https://www.fmi.org/TechnologyGroceryLab 2026OmnichannelGroceryLab Founding PartnerEventsFresh FoodsFreshForwardRetail OperationsResearchRetail-WholesalersDigital ShopperFEIA Planning CommitteePrivate BrandsNonfoodsAsset ProtectionAsset Protection & Grocery ResilienceFoundation SupporterAwardsCommunity Outreach Awards2025 CUAsSMAFamily MealsHealth & Well-beingProduceSQFI2025 FreshForwardEducationIndependent OperatorTotal Store CollaborationFinancial Executive and Internal AuditorsSeafoodMeat & Poultry urn:uuid:9b012704-28f3-4256-b7b8-06fda161d0f6https://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2026/05/07/ai-doesn-t-break-in-one-place-it-breaks-across-the-system TechnologyGroceryLab 2026OmnichannelAI will only create real value in grocery when data, decisions and partnerships are aligned across the entire system rather than optimized in silos.Thu, 07 May 2026 12:00:07 ZAI will only create real value in grocery when data, decisions and partnerships are aligned across the entire system rather than optimized in silos.urn:uuid:09233345-8f1e-48ba-acec-ac37b1539fd5https://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2026/05/06/fmi-lab--tackling-food-industry-data-challenge-with-ai-and-collaboration GroceryLab Founding PartnerEventsTechnologyFMI Lab is back with a new conversation focused on one of the grocery industry’s most pressing challenges: making sense of mountains of data. I sat down with Tom Furphy, CEO of Consumer Equity Partners and a founding advisor to GroceryLab, to unpack how the food industry can turn data at scale into action.Wed, 06 May 2026 12:00:10 ZFMI Lab is back with a new conversation focused on one of the grocery industry’s most pressing challenges: making sense of mountains of data. I sat down with Tom Furphy, CEO of Consumer Equity Partners and a founding advisor to GroceryLab, to unpack how the food industry can turn data at scale into action.urn:uuid:c752f092-02b5-42f5-babc-ed56a8cf15behttps://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2026/05/04/strengthening-connections-with-fresh-food-shoppers FreshForwardFresh FoodsRetail OperationsFMI’s FreshForward Conference will explore new ways for the fresh foods industry to strengthen shopper connections and build deeper loyalty.Mon, 04 May 2026 12:00:04 ZFMI’s FreshForward Conference will explore new ways for the fresh foods industry to strengthen shopper connections and build deeper loyalty.urn:uuid:85f765a3-5b62-4b19-a23d-e79dbe892ff9https://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2026/04/30/inside-the-idea-exchanges-at-fmi-s-financial-executive---internal-auditing-conference EventsFEIA Planning CommitteeThe phrase “that’s how it has always been done” can quietly limit progress in any organization. Long-standing practices only work when they still serve the business.Thu, 30 Apr 2026 12:00:08 ZThe phrase “that’s how it has always been done” can quietly limit progress in any organization. Long-standing practices only work when they still serve the business.urn:uuid:678684ca-ca54-4a84-bb08-507b60f67126https://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2026/04/29/digital-engagement-is-transforming-grocery-shopping OmnichannelResearchRetail-WholesalersTechnologyDigital ShopperIn Digital Engagement Transforms Grocery Shopping 2026, FMI examines how grocery shopping is evolving into a seamless omnichannel experience while exploring shopper behaviors, key motivators and the growing influence of social commerce and artificial intelligence.Wed, 29 Apr 2026 12:00:03 ZIn Digital Engagement Transforms Grocery Shopping 2026, FMI examines how grocery shopping is evolving into a seamless omnichannel experience while exploring shopper behaviors, key motivators and the growing influence of social commerce and artificial intelligence.urn:uuid:965e0415-d729-4fd7-b7bb-18996f6650a3https://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2026/04/27/ai-is-infrastructure-execution-is-the-hard-part TechnologyGroceryLab 2026OmnichannelEventsAs AI reshapes decision-making across retail, FMI's GroceryLab is built to help teams turn that shift into operational reality.Mon, 27 Apr 2026 12:00:06 ZAs AI reshapes decision-making across retail, FMI's GroceryLab is built to help teams turn that shift into operational reality.urn:uuid:54b91e76-1896-4f77-bec3-9430c226513ehttps://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2026/04/23/nonfoods-category-watch--ecommerce-is-growing-and-private-brands-are-gaining Private BrandsNonfoodsResearchGrocery retailers who invest in digital experiences and private brands stand to capture meaningful nonfood share before other channels lock in those shoppers for