As the world's leading trade association for convenience and fuel retailing, the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) has been at the forefront of the industry for over 60 years. Representing more than 150,000 convenience stores and fuel stations in the U.S. and members across 60+ countries, NACS continues to set industry benchmarks and drive future trends. 

For the first time on the FBIF stage, NACS will deliver deep insights into the global convenience retail landscape, uncovering the key strategic imperatives shaping the industry: 

1. What critical challenges and opportunities are redefining convenience retail worldwide? 

2. How is foodservice emerging as the next growth engine for the sector? 

3. How are store design, technology, product innovation, and consumer experience reshaping the competitive landscape? 

4. What can brands and suppliers do to stay ahead of global convenience trends and unlock new growth potential? This session will provide a comprehensive analysis of key markets across North America, Europe, Asia, and South America, equipping retailers, F&B brands, distributors, and supply chain partners with the knowledge to navigate industry shifts and seize emerging opportunities.

Global social e-commerce is in rapid development, attracting more and more consumers with its unique social interaction features and convenient shopping experience. The global social e-commerce market generated sales of approximately US$420 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach US$680 billion by 2025, with 2.5 billion global social e-commerce users. In this topic, we will mainly discuss the following aspects:

1. The development of major global social e-commerce markets, and the prospects of emerging markets (e.g., Southeast Asia, Latin America)

2. The application of AR/VR technology, artificial intelligence and other new technologies provides more possibilities for social e-commerce

3. Case studies of great brands on how consumer-generated content (e.g., reviews, photos, videos) affects social e-commerce sales

*This topic is reserved for TikTok.

From the Tyranny of Efficiency to the Reconstruction of Meaning - A Spatial Narrative Experiment by a Retail Philosopher 

As e-commerce surges ahead at full speed, what is the true meaning of physical stores today? Experience-driven consumption immersive scene design, and membership models how does Sam's Club create a shopping experience that is truly "worth a visit"? How can physical spaces, as slow variables, resist the rapid decay of the digital world? And what role do food and beverage brands play in this experience? How can they design products and services that seamlessly become part of this offline journey?

*This topic is reserved for Andrew Miles.

The Era of Channel-Driven Customization: How Can Brands Win the Next Product Battle?Retail channels are no longer passive distributors—they are awakening, actively demanding differentiated products from brands. Whether it’s traditional key accounts (KA), convenience stores, e-commerce, interest-driven commerce, or emerging membership stores, the consumer demographics, consumption scenarios, and price segments behind each channel are undergoing rapid transformation.

How can brands break free from a one-size-fits-all approach and truly understand the underlying logic of "channel-driven product innovation"? Channel customization, scenario-specific offerings, and price restructuring—those who move first will seize the next growth frontier. Oatly is pioneering this shift by collaborating with various retail channels—convenience stores, supermarkets, cafés, and membership clubs—to introduce tailor-made concept products. For the first time, these innovations will be unveiled on-site, offering an immersive experience of how the same oat-based product can unlock endless possibilities across different consumption scenarios.

It now looks like the breakthrough to a trillion will come roughly 2 years later than expected, but instant retail is one of the few channels that is still growing rapidly and will grow steadily over the next 3-5 years. Supply-driven growth over the past 7-8 years may be approaching a watershed.

1. After 3 million terminals, can more coverage be accomplished?

-How can FMCG brands optimize their channel coverage in smaller cities through Meituan Instant Retail?

-How can brands capitalize on the channel advantages of Meituan Instant Retail to seize the growth opportunities in the sinking market?

2. Data Empowerment: How to utilize the data to improve operational efficiency?

What insights can the consumer data provided by Meituan Instant Retail bring to brand decision-making? How should brand managers analyze these data?

-How to utilize Meituan's consumption big data for precise marketing so as to meet the needs of different regions and people?

-In the future, is digital transformation of dealers possible?

3. Break through the information barriers, synchronize the online and offline implementation

-From offline stores to online platforms, how should brands adjust their channel strategies?

-How brands can realize efficient supply chain management and inventory distribution with the help of Meituan's storage and logistics network.

4. Co-promotion and Brand Exposure

-What are the effects of co-promotion activities (e.g. Flash Sale, Discounts, Spend More Save More) on brands on instant retail platforms? What are the successful cases?

-How to make instant retail consumers' demand higher through scenario-driven marketing.

