https://www.fmi.org/ResearchFuture LeadersEducationFresh FoodsHealth & Well-beingAsset ProtectionAsset Protection & Grocery ResilienceRiskCommunity Outreach AwardsAwardsFreshForwardEventsTrends BlogsConsumer Behavior & TrendsSignature ResearchRetail-WholesalersTechnologyFMItech PitchMidwinter 2027WholesalerFood Safety & SecurityGovernment Relations2026 Supply Chain ForumSupply ChainSupply Chain TrackingFoundation SupporterSQFITraining & DevelopmentNFMMFamily MealsMorgan GriffinDebbie WalyusKelli WindsorMatt McKinneyurn:uuid:cd534ec0-121e-45cc-a8d3-8100db5cc9e2https://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2026/09/11/grocery-shopper-generational-splits-in-beverages-purchasesMorgan GriffinResearchWalk down the beverage aisle with a Gen Z shopper, a millennial parent, a Gen X professional and a baby boomer, and chances are you will watch four very different shopping journeys unfold.Fri, 11 Sep 2026 11:00:03 ZWalk down the beverage aisle with a Gen Z shopper, a millennial parent, a Gen X professional and a baby boomer, and chances are you will watch four very different shopping journeys unfold.urn:uuid:ea7cdbad-ff00-434c-bfa3-78e9233e30b3https://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2026/09/10/celebrating-the-next-generation-of-food-retail-leadersMorgan GriffinFuture LeadersEducationThis year, 281 food industry professionals from 19 companies came together to strengthen their leadership skills, learn from one another and put new ideas into practice. 257 participants earned their Food Retail Leader Certificate: a 91.5% completion rate.Thu, 10 Sep 2026 12:00:03 ZThis year, 281 food industry professionals from 19 companies came together to strengthen their leadership skills, learn from one another and put new ideas into practice. 257 participants earned their Food Retail Leader Certificate: a 91.5% completion rate.urn:uuid:4007ed68-ac97-4bf2-a791-80552a4fcb38https://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2026/09/09/fresh-still-wins--three-signals-shaping-the-future-of-groceryDebbie WalyusResearchFresh FoodsFresh has always been the heartbeat of the store. It drives traffic, builds loyalty and increasingly shapes how shoppers define value.Wed, 09 Sep 2026 12:00:09 ZFresh has always been the heartbeat of the store. It drives traffic, builds loyalty and increasingly shapes how shoppers define value.urn:uuid:ee1d1d2f-8949-45eb-b78c-9526a7a65008https://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2026/09/08/the-food-industry-supports-consumers-on-their-weight-management-journeyMorgan GriffinHealth & Well-beingAs GLP-1 medications reshape the conversation around weight management, food retailers and product suppliers have an opportunity to help consumers turn health goals into sustainable everyday habits.Tue, 08 Sep 2026 12:00:08 ZAs GLP-1 medications reshape the conversation around weight management, food retailers and product suppliers have an opportunity to help consumers turn health goals into sustainable everyday habits.urn:uuid:ae4fc9e8-82cf-4049-8793-b81261160a95https://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2026/09/03/strengthening-retail-through-collaboration--how-fmi-advances-asset-protectionMorgan GriffinAsset ProtectionAsset Protection & Grocery ResilienceRiskAsset protection continues to be on the front of the minds of those in the food retail industry. Today's retail environment presents a wide range of challenges, from organized retail crime and workplace violence to cybersecurity threats, fraud, natural disasters and supply chain disruptions.Thu, 03 Sep 2026 12:00:06 ZAsset protection continues to be on the front of the minds of those in the food retail industry. Today's retail environment presents a wide range of challenges, from organized retail crime and workplace violence to cybersecurity threats, fraud, natural disasters and supply chain disruptions.urn:uuid:6b45d342-0c2a-48dd-a68c-a9b2a61bedf9https://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2026/08/31/what-the-2026-nominees-tell-us-about-the-future-of-food-industry-leadershipMorgan GriffinCommunity Outreach AwardsAwardsOne of my favorite parts of the Community Uplift Awards is seeing how organizations across the food industry are redefining what it means to serve their communities. The 2026 nominees represent a wide range of business models, geographies and company sizes. Yet they share a common belief that creating value for customers and communities goes hand in hand.Mon, 31 Aug 2026 12:00:01 ZOne of my favorite parts of the Community Uplift Awards is seeing how organizations across the food