The retail and produce industries are poised for significant change. Abasto Media interviewed key industry voices about their vision for the next 12 months, analyzing the major forces that will redefine the marketplace and how the Hispanic market can prepare.
Will tariffs remain a dominant talking point? Will AI become a standard operational tool across the supply chain? And what regulatory changes will demand immediate attention?
According to the Acosta Group’s Consumer Predictions for 2026, success hinges on foundational trust: Brands and retailers must commit to transparency and authentic engagement to strengthen consumer loyalty in this ever-changing marketplace.
Here is what the key industry voices had to say about the year ahead.
Dante Galeazzi, President & CEO
Texas International Produce Association
One of the biggest trends will be the industry’s ongoing work to manage regulatory volatility and trade policy shifts, an issue that defined 2025 and continues into the year ahead. Companies are adapting by building more resilient logistics strategies, implementing faster compliance systems, and strengthening communication with buyers who are navigating the same uncertainty.
We also anticipate a renewed focus on climate resilience and water availability, issues that increasingly influence production decisions in both the U.S. and Mexico.
The continued cultural and economic influence of Hispanic consumers remains a defining force. Their strong preference for fresh, flavorful, and culturally rooted produce items is driving demand for tomatoes, peppers, mangos, avocados, berries, and other staple imports coming through Texas. Their purchasing power will continue shaping retail assortments and promotional strategies in 2026.
Retailers and foodservice buyers serving Hispanic consumers should brace for potential fluctuations in availability and pricing, especially for culturally essential items like tomatoes, peppers, and tropical fruits.
The coming year will also bring a more data-intensive and technology-enabled supply chain. Growers, importers, and distributors will be increasingly expected to provide real-time visibility, enhanced traceability, and stronger quality assurance.
For the Hispanic market, preparation means doubling down on freshness, cultural relevance, and consumer education. Retailers can support their customers by offering bilingual information on origin, handling, and seasonality; highlighting trusted brands and growing regions; and reinforcing the value of produce in everyday meals. If pricing pressures arise, clear communication and thoughtful merchandising can help maintain consumer engagement rather than driving shoppers away from the produce department.
David Hinojosa, Chief Operating Officer
Vallarta Supermarkets
1. Accelerated Digital & Omnichannel Expectations: Customers demand faster, more personalized experiences across all channels (online, loyalty, in-store). AI personalization, real-time inventory, and frictionless checkout are now mandatory. For the Hispanic market, this means balancing extreme convenience with maintaining the cultural warmth and authenticity customers value.
2. A Return to Value, Not Lower Quality: Economic pressures will push consumers toward greater value, but unlike previous downturns, they will not compromise on freshness, quality, or cultural relevance. Retailers must focus on culturally significant value: competitive pricing on staples, bulk packs, fresh perishables, and prepared foods.
3. Fresh, Prepared, and “Real Food” Drives Growth: Shoppers prioritize convenience and health without sacrificing flavor. Authentic prepared foods, fresh bakery, and produce innovation will be major differentiators. For Hispanic grocers, this is a unique growth engine fueled by providing culturally authentic meals and fresh experiences.
4. Supply Chain Resiliency & Cost Discipline: The industry is investing in automation, end-to-end visibility, and data-driven forecasting to manage costs and shrink. Hispanic grocers must modernize distribution, leverage data, and build strategic partnerships to ensure availability and freshness.
5. Expanding Hispanic Influence in Mainstream Retail: The Hispanic consumer continues to shape mass-market trends in flavors, formats, and cultural storytelling. This creates a powerful opportunity for retailers to not just meet demand but to lead the next decade by staying true to culture while embracing innovation.
Related Article: Food Industry: Highlights of 2025
Bill Mayo, CEO
Save A Lot
What are the main trends you anticipate for the industry in 2026?
Shoppers are increasingly turning to store brands for affordable, high-quality groceries. In tandem, we’ve seen more interest in cleaner options and expect this demand to grow. Consumers want to feel good about the foods they eat and feed their families. At Save A Lot, we’re reformulating all of our private label offerings to remove seven artificial dyes. We’ve been working with our suppliers to ensure the removal of dyes will not impact or change the overall taste or quality. Customers can feel better about the ingredients in their food without sacrificing affordability.
How will the industry change in the coming year, and what can the Hispanic market do to prepare for these shifts?
As costs continue to rise, grocery stores will look for ways to keep costs down. At Save A Lot, we’ve always been focused on value and quality. With over 50 private brands, we cater to the communities we serve with products our shoppers buy the most. For Hispanic shoppers, staying connected to stores that understand and reflect their preferences will be key.
DAVID CUTLER, VICE PRESIDENT OF MEDIA RELATIONS AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS
NATIONAL GROCERS ASSOCIATION (NGA)
As independent grocers look toward 2026, the outlook is realistic yet hopeful. Despite navigating thin margins and rising costs in labor, energy, and rent, these local pillars remain vital to the neighborhoods they serve.
Navigating Operational & Policy Hurdles
Grocers are currently adapting to unique disruptions, such as the cessation of penny production, which requires quick adjustments to cash transactions. More significantly, policy uncertainty regarding SNAP—including state-level waiver requests—has added complexity to the checkout process. As the primary contact for SNAP participants, independent grocers are prioritizing dignity and clear communication to help customers navigate these evolving rules.
The Independent Advantage
While national chains focus on scale, independent grocers differentiate themselves through:
- Local Economic Impact: By employing community members and offering competitive benefits, they ensure dollars circulate back into local schools and businesses.
- Sourcing & Service: Partnerships with local farmers and bakers provide fresher products, while a focus on personal service over total automation builds lasting shopper trust.
- Smart Innovation: New technology in inventory and digital engagement is being used to enhance efficiency without losing the “human touch.”
Ultimately, 2026 will be defined by adaptability. Independent grocers are more than retailers; they are essential community partners whose success is measured by connection and commitment rather than just size.
Kathy Risch, SVP Shopper Insights and Thought Leadership
Acosta Group
The collective of the most trusted retail, marketing and foodservice agencies shared four predictions for 2026:
- Shoppers turn to AI companions; trust slows automation
- Health gets personal, functional, and transparent
- Shoppers embrace relevant innovation
- Consumers demand holistic value – from stores to dining
70% of shoppers have used AI tools and features to assist with their shopping journey – and in 2026, consumers will begin to depend on intelligent agents to plan, compare, and then complete purchases.
71% of shoppers support stricter rules on artificial ingredients, and 62% believe more regulations are needed for ingredients. This emphasis on proof and accountability underscores the importance of clear communication regarding ingredient sourcing, production processes, and the efficacy of functional benefits.
Innovation is having its moment, setting a new bar for brands and retailers in a competitive race to deliver the next big – and relevant – thing.
In 2026, the intentional shopper will demand more – more relevance, more experience, and more value.
Brands, retailers, and foodservice operators that authentically understand their consumers and double down on curated offerings and seamless technology will turn relevance and experience into total value and loyalty.
“The most important takeaway for brands and retailers in 2026 is to deeply understand their consumers, so that shoppers can easily find those products that are most relevant to their personal needs – whether with an AI shopping assistant for in-store or online purchases, or creating experiential, immersive retail experiences that deliver value that transcends price.”