Kantar Retail Sound Bites

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

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

"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/

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/

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/

Agility drives challenger brand success in traditional retail – and the same holds true in beauty. Barry Thomas and Rachel Dalton just wrapped an inspiring conversation with Brian King, chief customer officer at RoC Skincare, on Episode 90 of Retail Sound Bites. Brian shares his journey from leading teams at CPG legacy brands to scaling a challenger brand with startup agility. From 20 consecutive quarters of market share growth to embracing digital-first strategies, this episode is packed with insights on innovation, consumer obsession, and retail media. A must-listen for anyone navigating the evolving beauty and CPG 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 More states ban soda and 'junk food' purchases from SNAP benefits | Food Dive Restaurant chains feel the pinch as US consumers tighten their belts Retail media network's missing voice? The shopper https://www.cnbc.com/2025/08/10/gen-ai-comes-online-checkout-seismic-shift-internet-shopping.html https://www.modernretail.co/marketing/how-brands-are-using-sampling-to-win-over-parents-during-back-to-school-season/ https://www.wsj.com/business/retail/warby-parker-95-glasses-f7a6ceed?mod=retail_more_article_pos2

Traditional ecommerce and social commerce are diverging, with social commerce platforms like TikTok Shop showing significant growth and engagement. Hear from Charlotte Harris, senior analyst at Kantar, as she walks through discovery-led journeys through social media, modern retail activations, changing shopper expectations, and more with hosts Barry Thomas and Rachel Dalton on episode 89 of Retail Sound Bites. 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 Goodbye Fancy Bar, Hello At-Home Pizza Party: Young Americans Cut Back – WSJ Private Label on the Rise: Value, Trust & Innovation Take Centre Stage – Anuga 2025 Reveal – International Supermarket News Rewriting the activation playbook: 10 key takeaways Ulta Acquires Space NK to Propel U.K. Expansion Under CEO Kecia Steelman Dollar Tree completes $1B sale of Family Dollar | Retail Dive  Prime Day 2025 recap

There are three things that retailers must do to create stronger connections with shoppers: when the customer walks in the store, make them smile, make them hungry, and do what the competition can't or won't do. Hear from Kevin Coupe, author and prime storyteller at morningbeatnews.com, as he highlights several pressing issues in retail today, including consolidation, threats like tariffs and inflation, omnichannel expansion, and more, with Barry Thomas and Rachel Dalton on episode 88 of Retail Sound Bites. This episode also features Erica Smith, shopper insights analyst, who uncovers key findings from our recent Hispanic shopper research. 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 Kroger CEO Ron Sargent Highlights Shift Toward Health-Conscious and Premium Shopping Trends – International Supermarket News Pepsico's Poppi Acquisition: Non-organic Growth in CPG The 4 levels of agentic AI commerce and emerging shopper paths https://www.modernretail.co/operations/sams-club-is-now-delivering-pizzas-but-its-not-trying-to-be-the-next-dominos/ https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/jm-smucker-remove-artificial-food-dyes-by-end-2027-2025-06-26/ https://www.forbes.com/sites/shelleykohan/2025/07/01/sephora-takes-on-prime-day-shopping-with-lyft-partnership/

Great creativity requires constraints. The presence of media, data, and technology partners at events like Cannes creates new opportunities and constraints that enhance creative culture. Hear from Andy Murray, Founder & CEO of bigQuest Advisory, Inc., as he explores emerging technology, deepening consumer engagement and insights, and what's next for Cannes with Barry Thomas and Rachel Dalton on episode 87 of Retail Sound Bites. 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://kriq.kantarretailiq.com/en/p-iq/insights/blogs/top-10-takeaways-from-the-2025-digital-food-and-beverage-summit https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/company-news/amazon-ceo-andy-jassy-on-generative-ai​ https://www.cnbc.com/2025/06/17/amazon-extends-prime-day-to-four-days-starting-july-8-.html​ https://chainstoreage.com/walmart-target-compete-prime-day https://www.wsj.com/business/deals/spartannash-to-be-acquired-by-c-s-wholesale-grocers-3472799f?mod=retail_news_article_pos1 TikTok - Make Your Day​  

Is volatility our new normal? As tariff policies change frequently, uncertainty is likely to be the new normal for the foreseeable future, making long-term planning and decision-making more challenging. Hear from Kantar's Doug Hermanson and David Marcotte as they join Barry Thomas and Rachel Dalton on episode 86 of Kantar's Retail Sound Bites to discuss global tariffs, policy changes, and impacts to shoppers and supply chain.  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 drug channel in the US is undergoing significant changes, with CVS and Walgreens trying to reposition themselves as health and wellness destinations but facing challenges such as store closures and shopper shifts to other channels. ​Hear from Kantar's Amar Singh and Leigh O'Donnell as they join Barry Thomas and Rachel Dalton on episode 85 of Kantar's Retail Sound Bites to discuss current health and wellness trends, the state of the drug channel, and more. 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

Consumers and customers must remain at the heart of every decision, regardless of your industry. Hear from Julie Hamilton, former Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Global Sales at Diageo PLC, as she joins Kantar's Barry Thomas and Rachel Dalton on episode 84 of Kantar's Retail Sound Bites to discuss customer value creation, world-class customer leadership, career navigation, and more. 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