good.Thu, 23 Apr 2026 12:00:09 ZGrocery retailers who invest in digital experiences and private brands stand to capture meaningful nonfood share before other channels lock in those shoppers for good.urn:uuid:99e33686-7512-46ad-a87e-57a51f502c59https://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2026/04/21/driving-a--167-billion-impact--why-fmi-and-the-food-industry-are-embracing-volunteering Foundation SupporterAwardsCommunity Outreach Awards2025 CUAsSMAFamily MealsEver since I planted trees on the grounds of my middle school as a service event, I’ve been dedicated to volunteering my time to community groups. Global Volunteer Month, held every year in April, shows this is a shared experience and a time of year to reflect on how you’re impacting your wider community, whether you give your time online or in person.Tue, 21 Apr 2026 12:00:06 ZEver since I planted trees on the grounds of my middle school as a service event, I’ve been dedicated to volunteering my time to community groups. Global Volunteer Month, held every year in April, shows this is a shared experience and a time of year to reflect on how you’re impacting your wider community, whether you give your time online or in person.urn:uuid:5c6c8500-9c3f-4608-9286-dce5b78c8491https://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2026/04/20/private-brand-momentum-in-an-omnichannel-shopping-environment Private BrandsOmnichannelPrivate brand growth is real, and grocery retailers who build a strong digital presence will have an edge.Mon, 20 Apr 2026 12:00:15 ZPrivate brand growth is real, and grocery retailers who build a strong digital presence will have an edge.urn:uuid:08a8be04-5045-4039-815f-cac6bdf68956https://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2026/04/16/meet-a-dietitian-in-the-digital-space--connecting-tech-and-health Health & Well-beingDid you know that registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) in the food industry are working in the digital world to connect people to technology for improved health?Thu, 16 Apr 2026 12:00:08 ZDid you know that registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) in the food industry are working in the digital world to connect people to technology for improved health?urn:uuid:85028637-db57-417e-913f-b3fb0111d2ebhttps://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2026/04/14/generational-produce-trends-are-reshaping-the-category ProduceFresh FoodsResearchProduce remains a cornerstone of the grocery trip, but the category faces a growing challenge. Shoppers say they value fresh fruits and vegetables, yet according to The Power of Produce 2026, only 31% eat them daily. That gap points to a frequency problem, not a demand problem, and generational shifts are accelerating it.Tue, 14 Apr 2026 12:00:07 ZProduce remains a cornerstone of the grocery trip, but the category faces a growing challenge. Shoppers say they value fresh fruits and vegetables, yet according to The Power of Produce 2026, only 31% eat them daily. That gap points to a frequency problem, not a demand problem, and generational shifts are accelerating it.urn:uuid:23686cd5-6613-4370-b5df-923e5f2a738bhttps://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2026/04/13/celebrating-the-2025-2026-food-safety-auditing-scholars Foundation SupporterSQFIAwardsThe FMI Foundation recently had the privilege of hosting 13 of the food industry’s best and brightest scholars at SQF Unites. The 2025-2026 Food Safety Auditing Scholarship recipients joined the global SQF community in St. Louis for a week of food safety education, collaboration, and professional growth.Mon, 13 Apr 2026 12:06:50 ZThe FMI Foundation recently had the privilege of hosting 13 of the food industry’s best and brightest scholars at SQF Unites. The 2025-2026 Food Safety Auditing Scholarship recipients joined the global SQF community in St. Louis for a week of food safety education, collaboration, and professional growth.urn:uuid:9e7f366f-a833-4a6f-9217-ffc43325aeabhttps://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2026/04/10/game-changing-tech-takes-the-spotlight-through-asset-protection-pitch-competition-finalists EventsAsset ProtectionAsset Protection & Grocery ResilienceThe 2026 Asset Protection & Grocery Resilience Conference (APGR) is shaping up to be our most forward-looking event yet. This year, we’re introducing a new conference element designed to spotlight practical innovation: the APGR Pitch Competition.Fri, 10 Apr 2026 11:00:20 ZThe 2026 Asset Protection & Grocery Resilience Conference (APGR) is shaping up to be our most forward-looking event yet. This year, we’re introducing a new conference element designed