62%
Retailers benefit from new marketing strategies

1/3
Shoppers Tried New Produce due to Social Media

91%
Retailers Say New Tech improves efficiency

The Fresh Factor

The fresh industry never stands still, and staying ahead means focusing on the issues that matter most to retailers, wholesalers, and product suppliers today.

At FreshForward, we are diving deep into what is shaping the future of fresh foods, including staying connected with consumers, elevating merchandising strategies, and applying practical, real‑world technology.


STATE OF FRESH 2026 Cover 1

The State of Fresh Foods 2026

The food industry continues to increase investments in fresh and overcome hurdles. The 2026 edition of FMI’s The State of Fresh Foods looks back on last year’s sales results and ahead to gauge industry plans and expectations, drawing from the 2026 edition of FMI’s operations analysis, The Food Retailing Industry Speaks and FMI’s latest Power of… series of reports.

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Take a look at our photo albums to get a sense of what happened at FreshForward in years past.

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FreshFroward 2025 panel labor challenges

Fresh Resources Grocery Store

What Else is FMI Doing in Fresh

We are committed to the growth and success of fresh food companies by providing resources throughout the fresh industry. 

Fresh Food Resources

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Related Resources

Power of Foodservice at Retail Cover 2026

The Power of Foodservice at Retail 2026

The report explores shopper perceptions, attitudes and behaviors regarding deli-prepared foods in grocery stores.
The State of Fresh Foods 2026 cover

The State of Fresh Foods 2026

Fresh food is central to achieving the food industry’s goals of excelling as a shopping destination, attracting customers and building competitive advantage.
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Power of Beverage 2026

This report provides insights into how changing consumer expectations are transforming beverage purchasing and creating opportunities for growth across the food industry.
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The Food Retailing Industry Speaks 2026

In its 77th year, The Food Retailing Industry Speaks 2026 examines how the food industry is intensifying its support for consumers, employees and businesses.
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U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends 2026: The Evolving Physical Store

Shoppers value the in‑store grocery experience more than ever and now expect stores to deliver many of the conveniences they’ve grown accustomed to online.
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The Power of Seafood 2026

The eighth annual Power of Seafood explores shoppers’ attitudes and behaviors regarding the seafood category, which attracts affluent shoppers with above-average basket values.
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The Power of Meat 2026

The Power of Meat provides an annual update of shopper habits regarding meat and poultry pre-trip, in-store and at home.
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Power of Produce 2026

The Power of Produce identifies the biggest trends in consumer purchasing and consumption of fruit and vegetables.
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Grocery Shopper Snapshot: January 2026

This brief report provides an update on shoppers' sentiment, evolving grocery habits and the role of technology in grocery shopping.
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2025 FreshForward Action Guide

This 2025 Action Guide spotlights key takeaways from the FreshForward Conference recommended by attendees for each of the presentation tracks — Labor Challenges, Health & Well-being, and Capturing Meal Occasions.
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Framework for Retail Foodservice Success

FMI and Kearney, the global professional services organization, have pooled efforts to describe the robust rewards available to retailers who can successfully tap into the foodservice at retail market.
PoHWB 2024 Revised Cover

The Power of Health and Well-Being in the Food Industry 2024

FMI's sixth edition of The Power of Health and Well-being in the Food Industry relays new angles on consumer health and well-being perspectives, national nutrition-related priorities and compelling opportunities for the food industry.
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Grocery Shopper Snapshot: Hispanic Edition

This brief report provides insight into Hispanic grocery shopping habits, including attitudes, behaviors and purchase drivers.
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Power of Plant-Based Alternative Foods and Beverages 2024

This report dives into consumer perspectives and habits regarding plant-based alternative foods and beverages.
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Finding Growth for Food & Beverage Retail:

Winning Eating Occasions Throughout the Day – See how to be successful by considering dayparts, such as snacks, to inspire experimentation and create new memories through food.
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Produce Guidance Document

The Produce Safety Best Practices Guide for Retailers will serve as a tool for both food safety and non-food safety retail employees focusing on building existing food safety programs.

Fresh Food Blog Posts

Food Waste Prevention Is a Shared Priority

Oct 1, 2026
Food Waste Prevention Week gives us a chance to recognize the work that food retailers, wholesalers and product suppliers are undertaking to keep good food from going to ...

Meat Sales Are Outperforming, But Evolving Economic Impacts Are Reshaping How Shoppers Buy

Sep 29, 2026
The recent “Meat in Motion” webinar explored the forces driving meat demand today, from economic impacts and affordability to the continued appeal of premium proteins....

Fresh Foods Still Win: Three Signals Shaping the Future of Grocery

Sep 9, 2026
Fresh has always been the heartbeat of the store. It drives traffic, builds loyalty and increasingly shapes how shoppers define ...

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David Haaf

Vice President, Fresh Foods

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