The value of the 52-week product selection theory is to help brands remain competitive and innovative in a dynamic market environment through continuous new product introductions and interactions with consumers.

Consumers are not just passive recipients in the 52-week selection journey, they are more like active participants in this culinary adventure. In this interactive session, we will aim for a week in May 2025. We will combine the 52 week selection theory and excellent shelf array design, and invite innovative and fun brands together to present a vivid case study of weekly selection.

Over the past century, Ajinomoto has transformed from a small Japanese seasoning company into a global food giant. Today, its products are sold in over 130 countries and regions, with a portfolio spanning more than 100 subsidiaries. Beyond traditional seasonings, Ajinomoto has expanded into pharmaceuticals, health foods, and sports nutrition. In 2023, the company achieved $9.86 billion (approximately ¥70.1 billion RMB) in revenue.

Global Expansion: Tracing Ajinomoto’s journey from Japan to international markets, this session explores its market entry strategies and localization practices in key regions such as Southeast Asia and North America.

Product Innovation & Localization: Ajinomoto has tailored its offerings to diverse culinary cultures, from Sajiku seasoning mix in Southeast Asia to health-focused product lines in North America. This discussion delves into how the company develops region-specific innovations to meet local consumer preferences.

Technology & Supply Chain Optimization: Leveraging amino acid technology, production automation, and supply chain enhancements, Ajinomoto continuously strengthens its global competitiveness.

Future Outlook: Looking ahead, Ajinomoto is actively expanding into health foods and pharmaceuticals, exploring opportunities and challenges in emerging global markets.

The Middle East, particularly the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, is attracting increasing attention from international brands due to its diverse culture and thriving consumer market. From 2024 to 2028, the region's food market is projected to grow at an average annual rate of 4.39%. This year, market revenue is expected to reach $135.5 billion, with the largest segment being candies and snacks, projected to reach $23.1 billion. The retail market in the Middle East is rapidly developing, primarily consisting of large supermarket chains and convenience stores, showcasing a unique channel landscape. For food and beverage brands looking to enter this market, understanding the layout and operational modes of these retail channels is crucial.

1.Major Retail Channels and Their Characteristics: Introduce key retailers in the Middle East market, including large supermarkets like BinDawood, Carrefour, Lulu Hypermarket, and Spinneys, and analyze their market coverage and consumer demographics. Explore the advantages of convenience store chains in the region (such as 7-Eleven and Al Meera) and understand their roles in the fast-moving consumer goods market.

2. Localization and Market Adaptation Strategies: How should brands adjust their strategies based on consumer preferences in different countries (like Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, etc.)? How do varying demands for halal certification and localized products influence the choice of retail channels? Discuss the necessity and challenges of collaborating with local distributors, and how brands can enhance market adaptability through local partners.

3.The Rise of E-commerce and Omnichannel Retail: What impact does the rise of e-commerce platforms in the Middle East (like Noon and Amazon.sa) have on traditional retail channels? How can online retail effectively complement brand market expansion? Explore the importance of omnichannel strategies in the Middle East market and how to combine online and offline advantages for broader market coverage.

4.Logistics and Supply Chain Considerations: What logistics and supply chain challenges do brands face when expanding in countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE? How can they address food storage and distribution issues in the high-temperature environment of the Middle East? Discuss optimizing supply chains through localized warehousing and logistics networks to ensure product timeliness and quality.

5.Case Study: Analyze the channel selection strategies of some international brands (such as Nestlé and Coca-Cola) in the Middle East market and discuss how they achieved market share growth in the region.

In the process of many Chinese brands entering overseas markets, Fly By Jing has successfully broken cultural barriers and gained rapid popularity through its unique brand marketing strategy. Unlike many brands that choose to sell in Chinese supermarkets, Fly By Jing boldly placed its products on the shelves of mainstream American supermarkets, now reaching over 2,000 retail stores, including Whole Foods, Target, and Walmart. Fly By Jing's success is no coincidence. Its fashionable and modern packaging design, effective social media content marketing, and successful omnichannel marketing strategies, along with bold expansion into mainstream retail channels, are key to its ability to stand out.

When it comes to Chinese food entering overseas markets, many people think of instant noodles, sauces, or frozen dim sum. But who would have imagined preserved eggs could take center stage? XURI has broken through the barriers of mainstream overseas channels with this "black pearl of the East," successfully landing in Costco, the high-standard, high-traffic retail giant in the U.S.

