UNFI Explains Why Shoppers are Demanding More from the Perimeter
January 13, 2026 | 1 min to read
For many retailers, the perimeters of their stores are central to their growth strategies. As we kick off 2026, Fresh offerings, including produce, floral, bakery, deli, specialty cheese, meat, and seafood, are catching consumer interest. In fact, fresh product sales are outpacing the rest of the store, up 3.7% year-over-year*.
Fresh isn’t just a department – it’s a differentiator. Shoppers are demanding more from the perimeter: better taste, nutrition, convenience, and transparency. For retailers, staying ahead means understanding what’s driving these shifts and partnering with experts who can turn trends into results. Here’s what Ron Selders, UNFI’s President of Fresh, sees as the top four themes shaping the year ahead.
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