industry are redefining what it means to serve their communities. The 2026 nominees represent a wide range of business models, geographies and company sizes. Yet they share a common belief that creating value for customers and communities goes hand in hand.urn:uuid:3addac18-d2e8-4976-ac24-7bc08d4e0a21https://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2026/08/27/ensuring-fresh-remains-the-differentiatorDebbie WalyusFreshForwardEventsFresh FoodsFMI’s 2026 FreshForward conference focused on connecting with consumers, embracing technology and enhancing fresh merchandising, reinforcing that fresh remains one of food retailers' strongest advantages.Thu, 27 Aug 2026 12:00:09 ZFMI’s 2026 FreshForward conference focused on connecting with consumers, embracing technology and enhancing fresh merchandising, reinforcing that fresh remains one of food retailers' strongest advantages.urn:uuid:87aeea24-6ba3-48e0-ad49-e2697a08eebehttps://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2026/08/26/the-one-constant-for-my-family--eating-togetherKelli WindsorResearchAs seasons change and shoppers return to school and work routines, one constant remains—eating together.Wed, 26 Aug 2026 12:00:07 ZAs seasons change and shoppers return to school and work routines, one constant remains—eating together.urn:uuid:f0f38c0b-37c3-4eef-86df-00d902a8dce0https://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2026/08/25/latest-trends-research-looks-at-shoppers--lunch-and-at-home-meal-trendsDebbie WalyusTrends BlogsResearchConsumer Behavior & TrendsGrocery shoppers are still feeling the pressure of affordability and inflation — and it’s changing the way Americans think about lunch and dinner.Tue, 25 Aug 2026 12:00:09 ZGrocery shoppers are still feeling the pressure of affordability and inflation — and it’s changing the way Americans think about lunch and dinner.urn:uuid:28e22401-6071-4828-a10e-c594b3b80784https://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2026/08/21/an-exercise-for-fresh-food-executives--what-makes-fresh-food-departments-brilliantKelli WindsorFresh FoodsEducationResearchAt FMI’s recent FreshForward event, Leslie Sarasin challenged fresh food executives to consider what makes the fresh food departments brilliant.Fri, 21 Aug 2026 11:00:09 ZAt FMI’s recent FreshForward event, Leslie Sarasin challenged fresh food executives to consider what makes the fresh food departments brilliant.urn:uuid:40627b28-c1f8-42c5-b4e1-dcfa79586e3bhttps://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2026/08/19/five-trends-driving-grocery-shoppers-to-mass-retailersDebbie WalyusTrends BlogsSignature ResearchConsumer Behavior & TrendsResearchRetail-WholesalersMass retailers have caught up with supermarkets as Americans' primary grocery store, attracting younger shoppers and families with value, convenience and a strong online shopping experience.Wed, 19 Aug 2026 12:00:07 ZMass retailers have caught up with supermarkets as Americans' primary grocery store, attracting younger shoppers and families with value, convenience and a strong online shopping experience.urn:uuid:3aec625b-f243-48ab-a7be-afb67c3ea35fhttps://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2026/08/18/fmi-s-2026-community-uplift-award-recipients--stories-you-don-t-want-to-missMorgan GriffinCommunity Outreach AwardsAwardsA meal on the table. A design that promotes pride in a neighborhood. A child discovering the confidence that comes with riding a bike for the first time. These moments may look different, but they share something powerful: they are made possible by people who see an opportunity to uplift others and take action to make their communities stronger. The FMI Community Uplift Awards celebrate those people and the meaningful difference they make — one community, one family and one moment at a time.Tue, 18 Aug 2026 12:00:11 ZA meal on the table. A design that promotes pride in a neighborhood. A child discovering the confidence that comes with riding a bike for the first time. These moments may look different, but they share something powerful: they are made possible by people who see an opportunity to uplift others and take action to make their communities stronger. The FMI Community Uplift Awards celebrate those people and the meaningful difference they make — one community, one family and one moment at a time.urn:uuid:ab932a7d-c5f9-49a4-a2b5-045538bb9baehttps://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2026/08/14/what-food-industry-leaders-listen-for-in-a-technology-pitchDebbie WalyusTechnologyFMItech PitchMidwinter 2027For emerging technology companies, a successful pitch to food industry leaders starts with solving a meaningful business problem and clearly demonstrating business value.Fri, 14 Aug 2026 11:00:06 ZFor emerging technology companies, a successful pitch to food industry leaders starts with solving a meaningful business problem and clearly demonstrating business value.urn:uuid:3fe28530-813c-41dd-aa5e-879246f436c7https://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2026/08/13/every-shopper-has-a-grocery-map.