FMI Fresh Forward 2026

July 15, 2026

Inmar Intelligence and FMI Fresh Forward 2026 event graphic featuring a shopper selecting fresh produce in a grocery store with event details for August 10-12, 2026, in St. Louis, Missouri.

FRESH SITS AT THE CENTER OF HOW SHOPPERS EVALUATE THE RETAIL EXPERIENCE

Food retailers and brands seek meaningful ways to connect with consumers across every aspect of the fresh food journey. From quality and value to trust and transparency in their health journeys, FMI Fresh Forward creates an important space to unpack these consumer needs with conversations that shape most important growth areas in food retail.

Inmar is proud to join this year’s event and contribute to discussions around consumer connection, helping retailers and brands turn fresh insight into action.

COMMUNICATING & CONNECTING WITH THE CONSUMER

Today’s fresh shopper expects guidance that feels relevant, value that feels accessible, and experiences that help them make confident choices in the moments that matter.  As shoppers strive to balance budget, quality, health goals and household needs, there is opportunity for retailers and suppliers to make those decisions easier with connected digital and in-store experiences. 

To unpack this opportunity join Kathy Hayden, John MacDonald, and Heather Garlich on Tuesday, August 11th, as they discuss why fresh decisions are personal, and how to help shoppers feel more informed, more confident, and more connected across the fresh experience.
 

John MacDonald Headshot
John MacDonald
Chief Marketing Officer, The GIANT Company
Heather Garlich Headshot
Heather Garlich
Senior Vice President, Communications, Marketing & Consumer/Community Affairs, FMI
Ernest Baskin, PhD Headshot
Ernest Baskin, PhD
Associate Professor and Chair of Food, Pharma and Healthcare Department, St. John’s University
Kathy Hayden Headshot
Kathy Hayden
Senior Vice President, Strategic Partnerships MarTech Division, Inmar Intelligence

Get Ahead of the Conversation

Inmar has recently published new insights into retail media, consumer engagement, promotions, and the digital landscape — helping retailers and brands stay ahead of the trends shaping shopper behavior and fresh growth.

Explore our most recent content and updates teeing up strategic conversations at Fresh Forward:
 

PROMOTION AND SHOPPER BEHAVIOR TRENDS

Shopper behavior trends are constantly evolving. Explore the 2026 trends shaping value, consumer loyalty, the role of AI, private label competition, and retail media in grocery retail and CPG marketing.

READ THE REPORT

COUPON METHODS WITH HIGH EARLY ROI

Coupon strategy for emerging CPGs goes beyond short-term sales. Identify methods that yield early ROI, aid retailer partnerships, provide insights, and scale efficiently with growth.

EXPLORE COUPON STRATEGY

BACK-TO-SCHOOL TRENDS REPORT

Back-to-school shopping is starting earlier and becoming more value-driven. Discover the 2026 trends determining shopper planning, spending, and brand choices to connect your marketing throughout the season.

READ THE ABOUT THE TRENDS

MEET WITH OUR TEAM!

Fill out the below form to connect with our team and discuss how the right strategies in the right moments can help you connect, innovate, and inspire in fresh. See you in St. Louis!