Suggestions
Mike Chen
Co-Founder @ Cohere Commerce
Chef turned data scientist
Highlights
Day 2 at #NewtopiaNow was a deep dive into product innovation. Walking the floor and connecting with so many innovative local Colorado brands highlighted the power of community-driven business. The neighborhood concept at Newtopia wasn’t just fun—it felt like a preview into how retail spaces might evolve to create more meaningful shopping experiences.
Two trends stood out to me. First, the push for sustainability is stronger than ever. Brands are doubling down on regenerative agricultural practices and eco-friendly innovations, not as a trend but as a core value, reflecting growing shopper demand for products that contribute to environmental health.
Second, there’s a clear shift towards health-centric products. The focus on gut health, mental wellness, and immunity is expanding rapidly, moving from niche to mainstream. The rise of the “#Healthspan” market shows that consumers are thinking beyond quick fixes; they’re looking for products that help them live longer, healthier lives. As retailers, understanding this mindset shift is critical for aligning our assortments with these evolving expectations.
One standout brand for me was milkadamia. I’ve followed them for years, and their innovation continues to impress. This year, they introduced the “Flat Pack Organic Oat Milk,” using a proprietary “2D printed” sheet from oat milk concentrate—cutting packaging weight by 85% and waste by 94%. After speaking with Ipek and Jim, their CEO, and seeing their prototyping products, it’s clear they’re just getting started. Their commitment to innovation, quality, and sustainability is precisely what the industry needs more of.
Heading back to LA inspired. Thanks, Denver!
#Retail #RetailTrends #Sustainability #Innovation #CPG #RetailStrategy
Day 1 at #NewtopiaNow provided a deep dive into the shifting landscape of retail, particularly within grocery and CPG. As I walked the floor and engaged with buyers from Sprouts Farmers Market, PCC Community Markets, Bristol Farms, MOM's Organic Market, and Thrive Market, here are the key takeaways:
-
Transparency is the Key: Transparency in retail relationship is Sprout’s number one focus. Launching a great product is no longer enough—brands must be upfront about their challenges, readiness, and execution realities. Despite significant resource investments, Sprouts’ Forager team still faces the challenge of vetting brands that aren’t fully retail-ready. They want the full story, including authentic feedback from other retailers. Far from undermining a brand, this transparency builds trust and sets the foundation for long-term success in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
-
The Power of Data-Driven Decisions: In a live poll, 53.33% of buyers identified data-driven decision-making as the most critical area for improvement in category management, with another 26.67% emphasizing supplier collaboration. This shift is reshaping how retailers like PCC approach category reviews.
-
Strategic Planning & Store Partnerships: Another key point was the need for brands to present a clear, strategic plan for their products’ performance in specific stores. This includes outlining a roadmap for the first year and clearly articulating how the brand fits within the existing category. Brands that can effectively compare themselves to top performers and demonstrate how they plan to drive in-store sales are the ones that truly stand out.
-
Deepening Consumer and Retailer Understanding: A critical focus that emerged was the need for brands to deeply understand both consumer psychology and ingredient sourcing. It’s not enough to simply follow trends—brands must align with the core motivations and values that drive consumer behavior. Equally important is understanding the retailer’s customer base, allowing brands to tailor their strategies to specific retailers. This approach not only resonates with buyers but also strengthens relationships with end consumers, fostering loyalty and trust.
Reflecting on these conversations, it’s clear that the future of retail will be defined by those who can balance innovation with transparency and data with intuition. At Cohere Commerce (Techstars ‘23), we’re building the exact solutions to meet these needs, helping brands and retailers navigate this dynamic landscape with precision and transparency. It’s an exciting time to be in this space, and I’m eager to see how these trends continue to unfold.
#DataDrivenRetail #TransparencyInRetail #CohereCommerce #CPGInsights #CategoryManagement