Adaptability, collaboration, and authenticity are traits that can get you far as a professional and leader. Hear from Cathy Horgan, foodservice and on-premise lead for OLIPOP, and Stephen Horgan, co-founder of InterContinental Beverage Capital, as they join Kantar's Barry Thomas and Rachel Dalton on episode 83 of Kantar's Retail Sound Bites to discuss career progression, leadership, and finding brand growth as CPG veterans. 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

Will the tradition SEO we've come to know and master soon become obsolete? As generative AI reshapes search, learn what's next from James Cadwallader, co-founder and CEO of Profound, as he joins Kantar's Barry Thomas and Rachel Dalton on episode 81 of Kantar's Retail Sound Bites to discuss traditional to predictive search, new digital shelf strategies, human discovery, and more. 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  

Disruption is inevitable for US retailers and suppliers in the months ahead. Discover provocative and transparent ways to combat challenges ahead from Marissa DeMaio, Vice President of Marketing and Retail Sales Atalanta Corporation, as she joins Kantar's Barry Thomas, senior retail thought leader, and Rachel Dalton, head of retail insights, on episode 81 of Kantar's Retail Sound Bites to discuss solution-based selling, product innovation, winning in club, and more. This episode also features Doug Hermanson, Kantar's principal economist, who dives into the macroeconomic state 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

It's time to break through the complexities surrounding AI and its implementation across retail. Kiri Master, retail media and expert and host of Retail Media Breakfast Club, joins Kantar's Barry Thomas, senior retail thought leader, and Rachel Dalton, head of retail insights, on episode 80 of Kantar's Retail Sound Bites the powerfully transformative AI agents that have the potential to change the game in retail media. This episode also features Julie Craig, Kantar's vice president of shopper insights, who dives into the issues most pressing to shoppers. 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

Kantar's annual industry benchmarking report PoweRanking® identifies retailers and suppliers that set the standard of performance, ranked by their trading partners. Download your complimentary executive summary to discover this year's rankings. Rohan Mazumdar, vice president of retail consulting at Kantar, and Jeff Maloy, senior vice president of consulting at Kantar, join Barry Thomas, senior retail thought leader, and Rachel Dalton, head of retail insights, on episode 78 of Kantar's Retail Sound Bites to discuss intensified retailer concerns about shoppers' reluctance to spend more on consumer goods. Discover more findings in Kantar's PoweRanking® 2024 This episode also features Doug Hermanson, Kantar's principal economist, who dives into the macroeconomic state of retail, post-tariff implications in the US, and more. 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

Storytelling is crucial in category strategy, creating narratives that resonate with consumers, retailers, and internal teams, aiming for a triple win. Stephen Aramburu, category strategy manager, frozen meals, Nestlé, joins Kantar's Barry Thomas, senior retail thought leader, and Rachel Dalton, head of retail insights, on episode 78 of Kantar's Retail Sound Bites to discuss identifying growth opportunities in category management, and product innovation in the face of trends like GLP-1. 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.cnbc.com/2025/01/27/nvidia-calls-chinas-deepseek-r1-model-an-excellent-ai-advancement.html​ https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/27/technology/what-is-deepseek-china-ai.html https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/company-news/jason-buechel-whole-foods-market-worldwide-grocery-store https://www.retaildive.com/news/dollar-general-expanding-private-label-clover-valley/738339/​ Here's why Dutch Bros outperformed Starbucks last year Walmart will now let suppliers test products in its customers' homes Danone's yogurt sales surge among US consumers using GLP-1 drugs | Food Dive

With competition for the digital shelf at an all-time high, how can you make your products stand out, look attractive, and drive conversions? Lindsey Aitken, senior director of ecommerce planning at Coca-Cola, joins Kantar's Barry Thomas, senior retail thought leader, and Rachel Dalton, head of retail insights, on episode 77 of Kantar's Retail Sound Bites to discuss the future of the digital shelf. 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.wsj.com/business/retail/food-fight-with-kroger-spells-trouble-for-albertsons-279eb4b8?mod=retail_news_article_pos5 https://www.cnbc.com/2024/12/05/dollar-general-tests-same-day-delivery-as-discounter-chases-walmart.html https://chainstoreage.com/2025-look-ahead-year-retail-tech RFK Jr.'s regulatory earthquake: Five impacts on FMCGs https://www.numerator.com/resources/blog/walgreens-store-closures-hit-home/ Taco Bell is testing a beverage concept called Live Más Café

Amazon's ecosystem is robust and diverse, with growth accelerating across retail, fulfilment, entertainment, and services. As Andy Jassy puts it, "progress is made across all facets of Amazon, perhaps none more so than the continued reacceleration in AWS growth." Justin Honaman, head of retail and consumer goods industry strategy and business development team at Amazon Web Services, joins Kantar's Barry Thomas, senior retail thought leader, and Rachel Dalton, head of retail insights, on episode 76 of Kantar's Retail Sound Bites to discuss AWS's rapid rise to fame across retail and CPG organizations. 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 Taco Bell is testing a beverage concept called Live Más Café https://www.numerator.com/resources/blog/walgreens-store-closures-hit-home/ RFK Jr.'s regulatory earthquake: Five impacts on FMCGs https://chainstoreage.com/2025-look-ahead-year-retail-tech https://www.cnbc.com/2024/12/05/dollar-general-tests-same-day-delivery-as-discounter-chases-walmart.html https://www.wsj.com/business/retail/food-fight-with-kroger-spells-trouble-for-albertsons-279eb4b8?mod=retail_news_article_pos5