2026 Agenda

Discover how direct-to-consumer food trends—driven by viral social media moments, influencer partnerships, and emerging digital-first brands—are reshaping what shoppers expect on grocery shelves. University teams from across the country will share innovative solutions in the 2026 Student Case Study Competition challenge featuring Nugget Markets, Students are tasked with converting fast-moving online trends into impactful in-store experiences. Attendees will explore how trend identification, innovative sourcing, cross-functional staffing, and omnichannel marketing can help retailers stay relevant, inspire customers, and elevate the fresh, specialty, and center-store experience.

Presentations start every 30 min starting at 11:30 am. Judging panels are pre-selected but all conference attendees are welcomed to attend!

Program Sponsored by UNFI

Supported by Fairlife