chains led retail me- dia innovation, while regional and Hispanic-focused retai- lers increasingly adopted ad networks to target consumers with personalized offers across channels. MERCHANDISING AND IN-STORE EXPERIENCE Private label products represen- ted a signifcant growth area, ac- counting for an estimated 19% of total grocery revenue, reports NielsenIQ. Continues on page 58 Food Retail Evolution Marketing, 56�NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2025 ABASTO.COM FOOD INDUSTRY