18 • September | October 2026 • abasto.com Innovative Strategies in Action Community Support: 93% of food retailers maintain measurable goals and timelines for charitable dona- tions, while 82% feature structured community engagement programs. Differentiation: The top three pro- duct differentiation strategies used by retailers in 2025 included: 89% operated prepared food/ foodservice programs. 87% merchandised local product assortments. 85% leveraged organic product offerings storewide. Technology: A majority of retailers have integrated data analytics for as- sortment planning, replenishment, customer insights, and pricing/pro- motions. Additionally, nearly one- third of participating retailers repor- ted using artificial intelligence for these operations. Communication: Retailers are pai- ring digital and in-store approaches across marketing and communica- tion platforms. Top channels for grocery chains: Facebook (97%) and in-store signage (95%). Top channels for suppliers: Face- book (80%), Instagram (80%), in- fluencer campaigns (80%), in-sto- re signage (75%), digital circulars (75%), email marketing (70%), ex- clusive in-store promotions (70%), retail media networks (70%), and TV advertising (70%). Health & Wellness: In 2025, 76% of retailers implemented product diffe- rentiation strategies focused on nu- trition, health, and wellness, while 74% offered products with targeted health benefits. Supplier Innovation: The top pro- duct differentiation strategies deplo- yed by suppliers in 2025 included: • Product innovation (100%) • Products with health and wellness attributes (76%) • Comprehensive focus on nutrition, health, and wellness (76%) • Continuation of page 16 Americas Food and Beverage Special Insert Methodology Data for The Food Retailing Industry Speaks 2026 report stems from a February 2026 survey of food industry retailers, wholesalers, and suppliers across the United States and Canada. A total of 70 food retail and wholesale companies completed the questionnaire, representing more than 42,000 stores. This year’s report also incorporates data from a sample of 33 food product suppliers.