SpartanNash Food Solutions Expo spotlights fresh trends for independent grocers

Nearly 2,000 grocery industry leaders met in Grand Rapids for the SpartanNash Food Solutions Expo. The two-day event filled the DeVos Place Convention Center with retailers, suppliers, and SpartanNash associates. They came to find new products, compare notes on trends, and make supply deals for the months ahead.

A large section of the floor was dedicated to the 2025 Consumer Taste Trends displays. These highlighted fresh produce trends alongside other key food categories. Seasonal availability, local sourcing options, and sharper value offers were among the points aimed at helping grocers adjust their assortments.

Independent grocery market impact

Independent grocers account for about a third of U.S. grocery sales — $253.6 billion annually. The Expo put their role at the center of the program. SpartanNash, which supplies more than 2,100 retail locations, used the event to connect store operators with suppliers and category experts.

Attendees walked through supplier showcases, took part in live auctions, and sampled products. The produce category drew steady attention, with operators looking for items that could move quickly while fitting into shopper budgets.

Recognizing excellence in retail and supply

Five independent retailers were named Vision Award winners: Discount Drug Mart, Berens Market, Harding's Friendly Markets, Neiman's Family Market, and Northland Foods. Four suppliers — Sunkist, The Campbell’s Co., Ferrara Candy Co., and Johnsonville — received Impact Awards for their support of independent retail.

At the end of the Expo, leftover products went to Feeding America West Michigan. Organizers said the donation equaled about 45,000 meals for families in the region.