UNFI predicts spring and summer retail trends
UNFI predicts spring and summer retail trends
At its 2026 Spring and Summer Selling Show in Orlando, FL, United Natural Foods Inc. brought more than 3,400 retailers and suppliers together to explore innovative products and help customers create value for their shoppers this spring and summer selling season.
“As the grocery industry rapidly evolves, UNFI is focused on helping retailers identify and scale emerging trends across our broad network of suppliers,” said Louis Martin, president of conventional grocery products and UNFI chief commercial officer. “We’re partnering with our customers to offer compelling value, unique product assortments, innovative merchandising programs, and services that help them stand apart from the competition.”
Five Trends Shaping Spring & Summer 2026
- Perimeter gains ground – Increased adoption of GLP-1 medications and updated USDA guidelines are driving shoppers to seek healthier, attribute-forward foods. More shoppers are moving toward the perimeter in search of fresh, nutrient-dense options.
- Private brands accelerate innovation – The rising popularity of private brands, now found in roughly 90 percent of households, is fueling a wave of new product development. Private brands are driving innovation and loyalty as shoppers seek more value for every dollar.
- Protein breaks traditional boundaries – While poultry, eggs, dairy and meat remain dominant, consumers are broadening their protein sources—with growth in protein shakes, powders, bars, and fortified everyday items.
- Gut health goes mainstream – More than 80 percent of consumers say gut health matters, and over half expect to prioritize it even more in the next few years — putting fiber rich products on a similar trajectory to protein enhanced foods.
- The return of simplicity – Shoppers are rediscovering the appeal of simple, minimally processed foods and traditional fats, gravitating toward shorter ingredient lists, familiar formats and a back-to-basics approach to nourishment.
“Serving our community means leaning into emerging trends and evolving with our shoppers’ needs,” said Saj Kahn, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer, Nugget Market Inc. “As we prepare for the spring and summer selling season, UNFI’s data-driven insights, broad assortment, and tailored merchandising solutions are helping us bring in the innovative products our shoppers are looking for.”