8:00–8:45 AM
Fresh Perspectives: How Today’s Shoppers Demand Different Things from Fresh Foods

Circana will share how evolving consumer preferences are reshaping the fresh and perimeter departments in US retail and what that means for the supermarket grocery channel. There are more places to buy food & beverage than ever before – and more in and out of store ways to discover and buy. Successfully capturing market share in fresh is no longer about being the ‘freshest’ – Jonna will share the latest performance data on sales and shopper behavior across the fresh food departments and who/what/where is the future of attracting and keeping shoppers engaged.

Presented by Jonna Parker, Vice President, Fresh Foods Group, Circana

8:45–9:30 AM
Fresh Advantage: Competing Where Big Boxes Can’t

Independents win on authenticity. Learn how to leverage flexibility, local sourcing, and community connection to turn fresh into a true competitive advantage.

• Dan Triplett, Associated Wholesale Grocers
• Trip Straub, Straub's Fine Foods
• Bobby Turner, Busch's Fresh Food Market
  
• Brian Ellegood, National Beef Packing Company LLC

10:15–11:00 AM
Ready-to-Eat Revolution: Capturing the Meal Solution Customer

Prepared foods are one of grocery’s fastest-growing segments. Learn how to compete with restaurants and delivery by transforming your deli into a destination for convenience and quality.

• Jonna Parker, Circana
• Jim Clapp, Clark's Markets
• Mike Bush, Dierbergs Markets
• Jason Burnett, BradyPlus

11:00–11:30 AM
From Commodity to Culinary: Elevating Fresh Merchandising

Move beyond products to experiences. Discover how storytelling, culinary inspiration, and cross-merchandising can drive premium perception and profitability.

• Michael Fabbrini, UNFI
• Price Mabry, Corner Market
• Evan Reedy, Dierbergs Markets

11:30 AM–12:00 PM
Fresh Labor Crunch: Staffing for Skill and Speed

Address labor challenges with smarter scheduling, training, and culture-building strategies to retain top talent in fresh departments.

• Anthony Presley, Timeforge
• Nathaniel Brusby, Kennie's Markets
• Boyd West, Houchens Food Group

12:00–12:30 PM
Supplier Advantage: Partnering for Mutual Growth

Explore how suppliers and independents can collaborate to drive innovation, speed to market, and growth in the fresh category.

• Brian Dicken, Save A Lot
• Lenny Walker, Kennicott Brothers Company
• Rob Ybarra, Chico and the Man Produce
• Daniel Stewart, Storefront Innovations Group

8:15–8:45 AM
Fresh Tech: Using Data & AI to Drive Fresh Success

Shrink, spoilage, and unpredictability have long challenged fresh departments. Explore how affordable tools and data-driven systems can improve performance from forecasting to fulfillment.

• Rob Austin, Empower Fresh
• Sam Walton, Lowes Foods
• Ryan Coutts, Freson Brothers
• Jordan White, White's Foodliner

8:45–9:15 AM
#8: The Cost Squeeze: Managing Margin Pressure in Fresh

Fresh delivers differentiation—but also margin pressure. Learn how independents are balancing inflation, labor costs, and profitability without sacrificing quality.

• Jim Clapp, Clarks Markets
• Charlie Marusich, UNFI
• Gary Jenkins, Stepherson's Inc.
  

9:30–10:15 AM
Cutting the Waste: Proven Strategies to Reduce Shrink in Perimeter Departments

Shrink remains a major challenge where freshness, variety, and speed collide. Learn how leading grocers are using data, forecasting, and smarter inventory practices to reduce waste while maintaining quality and availability.

• Andrew Lickiss, Aperion Solutions
• Melissa King,Lowes Foods
• James Newton, Rouses Markets
  

10:15–10:45 AM
Fresh and Safe: Best Practices for Food Safety in Perimeter Departments

Perimeter departments carry the highest food safety risk. Explore best practices to maintain compliance, improve handling procedures, and strengthen safety culture across fresh categories.

Presented by Natalie Seymour, MS, ECOLAB

10:45–11:15 AM
Fresh Starts at the Back Door: Best Practices for Receiving

Strong receiving processes are critical to freshness and profitability. Learn how disciplined procedures, staff training, and vendor accountability can reduce shrink and protect product integrity.

• Nick Lenzi, Lipari Foods
• Ismael Moreno, Gelson’s Markets
• Shelly Dean, Associated Wholesale Grocers
  

11:15–11:55 AM
The Fresh Future: Reimagining the Independent Store Experience

What will the independent store of the future look like? Explore how store design, technology, and customer experience will converge around fresh.

• Brian Framson, Citrus America
• Jon Koontz, Leever's Supermarkets
• Brad Niemann, Niemann Foods
• Travis Riepenhoff, Wakefern Food Corp.