Q3 2026 - Insights to Action

Produce demand is beginning to stabilize as consumer sentiment improves.

While value remains a priority, shoppers continue to emphasize quality, food safety, and supply assurance. Retailers can capitalize on seasonal demand and finish the year strong through targeted holiday promotions.

Looking ahead to 2027, produce demand is expected to strengthen as category volatility eases and consumer sentiment continues to improve. While value will remain a key priority, consumers will adapt their shopping behaviors in ways that balance affordability, quality, convenience, and food safety.

After a difficult start to 2026, produce demand is beginning to stabilize as consumer sentiment improves.

While shoppers remain value-focused and selective in their purchases, confidence is gradually returning. Food safety, quality, consistency, and supply assurance continue to be key drivers of purchase decisions, creating opportunities for retailers that deliver both value and differentiation.

Growth levers: Promotions

As demand stabilizes and inflation eases, retailers are increasingly using promotions to drive volume and shopper engagement.

Success, however, depends on precision. The most effective promotions are guided by category-specific demand insights, pricing intelligence, and shopper behavior data.

Robinson Fresh Advantage

• Commodity-specific elasticity insights
• Competitive pricing intelligence
• Promotional performance analytics

Result: Smarter promotional investments that drive volume while protecting margin.

Holiday Sales Recovery Starts Now

Club stores are attracting more planning stock-up trips through value-driven offerings, yet grocery retains meaningful advantages in freshness, flexibility, and pack-size relevance. Understanding what pulls shoppers toward club stores and where grocery can still win creates a clear roadmap for recapturing trips and strengthening shopper engagement.

demand strengthens across key categories. Shoppers will remain selective about where and how they spend, rewarding retailers that deliver meaningful value, relevant nutrition, seamless convenience, and a differentiated shopping experience.