Kantar Retail Sound Bites

Kantar Retail

Kantar Retail Sound Bites podcast series provides a provocative view of global retail trends, business issues, and other shopper and retail related news.

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Avg 49 min
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August 26 · 37 min
Episode 108: Re-Release: 2026 Food and Beverage Trends with Brian Choi of The Food Institute
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
August 11 · 30 min
Episode 107: Re-release: The future of convenience and category management with Bala Gurumoorthy
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
July 13 · 45 min
Episode 106: Menu Trends Reshaping Retail and Restaurants with Sunny Khamkar
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
June 26 · 1 hr 3 min
Episode 105: Challenger brands, changing rules - The race to real scale in beverage with Danny Stepper
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
May 14 · 54 min
Episode 104: TikTok's role in commerce with Jordan Kremm and Steve Light of L&R Distributors
What if TikTok matters to your business more than Amazon? On the latest Retail Sound Bites, we explore why TikTok has become one of the most powerful demand engines retail has ever seen. Featuring Jordan Kremm and Steve Light of L&R Distributors, this episode breaks down how TikTok Shop is reshaping product discovery across generations, why brands are launching on TikTok first, then scaling to retail, how viral moments translate into real, measurable in-store sales, and where most brands are getting TikTok wrong. 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
April 30 · 43 min
Episode 103: Top trends from NACDS with Leigh O'Donnell
What did NACDS really reveal this year? In this Retail Sound Bites episode, Rachel Dalton, Leigh O'Donnell, and Barry Thomas share their candid take on the trends, tensions, and leadership moments shaping drug retail right now. In this conversation, Rachel Dalton, Leigh O'Donnell, and Barry Thomas look beyond the conference agenda to unpack what NACDS really revealed about the state of drug retail. From the implications of GLP‑1 to how retailers are approaching AI adoption, the role of food as medicine, and the push toward more personalized treatment and experiences for shoppers, the discussion connects macro themes to on‑the‑ground reality. Want more learnings from NACDS 2026? Access NACDS 2026: Kantar's top 8 retail healthcare headlines. 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
April 8 · 1 hr 3 min
Episode 102: Minds on the Machine with Andy Murray
In this episode of Retail Sound Bites, Barry Thomas and Rachel Dalton welcome back Andy Murray, former Executive Chairman of Saatchi & Saatchi X and CEO of BigQuest Advisory, to discuss the future of AI through the lens of original research titled Minds on the Machine. Based on insights from graduating seniors at the University of Arkansas' Walton College of Business, the conversation reveals a strong theme of pragmatic optimism. While students recognize AI's growing role across industries, they are deeply focused on preserving human judgment, creativity, and connection. Andy explains why taste and judgment remain the true human advantage as AI becomes more efficient yet increasingly homogeneous. The episode explores agentic AI, the future of marketing and commerce, and why brands and retailers must invest not only in technology, but equally in developing human capabilities to thrive in an AI‑enabled world. 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
March 11 · 48 min
Episode 101: European buying groups with Paida Mugudubi
Retail buying groups are reshaping the balance of power in Europe's grocery landscape. In this episode of Retail Sound Bites, Barry Thomas and Rachel Dalton are joined by Paida Mugudubi to unpack how buying groups work, why they've grown so influential across Europe, and what they mean for brands navigating pricing, negotiations, private label, and retail media in a world where "nothing stays local." 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
February 26 · 45 min
Episode 100: The Retail Reset - 100 Sound Bites Later
Retail Sound Bites marks a major milestone with its 100th episode, celebrating four years of conversations at the intersection of retail, CPG, and commerce transformation. Hosts Barry Thomas and Rachel Dalton kick off the episode by reflecting on the journey so far and spotlighting the top 10 most‑listened‑to episodes from the past four years. The episode also features Ted Riedel, President of Kantar's North American Retail Practice, and James May, EVP of CPG & Hospitality. In a fast‑paced, candid conversation, they explore: · How modern health, GLP‑1s, and protein‑led innovation are reshaping portfolios · Why agentic commerce, AI, and algorithmic decision‑making are the next frontier · The evolving, often fractured but interdependent relationship between brands and retailers · Which KPIs matter less today and why incrementality, precision, and proprietary data matter more · What it really takes to future‑proof a CPG organization in 2026 and beyond 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 ·
