26�SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2025�ABASTO.COM WORKFORCE STABILITY INCREASES Despite these challenges, retailers and suppliers repor- ted signifcant progress in workforce stability last year, thanks to continued eforts to boost employment incen- tive oferings. Te proportion of retailers citing difculties in hiring and retaining staf fell sharply, from 85% in 2022 to just 52% in 2024. Suppliers saw an even more pronounced decline in hiring and retention challenges, which fell from 65% to 28% over the same period. Tis positive change refects signifcant investments in talent development across the food industry, specifcally in improving wages, expanding benefts, performance bo- nuses, and robust training programs. As a result, there has been a notable reduction in staf turnover, which fell from a record high of 65% in 2022 to 48% in 2024. It is unclear how current changes in immigration and deportation policy will afect these fgures in 2025. ...Continuation of pag. 24 HEALTH-CONSCIOUS CONSUMERS DRIVE VALUE Nearly 50% of food retailers and suppliers report a posi- tive impact from consumers leveraging food to manage or prevent health issues, and most ofer products with nutritional attributes that support health and wellness. Although shoppers remain concerned about food prices, recent FMI research on consumer trends has re- vealed that customers are willing to invest in key “ea- ting well” needs such as health, entertainment, explo- ration, and convenience. “While sensitive to consumer budgets, our members are reinventing the grocery store as a destination that reflects how today’s shoppers want to live and eat,” said Sarasin. STRATEGIES FOR SUPERMARKET SUCCESS 2 5 4 1 IMAGINE THE POSSIBLE THROUGH TECHNOLOGY Innovation: AI, data analytics. Applications: e-commerce, futuristic experien- ces, product variety. OFFER CONVENIENCE TO CONSUMERS Extended value: convenience, entertainment, relevance, quality. Actions: private label, community support, SNAP strengthening. NAVIGATE AN UNCERTAIN MACROECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT Challenges: economy, trade, theft, competition. Approaches: investment in supply chain, strong partnerships, and store security. Defense: PBM reform and card fees. 3 STAND OUT AS SHOPPING DESTINATIONS Transformation: stores destinations. Experiences: fresh food, health and wellness, omnichannel. Keys: personalized service, loyalty. PREPARE THE BUSINESS FOR THE FUTURE Strategy: diferentiation, investment in personnel. Objective: success with tight margins (1.7% in 2024). Example: training, benefits, skills development.