to spotlight practical innovation: the APGR Pitch Competition.urn:uuid:c340db54-d92a-40fc-a0bc-f935357c17fehttps://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2026/04/09/nonfoods-are-not-an-afterthought-they-never-were ResearchRetail-WholesalersNonfoodsNonfoods are a $310 billion market built on routine and loyal purchasing behavior, and the only thing standing between grocery retailers and a bigger share of it is a fixable perception problem.Thu, 09 Apr 2026 12:00:07 ZNonfoods are a $310 billion market built on routine and loyal purchasing behavior, and the only thing standing between grocery retailers and a bigger share of it is a fixable perception problem.urn:uuid:e42af6d6-079a-4c51-a265-bd661f3f0455https://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2026/04/08/why-the-fresh-industry-is-optimistic-despite-hurdles Fresh Foods2025 FreshForwardThe mood of fresh food leaders is becoming clearer as the second quarter gets underway. After attending a string of fresh industry conferences, like Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure, Seafood Expo North America and the Annual Meat Conference, I’m happy to report considerable optimism even in the face of challenges.Wed, 08 Apr 2026 12:00:04 ZThe mood of fresh food leaders is becoming clearer as the second quarter gets underway. After attending a string of fresh industry conferences, like Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure, Seafood Expo North America and the Annual Meat Conference, I’m happy to report considerable optimism even in the face of challenges.urn:uuid:32697675-48e8-43e6-ad17-df7355ed7217https://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2026/04/07/setting-the-record-straight-on-electronic-shelf-labels TechnologyRetail OperationsFMI’s new fact sheet highlights how digital shelf labels improve pricing accuracy, reduce waste, and give shoppers more information while dispelling common misconceptions.Tue, 07 Apr 2026 11:00:06 ZFMI’s new fact sheet highlights how digital shelf labels improve pricing accuracy, reduce waste, and give shoppers more information while dispelling common misconceptions.urn:uuid:606bd1a4-a2b7-4387-a9b0-293755bbe3c2https://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2026/04/03/photo-friday--fmi-share-group-gathers-in-newport-beach--california EducationIndependent OperatorRetail OperationsTotal Store CollaborationIn March, the Kudzu Share Group met in Newport Beach, California, for its semiannual gathering.Fri, 03 Apr 2026 11:00:10 ZIn March, the Kudzu Share Group met in Newport Beach, California, for its semiannual gathering.urn:uuid:25f5e575-16b0-4df5-88a3-f17fe708b94ehttps://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2026/04/02/are-you-an-economic-indicator-hawk Financial Executive and Internal AuditorsMaybe it is the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Maybe it is the Producer Price Index (PPI), the monthly jobs report or the latest signals from interest rate watchers. If that sounds familiar, you might be part of a growing club of financial leaders who track economic indicators with a freshly brewed cup of coffee and a lot of curiosity.Thu, 02 Apr 2026 12:00:07 ZMaybe it is the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Maybe it is the Producer Price Index (PPI), the monthly jobs report or the latest signals from interest rate watchers. If that sounds familiar, you might be part of a growing club of financial leaders who track economic indicators with a freshly brewed cup of coffee and a lot of curiosity.urn:uuid:3e82b5b2-fe64-4faf-9238-903625f02f50https://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2026/04/01/april-fools--is-gen-z-really-driving-seafood-sales SeafoodFresh FoodsResearch“Poisson d’avril!” Thirty little American children would yell each April Fool’s Day in my French immersion elementary school. Why? Because nothing says “friendship” like secretly taping a paper fish to someone’s back and then gleefully announcing they’ve been fooledWed, 01 Apr 2026 12:00:07 Z“Poisson d’avril!” Thirty little American children would yell each April Fool’s Day in my French immersion elementary school. Why? Because nothing says “friendship” like secretly taping a paper fish to someone’s back and then gleefully announcing they’ve been fooledurn:uuid:89fd0f53-00a6-4512-9287-bf6474698409https://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2026/03/30/insights-from-the-annual-meat-conference-expo-floor Meat & PoultryEventsEach year at the Annual Meat Conference, the general and education sessions deliver insights. The networking builds relationships. But for me, some of the most valuable moments happen