-no-two-look-alikeMorgan GriffinSignature ResearchTrends BlogsAsk a shopper where they buy groceries and you might expect a simple answer: a favorite store down the road, a quick stop on the way home, maybe an occasional warehouse trip. Instead, many shoppers draw maps.Thu, 13 Aug 2026 12:00:06 ZAsk a shopper where they buy groceries and you might expect a simple answer: a favorite store down the road, a quick stop on the way home, maybe an occasional warehouse trip. Instead, many shoppers draw maps.urn:uuid:be8681de-3742-43b6-88aa-f0e9a84cd518https://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2026/08/12/20-voices-across-the-value-chain.-here-is-what-they-saidDebbie WalyusRetail-WholesalersWholesalerThe report The Whole Picture did not start with a framework. It started with a question: What is happening in the product supplier, grocery wholesaler and independent retailer operator supply chain?Wed, 12 Aug 2026 12:00:10 ZThe report The Whole Picture did not start with a framework. It started with a question: What is happening in the product supplier, grocery wholesaler and independent retailer operator supply chain?urn:uuid:c36ef482-809d-43c7-a287-01af1340458chttps://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2026/08/11/what-are-experts-saying-about-cyclosporaMatt McKinneyFresh FoodsFood Safety & SecurityGovernment RelationsExpert perspectives reinforce what food safety professionals have long known about Cyclospora and other foodborne illnesses: understand the facts, follow proven food safety practices and avoid letting misinformation drive food choices.Tue, 11 Aug 2026 18:00:07 ZExpert perspectives reinforce what food safety professionals have long known about Cyclospora and other foodborne illnesses: understand the facts, follow proven food safety practices and avoid letting misinformation drive food choices.urn:uuid:401c50ac-74a0-436b-9bde-53030bd77a98https://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2026/08/10/one-beverage-aisle--four-generationsMorgan GriffinResearchA 24-year-old shopper scrolls TikTok looking for the latest functional soda. A millennial grabs a protein coffee before a morning workout. A Gen Xer reaches for a trusted tea brand after work. A baby boomer heads straight to the coffee aisle, buying the same favorite blend they've enjoyed for years. They all purchase beverages, but they shop with very different mindsets.Mon, 10 Aug 2026 12:00:11 ZA 24-year-old shopper scrolls TikTok looking for the latest functional soda. A millennial grabs a protein coffee before a morning workout. A Gen Xer reaches for a trusted tea brand after work. A baby boomer heads straight to the coffee aisle, buying the same favorite blend they've enjoyed for years. They all purchase beverages, but they shop with very different mindsets.urn:uuid:2cd66a06-1233-4c97-90bd-86b8b875f7d0https://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2026/08/07/building-the-business-case-for-robotic-piece-pickingMorgan Griffin2026 Supply Chain ForumSupply ChainSupply Chain TrackingTechnologyGrocery margins are thin. Climbing fuel costs, tightened labor costs and every inefficiency in the network, from the warehouse floor to the last mile, show up on the P&L fast. A spike in gas prices, an unplanned labor gap or a pattern of picking errors can erase months of careful cost management.Fri, 07 Aug 2026 11:00:04 ZGrocery margins are thin. Climbing fuel costs, tightened labor costs and every inefficiency in the network, from the warehouse floor to the last mile, show up on the P&L fast. A spike in gas prices, an unplanned labor gap or a pattern of picking errors can erase months of careful cost management.urn:uuid:043d9dce-e6b3-4676-a30d-ff57d0f7a310https://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2026/08/05/five-things-to-know-about-the-2027-fmitech-pitch-competitionDebbie WalyusTechnologyFMItech PitchMidwinter 2027The FMItech Pitch Competition gives emerging technology companies the opportunity to present their solutions directly to food industry leaders. Applications close September 5, 2026.Wed, 05 Aug 2026 12:00:09 ZThe FMItech