The 2026 C-Store Outlook: Food, Function & Future Growth Webinar

The convenience channel continues to evolve at a rapid pace blending retail, foodservice, and innovation to meet changing consumer expectations. From shifting traffic patterns to the rise of better-for-you assortments, the playbook for growth is being rewritten in real time.

Join CRC’s C-Store Analyst, Josh Spicher, on Wednesday, April 15 at 2:00 pm EDT for a timely deep dive into the trends shaping the convenience landscape today and what they signal for the road ahead. This session will equip brands and operators with the insights needed to navigate complexity, capitalize on emerging opportunities, and stay ahead in an increasingly competitive environment.

Key topics we’ll cover include:

• Year-to-date sales trends across foodservice and center-store/retail – A look at performance across the channel what’s growing, what’s stabilizing, and where momentum is building.
• Marketing & promotional strategies – What’s resonating with today’s shopper and how brands are adapting to a more rational promo environment.
• New item innovation – Where innovation is landing across categories and what’s actually breaking through with consumers.
• Expansion of protein & better-for-you sets – The continued shift toward functional, health-forward assortments and how c-stores are responding.
• State SNAP change impact – Understanding recent policy updates and the implications for traffic, basket size, and category mix.
• Impact of higher fuel prices – How higher fuel prices could influence purchasing behavior across the convenience channel.
• 2026 outlook – What CRC is watching as we look at key themes, inflection points, and expected shifts.
• Biggest opportunities & watch-outs for the year – Where to lean in and where to stay cautious as the year unfolds.

Built for those operating in or selling into the convenience ecosystem, webinar attendees will walk away with clear, data-backed takeaways you can apply immediately.

Registration includes access to the slide deck and on-demand replay we’ll send out after the call.