SEPC session explores how consumers use AI for grocery shopping

Millen, GA — August 31, 2026 — Consumers are handing more of their food decisions to artificial intelligence: what to cook, what to buy, what to eat.

For an industry that has spent decades competing for attention in the aisle and in the weekly circular, that raises an uncomfortable question — when the recommendation comes from a chatbot, is fresh produce part of it?

The Southeast Produce Council’s (SEPC) BB #:191194 What’s New? 2026 consumer research takes on that question directly. Anne-Marie Roerink of 210 Analytics will present the research on Thursday, Sept. 10, during Southern Innovations 2026 in Nashville.

The study measures how consumers are already incorporating AI into food-related decisions, what they may expect from these tools in the future, and how AI could influence the foods and products that ultimately make it onto their shopping lists.

The underlying research examines AI across recipes, meal planning, grocery lists, nutrition, budgeting and other food-related applications.

It also captures the counterpoint. The research examines where consumers hesitate, looking at concerns about authenticity, misinformation and pricing accuracy — and at what consumers expect from AI-driven food recommendations before they will act on them. The research also raises a bigger question for the produce industry: As consumers increasingly ask AI what to cook, what to buy and how to eat, how does fresh produce make sure it is part of the answer?

“AI has the potential to fundamentally change how consumers discover and make decisions about food,” said David Sherrod, president and CEO of SEPC. “For our industry, understanding that shift early gives us an opportunity to think about how we remain relevant and visible wherever consumers are looking for answers.”

The findings are part of SEPC’s sixth annual What’s New? research. This year’s study draws from 1,500 consumers, along with an additional sample of 150 GLP-1 medication users. SEPC welcomes all Southern Innovations attendees to join the session, where they’ll have the opportunity to explore the findings and exchange perspectives with fellow industry members. Southern Innovations 2026 takes place Sept. 9-12 in Nashville, TN.

Registration and the full education schedule are available at seproducecouncil.com.

How influential is AI already? Make sure to attend Southern Innovations in Nashville to hear the findings and explore what they could mean for the industry.

About Southeast Produce Council

The Southeast Produce Council (SEPC) sprouted in 1999 when a shared vision for cultivating a nonprofit Southeastern-based produce organization was planted. From the first formal meeting of the SEPC where 100 agriculture, retail, and foodservice professionals gathered, we’ve flourished into a vibrant and innovative organization of over 6,500 industry professionals who reap the benefits of harvesting quality experiences guaranteed to increase the value of their membership. As with farmland, a well-cultivated industry can last for generations, and today, we continue to grow at a steady pace thanks to a broad range of backgrounds and expertise from people like you, creating a more bountiful tomorrow.

Learn the benefits of SEPC membership at www.seproducecouncil.com.