In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editor Chuck Ulie talks with Mary Ruiz, center store category manager at Global Partners, Waltham, Massachusetts, which owns the Alltown Fresh convenience-store chain.

Ruiz talks about excitement in the category with the influx of new items—and, in this role for just seven months, discusses what has surprised her so far.

Ruiz also touches on trends she’s watching. 

“I see in a lot of global cuisines, people going after new flavors, frozen foods,” she said of the grocery category, adding that she wants to bring more innovation to the category.

There’s also more awareness around healthier and less-processed foods, she said.