Pitch Competition gives emerging technology companies the opportunity to present their solutions directly to food industry leaders. Applications close September 5, 2026.urn:uuid:ae2ebfb1-867b-4c05-be20-78bddb1179e3https://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2026/08/04/insights-from-the-evolving-beverage-aisleDebbie WalyusResearchRetail-WholesalersFMI’s inaugural edition of The Power of Beverage report explores the evolving world of beverages, from exploration to purchase to consumption, with a generational perspective.Tue, 04 Aug 2026 12:00:12 ZFMI’s inaugural edition of The Power of Beverage report explores the evolving world of beverages, from exploration to purchase to consumption, with a generational perspective.urn:uuid:0288258a-e42c-46e2-85e9-3da23a1cdce5https://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2026/08/03/be-a-part-of-someone-s-success-story--food-safety-auditing-scholarships-open-august-3Debbie WalyusFood Safety & SecurityFoundation SupporterSQFIAwardsApplications open August 3 for the FMI Foundation’s Food Safety Auditing Scholarships, which help students explore careers in auditing and connect with industry professionals.Mon, 03 Aug 2026 12:00:04 ZApplications open August 3 for the FMI Foundation’s Food Safety Auditing Scholarships, which help students explore careers in auditing and connect with industry professionals.urn:uuid:c4134db4-a16e-4c37-8bd3-6ff9021a3450https://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2026/07/29/three-generations--three-ways-to-grocery-shopDebbie WalyusTrends BlogsSignature ResearchResearchConsumer Behavior & TrendsFrom Gen Z to Gen X, three FMI staffers reveal how generational shopping trends show up in their own kitchens.Wed, 29 Jul 2026 12:00:03 ZFrom Gen Z to Gen X, three FMI staffers reveal how generational shopping trends show up in their own kitchens.urn:uuid:ae5f0e28-30c1-4ba2-a374-074d135da03dhttps://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2026/07/27/lessons-from-fmi-s-2026-legal--regulatory-and-compliance-conferenceMatt McKinneyTraining & DevelopmentGovernment RelationsThe conference brought together legal counsel, compliance professionals, regulatory leaders and executives from across food retailers, wholesalers and product suppliers to examine developing issues specific to the food industry.Mon, 27 Jul 2026 12:00:49 ZThe conference brought together legal counsel, compliance professionals, regulatory leaders and executives from across food retailers, wholesalers and product suppliers to examine developing issues specific to the food industry.urn:uuid:e7338d75-348c-464d-a314-8f6cb31a04e7https://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2026/07/24/eggy-mousse-and-uncooked-rice--family-meals-are-good-for-the-soulMorgan GriffinNFMMFamily MealsFamily MealsSummer has always meant a little more time around the dinner table in my family. With longer evenings and a slower pace, we made it a priority to gather for as many meals as possible. Looking back, those meals weren't memorable because everything turned out perfectly. They were memorable because we were together.Fri, 24 Jul 2026 11:00:09 ZSummer has always meant a little more time around the dinner table in my family. With longer evenings and a slower pace, we made it a priority to gather for as many meals as possible. Looking back, those meals weren't memorable because everything turned out perfectly. They were memorable because we were together.urn:uuid:df12c3cb-03fb-4100-a00a-71a41b5be8b6https://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2022/03/22/spotlight-grocery-stores-encourage-health-and-well-beingKelli WindsorHealth & Well-beingThis video spotlights how food retailers are encouraging health and well-being for both shoppers and employees and how programs pivoted during the pandemic to stay connected, offer support and expand outreach. Watch to see Sarah Kiel, RD, wellness champion at Harmons Grocery, Lori Hamilton, RN, director of healthy initiatives at K-VA-T Food Stores, Inc. and Amy Petersen, MS, RD, LD, health and nutrition manager at Coborn’s, Inc. share their stories.Tue, 22 Mar 2022 12:00:08 ZThis video spotlights how food retailers are encouraging health and well-being for both shoppers and employees and how programs pivoted during the pandemic to stay connected, offer support and expand outreach. Watch to see Sarah Kiel, RD, wellness champion at Harmons Grocery, Lori Hamilton, RN, director of healthy initiatives at K-VA-T Food Stores, Inc. and Amy Petersen, MS, RD, LD, health and nutrition manager at Coborn’s, Inc. share their stories.