2026 Agenda

The top 6 schools move on to compete in Round 2. Presentations start every 25 min starting at 3:00 pm. Judging panels are pre-selected but all conference attendees are welcomed to attend!

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.

Program Sponsored by UNFI

Supported by Fairlife