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​

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/

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/