12th February 2026

INTERNATIONAL SUPERMARKET NEWS CONFERENCE : Selling to Supermarkets – Strategy, Systems & Success

INTERNATIONAL SUPERMARKET NEWS CONFERENCE

Theme: Selling to Supermarkets – Strategy, Systems & Success

CONFERENCE INTRODUCTION

The International Supermarket News Conference brings together suppliers, retailers, logistics experts, category managers, and former supermarket executives to explore one central question:

How do you successfully sell to supermarkets — and stay there?

In today’s competitive retail environment, getting listed is only the beginning. Suppliers must understand logistics systems, certifications, warehouse structures, category management, merchandising strategy, buyer communication, payment processes, and retail technology such as RFID.

This conference provides practical, insider knowledge from decision-makers and ex-supermarket executives who understand what retailers expect — and how suppliers can build long-term, profitable partnerships.

Whether you are a food producer, brand owner, exporter, distributor, or service provider, this event delivers actionable insights to help you enter, scale, and succeed in supermarket retail.

CONFERENCE PROGRAM

🟢 SESSION 1: Understanding the Supermarket Ecosystem

  • How supermarkets are structured (HQ vs regional buying)

  • Centralized vs decentralized buying systems

  • The role of category managers

  • Private label vs branded products

  • Margin expectations and retail pricing models

🟢 SESSION 2: Selling to Supermarkets – Getting Listed

  • How to approach supermarket buyers

  • Preparing your product pitch

  • Understanding buyer KPIs

  • Trade terms & listing fees

  • Negotiating contracts successfully

  • Common mistakes suppliers make

🟢 SESSION 3: Certification & Compliance

  • Required certifications (BRC, IFS, HACCP, ISO, GlobalG.A.P.)

  • Retailer-specific standards

  • Traceability requirements

  • Sustainability and ESG expectations

  • Food safety audits

  • Export documentation requirements

🟢 SESSION 4: Logistics & Supply Chain

  • Retail supply chain structure

  • Central warehouse vs direct-to-store delivery

  • Distribution center (DC) operations

  • On-time delivery performance metrics (OTIF)

  • Pallet configuration standards

  • Temperature control & cold chain management

  • Managing returns and shrinkage

🟢 SESSION 5: Warehouse Structure & RFID

  • Modern supermarket warehouse layout

  • Automation systems

  • Inventory flow management

  • RFID technology in retail

  • Barcode vs RFID systems

  • Real-time stock tracking

  • Reducing stock loss and errors

🟢 SESSION 6: Category Management

  • What is category management?

  • Role of the category manager

  • Data-driven assortment planning

  • Shelf space allocation

  • Planograms and shelf positioning

  • Seasonal planning strategies

  • Managing underperforming SKUs

🟢 SESSION 7: Merchandising Excellence

  • In-store visibility strategies

  • Shelf positioning tactics

  • Promotional planning

  • Secondary placements & end caps

  • In-store activations

  • Working with store managers

  • Field merchandising teams

🟢 SESSION 8: Communication & Targeting Buyers

  • Identifying the right buyer

  • Building long-term buyer relationships

  • Effective email communication strategies

  • Presentation techniques that win listings

  • Trade show networking tactics

  • Using data in buyer presentations

  • Following up professionally

🟢 SESSION 9: Getting Paid – Financial Structure

  • Understanding payment terms (30/60/90 days)

  • Invoice management

  • Deduction handling

  • Chargebacks & penalties

  • Managing cash flow

  • Trade marketing budgets

  • Credit insurance options

🟢 PANEL DISCUSSION: Inside the Buyer’s Mind

Featuring current and former supermarket buyers

  • What makes them say yes?

  • Why products get delisted

  • Biggest supplier mistakes

  • What retailers expect in 2026 and beyond

  • Live Q&A

🌙 EVENING SOIRÉE: MEET THE BUYERS

Private Networking Reception

An exclusive evening designed for meaningful connections.

Format:

  • Welcome cocktail reception

  • Structured buyer-supplier matchmaking

  • Roundtable discussions

  • Informal networking

  • VIP lounge with former supermarket executives

Attendees:

  • Supermarket buyers

  • Category managers

  • Ex-retail directors

  • Import managers

  • Distributors

  • Investors

  • Brand owners

Objective:

  • Build real relationships

  • Pitch your product directly

  • Gain insider feedback

  • Explore listing opportunities

  • Develop international partnerships

Dress Code: Business Elegant
Access: VIP & Registered Delegates Only

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

  • Food & beverage producers

  • FMCG brands

  • Private label manufacturers

  • Exporters & importers

  • Logistics providers

  • Retail technology companies

  • Packaging suppliers

  • Investors in retail