They discuss how the show floor came together, what retailers responded to most, why practical innovation stood out, and how trends like protein, grab-and-go, global flavors, and bold flavor combinations are shaping fresh departments. Abby and Brad also share how IDDBA uses attendee feedback and show insights to guide future education, programming, and resources for members year-round.
Speaker Bios
Kat Shanahan
VP of Marketing & Membership
Abby Despins
VP of Education & Industry Relations
Bradly Berg
Education & Industry Relations Coordinator
Other Podcasts
Helping Shoppers Say Yes to Premium Products
In this What's in Store episode of Fresh Take with IDDBA, Kat Shanahan talks with Michael Sadler of Forever Cheese about how retailers can help shoppers understand and choose premium specialty products.
Building on his 2026 What's in Store Live session, "Premium for the People: Top Shelf on Every Shelf," Michael explains why premium products cannot win by competing like commodities. He shares how clear storytelling, intentional packaging, occasion-based merchandising, and product education can reduce hesitation and make value easier for shoppers to understand.
The conversation also explores how retailers can build demand beyond the holidays, communicate product stories in lower-labor departments, create champions at the store level, and review displays through the eyes of someone encountering the category for the first time.
Live from What’s in Store Live with Karri Zwirlein
In this special What's in Store episode of Fresh Take with IDDBA, IDDBA's Kat Shanahan talks with Karri Zwirlein, Director of Bakery, Deli, and Prepared Foods at Tops Markets, in a live podcast recording from What’s in Store Live at #IDDBA2026, on June 8, 2026.
Abby Despins on Education, Connection, and What’s in Store Live
In this What's in Store episode of Fresh Take with IDDBA, Kat Shanahan talks with Abby Despins, IDDBA’s new Vice President of Education and Industry Relations, about her path from manufacturer-side leadership into her new role at the association and what she hopes to build for members in the months ahead.
How to Spot the Signals Behind Viral Trends
This month on Fresh Take with IDDBA (What's in Store), Kat Shanahan, Vice President of Marketing and Membership at IDDBA, sits down with Kevin Ryan, Founder and CEO of Malachite Strategy and Research, for a smart, timely conversation about what product innovation looks like in a world shaped by viral trends, fast-moving consumer behavior, and constant digital feedback. As brands face pressure to react more quickly than ever, Kevin explains why the answer is not to chase every trend, but to build a better system for listening, learning, and identifying the signals that actually matter.