The National Grocers Association (NGA) brought together independent grocery leaders from across the country June 16-18 for the NGA Fresh Summit in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Over two days of expert-led sessions, store tours and networking, attendees explored strategies to increase profitability in the areas of produce, meat, dairy, deli, bakery and foodservice.
The summit opened with a deep dive into the future of fresh, featuring sessions on:
- Artificial intelligence-driven retail: Darren Seifer of Circana outlined how AI is enabling retailers to better understand consumer behavior and customize assortments.
- Smarter assortments: A tech-forward panel moderated by Patrick Kelley explored how automation and AI are reshaping fresh operations – from forecasting to replenishment.
- Sustainability in action: Thought leaders shared how they are cutting shrink, reducing landfill waste and improving energy efficiency in fresh categories.
- Shrink reduction strategies: Lipari Foods’ Nick Lenzi offered practical tips to turn small changes into big savings.
- Premium product promotion: Parmigiano Reggiano experts shared how retailers can elevate customer experience with storytelling and merchandising around artisanal products.
- Marketing mastery: Retailers such as Gelson’s, Maurer’s Market and Dierbergs highlighted successful marketing and merchandising programs that drive loyalty and engagement.
The day concluded with store tours, giving attendees a look at local grocers Sendik’s Food Market, Woodman’s Markets and El Rey Family Market. The day concluded with a networking event.
“The NGA Fresh Summit was a dynamic showcase of how innovation, technology and community connection are transforming the fresh departments of independent grocers,” said Jonathan Downey, NGA COO and SVP. “From AI-driven insights to hands-on store tours, attendees walked away with actionable strategies to drive growth, reduce shrink and elevate the fresh experience for today’s evolving shopper.”
Building on the momentum, the second day focused on shopper experience, community engagement and the future of fresh services:
- Fresh trends in deli and bakery: David Haaf of International Dairy Deli Bakery Association shared key influences shaping deli, bakery and foodservice operations, including digital engagement and evolving shopper expectations.
- Service as a differentiator: A panel led by Tony Mitchell, president of Indianapolis Fruit, explored how excellent service in meat, produce and prepared foods can build loyalty – even amid labor challenges.
- Government programs with retail impact: Grocers who have leveraged programs like SNAP Online and Double Up Food Bucks shared how these initiatives have boosted access and sales.
- Health and wellness strategies: Experts discussed how functional foods, clean labeling and perimeter-focused merchandising can position fresh departments as health leaders.
- Experiential retail: Retailers from Sendik’s, ShopRite and North State Grocery offered insight into creating destination experiences with in-store demos, tastings, and engagement events.
About NGA
NGA is the national trade association representing the retail and wholesale community grocers that comprise the independent sector of the food distribution industry. An independent retailer is a privately owned or controlled food retail company operating a variety of formats.
The independent grocery sector is accountable for about 1.2 percent of the nation’s overall economy and is responsible for generating more than $250 billion in sales, 1.1 million jobs, $39 billion in wages and $36 billion in taxes.
NGA members include retail and wholesale grocers located in every congressional district across the country, as well as state grocers’ associations, manufacturers and service suppliers.
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