Kantar Retail Sound Bites

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