while walking the expo floor. The floor is where strategy meets execution, where trends move from conceptual innovation to real products, packaging and technology that retailers can bring directly to shoppers.Mon, 30 Mar 2026 12:00:10 ZEach year at the Annual Meat Conference, the general and education sessions deliver insights. The networking builds relationships. But for me, some of the most valuable moments happen while walking the expo floor. The floor is where strategy meets execution, where trends move from conceptual innovation to real products, packaging and technology that retailers can bring directly to shoppers.urn:uuid:b397b5de-f757-4c46-858b-413b96f177c2https://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2026/03/27/announcing-the-2026-store-manager-awards-yearbook AwardsWe are proud to announce the release of the 2026 Store Manager Awards Yearbook, recognizing an exceptional group of store managers across the grocery industry. This year’s nominees represent the very best in food retail leadership, coming from independent operators, cooperatives, regional and national chains and international retailers.Fri, 27 Mar 2026 11:00:10 ZWe are proud to announce the release of the 2026 Store Manager Awards Yearbook, recognizing an exceptional group of store managers across the grocery industry. This year’s nominees represent the very best in food retail leadership, coming from independent operators, cooperatives, regional and national chains and international retailers.urn:uuid:03f4f529-b8a7-42f3-9178-895ecbaeeff9https://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2026/03/26/fmi-lab--adam-stave-of-swish-on-what-drives-shopper-experimentation GroceryLab 2026OmnichannelTechnologyAt FMI, we are continually analyzing the forces shaping the food industry. From emerging technologies to evolving shopper trends, staying connected to emerging issues is why our food retail and supplier members have come to trust us. That commitment comes to life in the FMI Lab, a new video series exploring the ideas and innovators reshaping grocery.Thu, 26 Mar 2026 12:00:10 ZAt FMI, we are continually analyzing the forces shaping the food industry. From emerging technologies to evolving shopper trends, staying connected to emerging issues is why our food retail and supplier members have come to trust us. That commitment comes to life in the FMI Lab, a new video series exploring the ideas and innovators reshaping grocery.urn:uuid:42cb774a-9002-49a7-9ef7-e0aa4bafcd69https://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2026/03/24/the-technology-is-ready-your-organization-probably-isn't TechnologyGroceryLab 2026OmnichannelFMI’s GroceryLab forum will help organizations succeed with new technology by uniting cross‑functional teams and early adopters to redesign real workflows before scaling enterprise‑wide.Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:00:06 ZFMI’s GroceryLab forum will help organizations succeed with new technology by uniting cross‑functional teams and early adopters to redesign real workflows before scaling enterprise‑wide.urn:uuid:ad1c9a0c-af7e-438e-9d96-74f7322a773fhttps://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2026/03/19/retail-media-measurement-is-the-unlock--not-the-endgame GroceryLab 2026TechnologyOmnichannelRetail OperationsRetail media measurement standards will enable brands and retailers to integrate retail media performance with trade promotion management, creating unified visibility into omnichannel trade spend.Thu, 19 Mar 2026 12:00:08 ZRetail media measurement standards will enable brands and retailers to integrate retail media performance with trade promotion management, creating unified visibility into omnichannel trade spend.urn:uuid:f3f70011-0f67-4e4f-a5a2-bfd65e133dffhttps://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2026/02/04/empowering-the-people-who-power-foodservice-at-retail Fresh FoodsPride in Foodservice Week offers an important opportunity to recognize the people who bring skill, passion and creativity to foodservice at retail every day. From preparing signature items to managing production to engaging directly with customers, foodservice workers shape the fresh, flavorful and convenient experiences shoppers expect from their grocery stores.Wed, 04 Feb 2026 16:52:32 ZPride in Foodservice Week offers an important opportunity to recognize the people who bring skill, passion and creativity to foodservice at retail every day. From preparing signature items to managing production to engaging directly with customers, foodservice workers shape the fresh, flavorful and convenient experiences shoppers expect from their grocery stores.