Strategic insights for brands and retailers to stand out in a transforming market
The Brazilian food retail sector is undergoing rapid transformation, with traditional shelves giving way to emerging categories, innovative products, and differentiated shopping experiences. Understanding consumer behavior has shifted from a purely operational task to a strategic tool, enabling brands to anticipate market movements, reposition themselves, optimize assortment, and enhance competitiveness. New categories are gaining prominence, some need to reinvent themselves, and others are losing relevance, while products aligned with convenience, health, and sustainability capture attention and foster loyalty. Identifying which segments deserve investment has become essential to free up capital, reduce losses, and drive profitability in food retail.
The impact of these changes is reflected in the numbers and requires immediate attention. Recent studies indicate that approximately 6% of supermarket inventory in Brazil remains stagnant, equivalent to BRL 6 billion immobilized, tying up resources that could be redirected toward more promising categories, innovation, or enhanced shopping experiences. With inventory turnover accounting for 81% of return on investment (Neogrid Panel 2024), each increase in turnover ceases to be merely an operational advantage and becomes a strategic factor capable of boosting profitability and competitiveness in food retail.
At the same time, consumer habits are rapidly migrating to digital channels. Around 15% of Brazilians already shop for groceries online, signaling that this structural shift toward e-commerce is here to stay. This transition creates new opportunities: the integration of physical and digital stores, rapid order fulfillment, and technology-driven assortment management have become decisive factors to optimize inventory turnover and strengthen strategic shelf positioning in food retail.
Growth of digital commerce and food delivery in the retail sector
Behaviors that were once occasional in digital channels are now consolidating as part of the shopping journey. According to the Brazilian Supermarkets Association (ABRAS), 40% of supermarket operators already offer e-commerce, although this channel accounts for about 12% of sales among more mature players, indicating significant room for growth.
Preferred channels for online grocery shopping include supermarket websites and apps, delivery platforms, and even WhatsApp, reflecting the variety of ways consumers access food products digitally.
In the delivery segment, the market volume is also expanding rapidly: the online food delivery sector in Brazil reached over USD 6.7 billion in 2024, with projections to nearly USD 11.7 billion by 2030, maintaining a consistent annual growth trend.
These figures show that modern consumers seek efficiency, speed, and convenience—attributes that have already migrated to food retail and directly influence assortment, emerging category positioning, and retailers’ digital presence strategies.
Categories gaining prominence on shelves
The market for ready-to-eat foods and healthy convenience items continues to grow rapidly. Individual snacks, frozen meals, functional beverages, and plant-based alternatives are capturing attention from consumers seeking practicality, health, and innovation. According to Sebrae, convenience is at the heart of the shopping experience, requiring integration between physical and digital channels, same-day pickup, and streamlined processes.
Beyond convenience, personalization and well-being guide consumer choices. Products that combine taste, practicality, and nutritional benefits gain preference, while categories that fail to evolve lose relevance. The plant-based market in Brazil is estimated at USD 281.64 million in 2025, with a projected annual growth rate of over 10% for the next decade, reflecting how sustainable and healthy options are capturing consumer interest.
Similarly, the functional foods segment, associated with health benefits like probiotics, vitamins, and fiber, is expanding in Brazil, with revenues exceeding USD 5 billion in 2023 and expected to surpass USD 8.5 billion by 2030. This growth demonstrates that products promising positive health and wellness impacts are securing a significant place in assortment strategies.
Table: Key emerging trends
| Category | Expected Growth 2026 | Strategic Insights |
| Plant-based | +15% | Flexible products replacing animal proteins appeal to diverse consumer profiles |
| Healthy Snacks | +12% | Convenient packaging and single-serve portions cater to on-the-go consumption |
| Functional Beverages | +10% | Associated with well-being, energy, and hydration; popular among consumers aged 25–45 |
Source: Euromonitor International, Mintel, Sebrae, and NielsenIQ
Opportunities arise for brands that anticipate these changes and position their products in the right categories, adjusting assortment and communication to consumer profiles.
How brands reinvent themselves to stay relevant
Reinventing traditional brands shows that innovation in supermarket retail goes far beyond launching new products. Recipe reformulations, sustainable packaging, premium versions, and diet-specific adaptations allow brands to maintain presence and engage consumers.
Technology and shopping experience go hand in hand. Self-checkouts, loyalty apps, and interactive displays transform the point of sale into an engagement channel, while AI solutions are expected to consolidate by 2026. AI agents can also analyze competitors, price elasticity, and inventory in real time, suggesting adjustments to pricing, purchasing orders, and product placement. This automation helps retailers free up immobilized capital and increase ROI while enhancing the consumer experience.
Inventory turnover and operational efficiency as strategic opportunities
Inventory has become a strategic asset, not just storage space. Products that remain on shelves too long tie up capital and reduce margins. Conversely, high-turnover items free resources, increase ROI, and allow repositioning of growth categories.
Predictive tools help anticipate demand, adjust the mix, and enhance the consumer experience. Integration across channels, store layouts that facilitate the shopping journey, and loyalty programs offering practical benefits ensure the experience is seamless, engaging, and efficient. Inventory turnover has thus become a true barometer of profitability, far more effective than competition based solely on price.
Sustainability has also become a strategic criterion. Products with recyclable packaging, locally sourced ingredients, and waste reduction appeal to more conscious consumers, boosting inventory turnover and reinforcing positive brand perception.
Transformations shaping the future of food retail
The future of food retail requires attention to evolving consumer behaviors, with convenience, personalization, and clarity at the forefront. Increasingly integrated physical and digital stores, rapid pickup, and transparent communication about inventory and benefits define shelf success.
Categories that align with these trends gain attention and loyalty, while stagnant products lose relevance. For manufacturers and retailers, understanding these transformations means improving efficiency, inventory turnover, and creating experiences that foster customer loyalty.
Following this path, Anuga Select Brazil offers strategic insights, innovative solutions, and networking opportunities in an environment fully dedicated to the future of food retail. On April 7, 8, and 9, the largest international food and beverage trade show in Latin America gathers opportunities to discover new technologies, analyze trends, and establish partnerships that transform shelves into engines of sustainable growth.
Secure your registration now and take advantage of this exclusive event, where every session and lecture becomes a real opportunity for learning, networking, and growth for your business. Click HERE to sign up.
