Kantar Retail Sound Bites

How do shoppers define value in today's retail environment?
In this episode of Retail Sound Bites, Kantar experts explore new research on what drives consumer purchasing decisions beyond price. The discussion examines affordability pressures, loyalty programs, prepared foods, health and wellness trends, and how retailers and brands can create meaningful value through convenience, quality, and experience. Tune in for actionable insights on the evolving shopper mindset and what it means for the future of retail.
 
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

In this replay episode of Retail Sound Bites, hosts Barry Thomas and Rachel Dalton revisit their conversation with Brian Choi, CEO of The Food Institute, to explore the key food and beverage trends shaping 2026. The discussion examines the rise of value-driven consumers, the growing influence of Gen Z and Gen Alpha, the momentum behind challenger brands, and how health, wellness, policy changes, and experience-led innovation are reshaping the industry. Listeners will gain practical insights into how retailers and CPG brands can adapt to evolving consumer expectations and competitive market dynamics.
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

As part of the Retail Sound Bites summer replay series, Barry Thomas revisits one of the podcast's most impactful conversations, highlighting the evolving role of category management and its growing importance across the retail landscape. Featuring insights from Ferrero's Bala, this episode explores how retailers and CPG manufacturers can use category thinking to drive growth, strengthen shopper engagement, and prepare for the future of commerce. A must-listen for retail leaders, category managers, and FMCG professionals looking to stay ahead of industry change.
 
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

In this episode of Retail Sound Bites, hosts Barry Thomas and Rachel Dalton welcome Sunny Khamkar, a leading food and beverage trends expert, to discuss the forces reshaping the future of foodservice, retail, and consumer dining habits. 
From rising food costs and the impact of GLP-1 medications to the growing demand for protein-rich options, global flavors, functional beverages, and personalized meal experiences, Sunny shares the trends transforming menus across restaurants, grocery retailers, and convenience stores. The conversation also explores the rise of prepared meals, the power of limited-time offers, and how retailers can compete for more consumer meal occasions. 
Whether you're in retail, foodservice, CPG, or consumer insights, this episode offers a look at the innovations, flavors, and consumer expectations shaping what's next in food and beverage.
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

The next billion-dollar brands won't be invented by legacy CPG; they'll be acquired from founders.
On the latest episode of Retail Sound Bites, Barry Thomas and Rachel Dalton sit down with Danny Stepper, CEO and co-founder of L.A. Libations, to unpack the realities behind scaling a beverage brand.
This conversation dives into what separates brands that break through from those that stall, including the role of retail environments like Costco in elevating challenger brands, and why access to networks, capital, and visibility is becoming just as important as shelf space.
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