Inflation pressure, tariff friction and shifting shopper priorities are redrawing the map for grocers in 2025. Global merchandise trade is now projected to grow 0.9% this year, a fragile uptick that still reflects tariff headwinds and supply chain adjustments. At the same time, the FAO Food Price Index rose 7.6% year on year in July, with meat and vegetable oils leading gains. Against this backdrop, buyers and exporters are recalibrating assortments, pricing and routes to market. Grocery industry trends now shape everything from production forecasts to supplier meetings, and exhibitions like WorldFood Moscow help teams turn intelligence into trade.

Track Macro Shifts and Protect Margin

Trade patterns remain fluid. WTO economists attribute part of 2025’s trade growth to frontloaded imports before new tariff rates took effect, particularly in the food sector, with the recovery expected to soften into 2026. For exporters and buyers, that means planning for short planning cycles, diversified sourcing and currency resilience.

Food price signals are mixed. While overall prices sit well below the 2022 peak, category variance is material, with meat and vegetable oils trending higher than cereals and dairy. Procurement teams should revisit index-linked clauses and freight contingencies, particularly for temperature-controlled lines.

Win With Health, Function and Credible Sustainability

Health remains a decisive purchase driver. Mintel highlights growing demand for products that help manage blood sugar, hormone health and mental wellbeing. Pair that with consumers’ preference for clear labels and fortification that feels evidence-based. Brands that can substantiate claims without overstating benefits will find traction across dairy alternatives, high-protein snacks and reduced sugar beverages.

Sustainability shifts from slogan to specification. Retailers and distributors now demand proof of impact, not just claims printed on packaging. Consider carbon-aware logistics options and recyclable primary packs that still protect shelf life, particularly for chilled categories where spoilage risk is highest. Evidence from AI-enabled forecasting shows meaningful reductions in food waste, reinforcing both margin and ESG targets.

Make Omnichannel Profitable, Not Just Possible

Online grocery remains part of the shopper repertoire, yet profitability is still the sticking point. Research notes that the channel can be labour-intensive and margin-dilutive unless pricing and fulfilment models are rebuilt. Options include store-fulfilled orders with strict substitution rules, differential pricing for delivery, and micro-fulfilment where density supports it.

In-store, convenience continues to set the pace. Self-checkout adoption is rising, with global installations predicted to reach 2 million units by 2029, though execution quality matters for both loss and loyalty. Use queue analytics, clear exception handling and staff orchestration to keep throughput high without sacrificing service.

Use Cases That Buyers and Suppliers Can Apply Today

A quick list to align operations with shopper behaviour.

• Harmonise online and store assortments around known trip missions, then cap substitutions by category to protect satisfaction.
  
   
• Ring-fence a trial budget for demand-sensing tools in fresh, where waste reductions pay back fastest.
  
   
• Rework planograms for high-velocity health and value lines, then measure attachment rates for cross-sell.
  
   

Lean Into Value: Private Label and Tiered Choice

Value remains non-negotiable for many households. NielsenIQ reports that a majority of global shoppers are buying more private label, reflecting confidence in quality and the search for price relief. For retailers and distributors, a three-tier private label strategy helps span entry price points through to premium recipes, while exporters can pitch as contract manufacturers or specialist ingredient partners.

For brand owners, differentiation still matters. Focus on formats that solve a use occasion, such as portion-controlled packs for smaller households or refill systems that cut unit cost and packaging.

Convert Global Demand Into Eurasia and CIS Opportunity

Eurasia and the CIS offer scale, proximity and category depth across ambient and chilled. Regional trade links are widening, with agreements under discussion that can open routes for palm, coffee, fruit and specialty ingredients into the Eurasian Economic Union. Such ties reinforce year-round availability and category breadth, important for distributors serving nationwide retail and HORECA (Hotel, Restaurant, and Catering/Café).

WorldFood Moscow mirrors real buyer demand across 16 dedicated sectors, from fruit and vegetables to meat, dairy, confectionery, beverages, grocery staples and frozen. Exhibitors gain targeted exposure to procurement teams who buy at volume, while visitors can review international ranges alongside regional leaders in a single venue that convenes leading food exhibitions.

Use Cases for Teams Planning Market Entry

Here is a simple roadmap to guide action.

• Map assortment to regional taste profiles, prioritising fresh-forward lines where health and value intersect.
  
   
• Prepare certifications, label translations and shelf-life data early to accelerate listing conversations.
  
   
• Build a price architecture that fits discounter and supermarket channels without eroding brand equity.
  
   

Plan Your Next Step With Worldfood Moscow

If you're ready to connect with procurement leaders and build market share across Eurasia and the CIS, submit your exhibit enquiry today. For buyers, now’s the time to meet suppliers who understand margin pressure, health trends, and distribution realities. For seasonal ranges or a grocery items exhibition focus, the team can advise on timing, certification and sampling to speed outcomes.