"According to Mark Pastore, Baldor's Vice President of Business Development, predicted trends for 2026 "reflect how the industry is adapting to real constraints like labor, cost, and efficiency, while still delivering craveable, flavor-forward experiences." He suggests that we're trying to create more with less, as grocery bills continue to increase, but we don't want to sacrifice flavor and comfort food."
"He explains, "Operators and consumers alike are prioritizing ingredients that work harder on the plate.""
"The first trend highlighted by Pastore is ingredients that capitalize on convenience. "Pre-cut produce, pre-portioned proteins, and ready-to-use ingredients are becoming essential," he said. Pre-cut produce normally costs more than whole fruits and vegetables, but for many people, the increase in price pays off in the long run because they save another valuable resource: time."
2026 grocery trends emphasize convenience, quality, and flavor while responding to inflation, labor shortages, and efficiency pressures. Retailers and operators prioritize ingredients that work harder, offering pre-cut produce, pre-portioned proteins, and ready-to-use components to save labor and time without sacrificing consistency or taste. Shoppers trade slightly higher costs for time savings, and kitchens adopt portioned, labor-saving items to maintain quality across meals. The year favors streamlined shopping trips with versatile, craveable ingredients that deliver interest in home cooking while helping operators and consumers create more with less.
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