Unlocking Independent Grocery’s Untapped Retail Media Potential: What CPG Brands Want, What’s Missing, and What Comes Next

Feb 02, 2026
Grand 123
IGA

Despite representing millions of high-value shoppers and more than $250BN in annual spend, the independent grocery segment has captured only a small fraction of national retail media spending, and far less than projections. Why? Because from the CPG brand and media-agency perspective, independent grocery retail remains fragmented, operationally inconsistent, and hard to buy.

In this candid discussion, senior retail media leaders from top CPG manufacturers share what brands really want from retail media partners, and why independent grocery retailers have yet to unlock their enormous potential.

This session will help retailers, wholesalers, and technology partners understand exactly what brands need to increase investment and will creatively illuminate how new models (including consortium-style approaches) will unlock national media scale for the independent segment.

Presented by IGA

Moderator
Michael La Kier
Michael La Kier, Vice President, Brand Development - Independent Grocers Alliance
Speakers
Reema Saha
Reema Saha, Director of Connected Commerce - The Coca-Cola Company
Nicole Collida Davis
Nicole Collida Davis, Managing Director, U.S. Retail - NielsenIQ
Riz Akbar
Riz Akbar
Parag Shah
Parag Shah, Co-Founder & Chief Growth Officer - Think Blue