As we collaborate on this post, the current storm in the Gulf of Mexico has just been deemed Tropical Storm Barry by the National Weather Service. That classification may change, and the potential impact of the storm is shifting rapidly; however, we know Tropical Storm Barry will likely produce a lot of rain and subsequent flooding that will disrupt the food retail supply chain and communities. Here are some important points to keep in mind as you prepare for Tropical Storm Barry with key resources.

Walking the aisles at the Summer Fancy Food Show, where FMI had a booth showcasing the SQF Food Safety Program and FMI Emerge for companies growing their grocery shelf presence, we picked up on five key trends to share with food retailers and FMI Members. We were impressed with the new food and beverage experiences and ideas going to market.

As an older Millennial sibling, I could share a million examples that demonstrate how I differ from my younger Gen Z brother. I like calendar appointments; he prefers his days to be unplanned. I tend to be tidy; my brother lives with a mountain of water bottles under his bed. Knowing these fundamental personality traits, I tested how different – or similar – we are in the grocery aisles. So, we headed out to the grocery store and I learned personalization is key.

According to FMI’s 2019 U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends report, 43% of shoppers now report buying groceries online at least once in the past year. With this in mind, food retailers need to understand how the physical store changes will set them up for omnichannel opportunities and how technologies will help them deliver on integrated experiences. That’s why FMI will be hosting sessions and participating at the second annual Groceryshop conference, September 15-18, 2019 at the Venetian in Las Vegas. The event brings together 3,000 leaders from established and startup CPG brands, grocery retailers, investors and more to educate and prepare them for these changes