Kantar Retail Sound Bites

• Episode 95: The future of convenience and category management with Bala Gurumoorthy

  In this episode, Rachel Dalton and Barry Thomas sit down with Bala Gurumoorthy, VP of Category Management at Ferrero USA, to discuss the evolving landscape of convenience retail and the future of category management. Together, they uncover fantastic insights from the recent NACS event, Ferrero's approach to omnichannel strategy, and how category management is transforming from a back-office function to a true growth driver. A few of our favorite insights from Bala: "Category management is evolving from back office to growth architect." "Don't just report the news—create the news." "Be bold. Stay current. Stay externally focused." Have a topic you'd like us to cover? Contact us at Kantar's Retail Sound Bites Podcast. Contact Barry: Email | LinkedIn Contact Rachel: Email | LinkedIn https://www.retaildive.com/news/retail-ai-chatbot-consumers/803573/ Dollar Tree enhances multi-price strategy with AI Playbook: 5 Shopper Missions Every Category Manager Should Be Watching | Path to Purchase Institute https://www.retaildive.com/news/retail-ai-chatbot-consumers/803573/ https://www.cnbc.com/2025/10/21/wawa-stealing-customers-from-wendys-burger-king-starbucks.html https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/26/style/nordstrom-catalog.html

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• Episode 94: The industry scoop from Shoptalk, Groceryshop, and Velocity

  In this special episode of Retail Sound Bites, we unpack the most compelling themes and takeaways from three powerhouse industry events—Shoptalk, Groceryshop, and Velocity. Hosts Barry Thomas and Rachel Dalton are joined by two of Kantar's leading voices in shopper intelligence: Leigh O'Donnell, Head of Shopper and Category Insights, and Julie Craig, Vice President of Shopper Insights. Together, they explore how the retail landscape is evolving across formats, cultures, and consumer behaviors. From the lasting impact of GLP-1 medications on grocery shopping habits to the reinvention of the in-store experience, this episode dives into the forces reshaping how shoppers engage with brands. The conversation also highlights the rise of omnichannel strategies, the growing influence of Latino consumers, and the importance of cultural relevance in building brand loyalty. Have a topic you'd like us to cover? Contact us at Kantar's Retail Sound Bites Podcast. Contact Barry: Email | LinkedIn Contact Rachel: Email | LinkedIn

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• Episode 93: The forces shaping consumer demand with Oksana Sobol of Clorox

  "Smaller households mean different product configurations, different product features, different ways of taking them to market… Even the fact of the aging population emphasizes certain categories and new benefits that these older consumers will desire. So, these forces point to new pockets of opportunity." In this episode of Retail Sound Bites, we welcome Oksana Sobol, consumer insights lead at Clorox, for a timely discussion on the forces shaping consumer demand. Oksana unpacks how economic volatility, shifting demographics, and evolving attitudes are redefining what and how consumers buy. From the rise of single-person households to the priority of time, she shares actionable insights for CPG, retail, and manufacturing leaders navigating today's complex landscape. Have a topic you'd like us to cover? Contact us at Kantar's Retail Sound Bites Podcast. Contact Barry: Email | LinkedIn Contact Rachel: Email | LinkedIn Amazon_Grocery_Private_Brand_Pantry.jpg (3735×5600) How Aldi revamped its social media strategy — and why it's working | Grocery Dive OpenAI takes on Google, Amazon with new agentic shopping system | TechCrunch https://www.retaildive.com/news/retail-beauty-sephora-product-incentivized-reviews/761081/ https://www.cnbc.com/2025/09/14/amazon-product-reviews-ai-customers-online-shopping.html https://www.modernretail.co/technology/tiktok-is-talking-to-brands-like-its-a-grocer-now/

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• Episode 92: NeuroAI & The Future of Consumer Choice with Dr. A. K. Pradeep

  What happens when neuroscience meets AI in the world of CPG? We sat down with Dr. Pradeep, CEO of Sensory AI and a pioneer in NeuroAI, to explore how the nonconscious mind and large language models are transforming innovation, marketing, and product development. 🎧 In this episode, you'll hear: Why "the action is in the nonconscious"—and how uncovering hidden consumer desires leads to breakthrough innovation. How blending neuroscience with GenAI is unlocking new ways to predict, persuade, and create in the CPG space. Why LLMs (like ChatGPT) are more like the human brain than you think—and how brands can "seduce and persuade" algorithms for better findability and engagement. The future of Desire Labs and what it means for legacy brands and challenger startups alike. 💡 Favorite quote: "The action is in the nonconscious, in the dark out there, nobody's looking there. That's where innovation lies." — Dr. Pradeep If you're passionate about the future of retail, CPG, AI, or just love hearing from true innovators, this episode is for you! Have a topic you'd like us to cover? Contact us at Kantar's Retail Sound Bites Podcast. Contact Barry: Email | LinkedIn Contact Rachel: Email | LinkedIn https://www.retaildive.com/news/best-buy-builds-retail-media-in-store-takeovers-sports-deals/760606/ https://www.forbes.com/sites/brucejapsen/2025/09/22/as-glp-1-drugs-take-off-walmart-expands-specialty-pharmacy-delivery/ https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/23/business/amazon-fresh-stores-uk-close-intl https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/financing/where-are-fast-food-customers-going-check-out-grocery-store https://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/Article/2025/09/02/the-future-of-packaging-data-storytelling-engagement/?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=03-Sep-2025&cid=DM1231868&bid=783426202 https://adage.com/brand-marketing/aa-four-ways-brands-handle-value-dilemma/

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• Episode 91: Unlocking new revenue growth in healthcare with Soda Health

  Personalization, engagement, and "food as medicine" programs are shaping the future of preventive care. This episode features a conversation with Jared Childs and Julie Fleisher from Soda Health; a company focused on improving access to preventive healthcare through benefits platforms. Barry Thomas and Rachel Dalton sat down with Jarden and Julie to explore how their innovative platform is transforming healthcare access for millions of Medicare Advantage members. Discover how Soda Health connects brands, retailers, and health plans to empower older consumers with easy-to-use benefits cards for OTC products, healthy food, and more. Tune in to learn how Soda Health is driving collaboration, closed-loop analytics, and meaningful outcomes for consumers and partners alike!  Have a topic you'd like us to cover? Contact us at Kantar's Retail Sound Bites Podcast. Contact Barry: Email | LinkedIn Contact Rachel: Email | LinkedIn Smoothie King launches a food menu nationwide, a first for the brand As Publishers Face Search Headwinds, Creators Gain Affiliate Spend The most powerful retail media screen is already in stores https://www.retaildive.com/news/macys-partners-amazon-retail-ads-holidays/758719/ https://www.modernretail.co/operations/many-target-stores-will-stop-fulfilling-online-orders/ https://fortune.com/2025/08/25/keurig-dr-pepper-peets-coffee-18-billion/

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