IDAHO FALLS, ID - As the fresh produce industry prepares for the IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show in Anaheim, evolving forces are shaping what success will look like for the perimeter. In an environment defined by rapid change, inflationary pressures, and increasingly discerning shoppers, suppliers and retailers alike are under pressure to pivot fast and perform. Category Partners is helping its clients do both—by leading with insight instead of reacting to disruption.

"This isn’t just a time of change, it’s a moment to rethink how we connect with consumers and buyers," said Tom Barnes, CEO of Category Partners, in its recent release. "The companies that will win are those using and interpreting the data to look forward."

Here are three retail trends Category Partners is watching closely as the industry heads into IFPA Global:

Trend One: Operational Efficiency Is Now a Selling Point

Retailers increasingly favor suppliers who provide operational excellence in addition to great products. As expectations rise, product availability, logistics reliability, and supply chain visibility are major differentiators.

A proven track record matters, but data makes the difference. Category Partners helps clients improve performance and build long-term trust by speaking the language of retail execution. This includes connecting and integrating field-level, logistics, and financial data into performance dashboards that reveal efficiencies and highlight the full value of a supplier’s partnership.

Trend Two: Shoppers Want to Know the Why

Shoppers are wary of buzzwords, and they’re quick to scrutinize them. Claims like “organic” or “sustainable” may still draw attention, but they no longer guarantee trust or justify higher prices on their own. Consumers want proof, clarity, and real meaning behind the label.
This shift is forcing retailers and suppliers to rethink how they talk about their products. To understand which messages resonate and which ones fall flat, Category Partners is conducting rigorous research on behalf of clients—including consumer testing, focus groups, surveys, and custom studies.

Trend Three: Retailers are Raising the Bar on Supplier Relationships

With consumer attitudes changing and operational expectations rising, buyers are placing a premium on suppliers who bring insight, reliability, and shared strategy to the table. This shift is changing the rules of engagement, and retailers are making sharper distinctions between vendors and true partners.

At Category Partners, we’re working with clients to strengthen their standing with buyers by arriving prepared: with category-specific data, market intelligence, and retailer-focused solutions that show alignment with shared goals. Providing better insights to drive retailer decision-making extends a supplier’s value beyond product and price.

What This Means for Suppliers and Marketers

The takeaway is clear: success in today’s produce industry demands operational excellence, clear messaging, and partnerships that bring real value beyond the sale. With precision analytics, custom research, and deep category expertise, Category Partners helps clients stay relevant and resilient.

Heading to Anaheim? Meet with Category Partners.

Category Partners leadership will be on-site throughout the IFPA Global Show and is currently scheduling in-person meetings to talk about these and other trends that affect the fresh food category. Whether you need shopper insights, optimization strategies or data-backed storytelling that lands with retail buyers, Category Partners is ready to help. To request your meeting, visit our website at www.categorypartners.com.

DENVER, IA - Fareway Stores, Inc. hosted a ribbon-cutting and grand opening ceremony on Tuesday for a new Fareway store at 1022 Skylar Street, Denver, IA. Fareway acquired the approximately 15,000 square foot store from Brother’s Market in March of 2025 and has since completed a full renovation of the property.

“Fareway is proud to be part of the Denver community, and we’re excited to open our doors,” Reynolds Cramer, CEO of Fareway Stores, Inc., said in the recent release. “Our team is ready to showcase our unmatched service and quality in a beautifully redesigned store.”

The Ace Hardware store (3,600 square feet) located within the building was also renovated and will remain a tenant, reflecting the same hours of operation as Fareway.

“We’re excited to welcome Fareway Meat & Grocery to Denver. This new store represents more than just a place to shop— it’s an investment in our community, our economy, and our future,” Denver Mayor Rod Diercks said. “Fareway’s commitment to quality service and local hiring reflects the values we hold dear in Denver. We’re excited for the opportunities this brings to our residents and look forward to a strong partnership for years to come.”

The Denver Fareway will provide only the best in fresh, highest quality meat; a full-service butcher counter; farm-fresh produce; low, competitive prices; and the highest level of customer service, including to-your-car carryout.

The new store offers FastLanes, a self-service checkout option, and online shopping with curbside pick-up, available at Shop.Fareway.com. Customers can save $5 off their first online order at the Denver location by using the coupon code DENVERFIVE at checkout, valid through August 30, 2025.

The Denver Fareway Meat & Grocery will be open daily Monday-Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.