February 5 · 56 min
Episode 99: 2026 Food and Beverage Trends with Brian Choi of The Food Institute
What will value really mean for food and beverage in 2026? On the latest episode of Retail Sound Bites, Barry Thomas and Rachel Dalton sit down with Brian Choi, CEO of The Food Institute, to unpack the forces reshaping the industry, including deeply value‑obsessed consumer to the rise of challenger brands and experience‑led innovation. 🎙️ Key takeaways from the conversation: Consumer confidence remains historically low, forcing brands to clearly justify price through either affordability or unmistakable quality Gen Z, Gen Alpha, and older shoppers are fragmenting demand, making one‑size‑fits‑all strategies obsolete Premiumization isn't disappearing, but it's migrating to value‑oriented retailers like Walmart and Costco 2026 is shaping up to be the Year of the Challenger Brand, with speed, authenticity, and flavor‑forward innovation winning Health, policy pressure, and global flavors are converging to redefine what "winning" products look like If you're leading strategy in CPG, retail, or food service, this episode is a must‑listen. 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
January 22 · 1 hr 2 min
Episode 98: National Retail Federation 2026: Retail's Big Show
In this episode of Retail Sound Bites, Barry and Rachel are joined by Amar Singh and David Marcotte for a rapid‑fire download on everything we saw, heard, and learned at NRF 2026: Retail's Big Show. From global tech innovation to the rise of agentic commerce, frictionless checkout, robotics, synthetic data, and the power of creators, this episode is packed with the signals shaping the next era of retail. 🎧 Highlights include: • Why data is king and trust is the new currency in AI‑powered retail • Emerging global tech players redefining innovation • RFID's leap into frictionless checkout + storewide intelligence • What Lowe's, Walmart, Google, and Ralph Lauren are doing to accelerate AI adoption • The growing influence of creators, community, and under‑priced attention Listen in for the trends that matter and what they mean for retailers, brands, and the future of commerce. 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
Dec 11, 2025 · 56 min
Episode 97: PoweRanking® 2025 - The Relevance Reset
In this episode of Retail Sound Bites, Jeff Maloy, vice president of retail, sales, and shopper, and Rohan Mazumdar, vice president of retail consulting, at Kantar, join hosts Rachel Dalton and Barry Thomas in a discussion about this year's PoweRanking® findings. Kantar's PoweRanking® report is the industry's leading assessment of best-in-class manufacturers and retailers. In an annual survey, companies are ranked on a range of factors, from strategic metrics to business fundamentals, capturing input from several key industry leaders. This year's report found that in a year defined by market fluctuation and growth challenges, "relevance" is key to joint retailer and manufacturer growth. View the executive summary to understand how to win the relevance battle and learn strategic imperatives for 2026 and beyond. Exclusive | NYC's Meadow Lane gourmet grocery debuts amid affordability crisis | New York Post First Walmart-branded store opens in Africa | Chain Store Age The AI trifecta transforming CPG and retail https://www.retaildive.com/news/winners-losers-black-friday-2025/806610/ https://news.adobe.com/news/2025/12/adobe-cyber-monday-hits-record
Nov 12, 2025 · 53 min
Episode 96: Activating insights for commercial teams with Anna Estlund
In this episode of Retail Sound Bites, Rachel Dalton and Anna Estlund, VP of strategy, insights, and analytics at Pernod Ricard, discuss five critical steps to turn insights into real-time activation for commercial teams. They also discuss the blurring boundaries between alcohol and non-alcohol categories, the rise of modern health and moderation trends, premiumization despite economic headwinds, 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 https://kriq.kantarretailiq.com/en/p-iq/insights/blogs/top-10-lessons-from-the-create-2025-restaurant-show The 2025 Retail Intelligence Report | Progressive Grocer https://www.grocerydive.com/news/amazon-whole-foods-store-within-store-automated-micro-fulfillment/804749/ https://www.businessinsider.com/tiktok-shop-exec-ai-is-powerful-tool-for-ecommerce-fraud-2025-11 https://www.modernretail.co/technology/walmart-adds-ai-generated-audio-summaries-to-select-product-pages/
Oct 29, 2025 · 48 min
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
Oct 9, 2025 · 51 min
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
Oct 1, 2025 · 46 min
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/
Sep 24, 2025 · 47 min
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/
Aug 29, 2025 · 47 min
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/
Aug 12, 2025 · 46 min
Episode 90: Navigating Beauty's Retail Maze with Brian King of RoC Skincare
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
Jul 23, 2025 · 47 min
Episode 89: Driving discovery in commerce with Charlotte Harris
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

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