Unlike traditional Chinese supermarkets, XURI keenly observed that an increasing number of second- and third-generation Chinese consumers prefer to shop for ingredients at local supermarkets. To reach a broader audience, entering mainstream retail channels became an inevitable choice. However, this was a hard-fought battle from "daring to dream" to "daring to act."

From Trial to Confidence: Did XURI accumulate enough successful trial sales experience before applying to list its products at Costco? What market conditions prompted this bold decision?

From Certification to Shelf Placement: How did XURI navigate Costco’s rigorous review process? And how did they convince channel agents to take the leap and recommend preserved eggs?

From Initial Success to Market Expansion: How did preserved eggs perform in sales during their early days at Costco? What follow-up plans does XURI have to further expand into a broader market?

In this session, we are honored to invite Mr. Hongliang Wu, the mastermind behind XURI’s overseas market strategy, to share the fascinating journey of how XURI leveraged sharp insights, steadfast belief, and flawless execution to bring preserved eggs from the docks to the shelves of mainstream U.S. retailers.

Are you ready to be inspired by this incredible "egg-cellent" success story?

1.Characteristics and Advantages of the Costco Channel: An overview of the unique features and strengths of the Costco distribution model, discussing its position and influence in the membership-based retail market.

2.Entry Standards and Processes for Costco: A deep dive into the specific requirements and standards for Chinese brands looking to become Costco suppliers, including product quality certifications and compliance. A detailed explanation of the entry process for Costco, such as steps for product demonstrations and sample testing, helping brands effectively strategize their channel entry.

3.Costco's Support Strategies for New Brands: An exploration of how Costco assists new brands in establishing a foothold in the U.S. market, particularly through promotional activities and member engagement strategies to boost brand visibility. A discussion on Costco's pilot strategies for new products, illustrating how they enable gradual expansion from select locations to nationwide, thus minimizing market entry risks.

4.Successful Case Studies of Collaboration with Costco: An overview of successful partnerships with Costco, sharing effective collaboration experiences and highlighting successful strategies and market responses.

This topic is reserved for Alfamart or Indomaret. Indonesia is one of the largest economies in Southeast Asia, and its food and beverage retail market is vast and rapidly growing. By 2024, the packaged food market is expected to reach approximately $41.4 billion, with continued growth anticipated in the coming years. While traditional markets dominate Indonesia's retail landscape, the convenience store channel is expanding rapidly. Alfamart and Indomaret, the two leading convenience store chains, operate over 35,000 stores, accounting for about 90% of convenience store sales. These chains are critical channels for brands entering the Indonesian market. Through these convenience stores, brands can not only reach a wide consumer base but also leverage localized networks to quickly establish market recognition. This discussion will help Chinese brands gain insights into the current state of Indonesia's food and beverage retail market and prepare for market entry strategies in collaboration with Alfamart and Indomaret.

1. Overview of Indonesia's Food and Beverage Market: What are the dietary preferences and consumption habits of Indonesian consumers? What trends and opportunities exist in the food and beverage market?

2. Collaboration Process and Entry Processes: How can brands become suppliers for Alfamart or Indomaret? What certifications and documentation are required? What logistical and distribution challenges must be addressed when entering the Indonesian market?

3. Brand Localization Strategies: How can brands localize their products according to Indonesian consumer tastes and culture? What adjustments in packaging, flavor, and promotional strategies are needed to cater to the Indonesian market?

4. Success Case Studies: Which Chinese brands have successfully entered the Indonesian market through Alfamart or Indomaret? What are their success stories and key strategies?

In 2019, Want Want established a subsidiary in Thailand. When entering the Thai market, Want Want introduced a diverse product line focused on snacks and beverages, including Want Want Rice Crackers, Wangzai Milk, and Want Want Senbei. The company formed partnerships with several local retailers, such as 7-Eleven, Big C, Tesco Lotus, and Makro, which are major supermarkets and convenience stores in Thailand. This expansion of the distribution network ensures that Want Want products reach consumers across Thailand, both in urban and suburban areas.

To maintain product quality and reduce logistics costs, Want Want set up local production facilities in Thailand. The brand actively engages in promotional activities, leveraging social media and local television advertising to increase brand visibility. Additionally, Want Want participates in various local food exhibitions and sponsors cultural festivals, allowing it to better integrate into Thai culture and enhance its brand affinity.