IGD Global Retail Trends 2026 report puts spotlight on retail media, AI, cybersecurity, war on waste
Cybersecurity will shift during 2026 from a siloed IT function to a board level strategy priority.
That's one of the strategic trends highlighted in a new IGD report. trends that will shape growth, profitability and relevance across global food and grocery retail in the year ahead.
IGD notes that understanding the future of retail means recognising the key macro drivers reshaping the industry. Retailers are navigating ongoing geopolitical and economic uncertainty, while rising consumer focus on health and wellbeing is fuelling demand for wellness, preventative, and functional products.
Technological progress continues at pace, requiring retailers to strike a balance between embracing innovation and maintaining resilient infrastructure.
Climate change and environmental concerns are also intensifying, with both regulators and consumers expecting greater sustainability efforts. Additionally, demographic shifts are influencing shopper expectations, with a growing demand for personalisation, faster service, and better value.
IGD’s seven trends take these macro drivers into account and follow the strategic journey shaping retail transformation, from securing resilient foundations, to empowering innovation, monetising new growth models and ultimately contributing to a more responsible industry.
The other six as follows:
AI as the engine of the retail revolution: retailers will continue to use AI to drive profitability and efficiency through advanced strategies.
Retail media comes of age: the next five years will see certain retailers in certain markets reach a level of retail media maturity.
Retailers race to capture the world on their shelves: globalised flavours going further, with clearer segmentation; strategies that reflect diverse communities; and curating more authentic ranges supported by storytelling and seasonal events.
The convenience revolution: specialist convenience operators will increasingly focus on food and drink to be consumed in minutes, not days, gradually eroding take-home grocery assortments.
Playing a meaningful role for more health missions: retailers will serve a broader span of health missions, and do so in deeper and more meaningful ways.
The war on waste: in the coming years, IGD expects retailers to increasingly prioritise reducing food and packaging waste both in the supply chain and within stores.
Toby Pickard, Retail Futures Senior Partner at IGD, comments: “Retailers around the world face evolving consumer preferences, technological advances, and market disruptions, and they are responding to these shared challenges with bold, relevant solutions. The seven trends we have identified show how global forces are reshaping strategy, and why agility, relevance, and execution will define the leaders of tomorrow.”
2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS
AI was a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.
We received a record number of entries and many fantastic examples of the continued resilience and dynamism of the retail space during hugely challenging times.
For a full rundown of all of the shortlisted entries, click here.
Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC in Central London on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”
“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”
He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”
Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.
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