Southern Innovations session to examine how GLP-1 users shop the produce department

Millen, GA — August 2026 — The rapid rise of GLP-1 medications is reshaping the national conversation around health and nutrition.

What is far less understood is what they are doing inside the grocery store — and how these consumers shop, plan meals and engage with fresh produce.

The Southeast Produce Council (SEPC) BB #:191194 will answer that question with its sixth annual What’s New? 2026 consumer research during an educational session at Southern Innovations on Thursday, Sept. 10, in an interactive format led by the study’s author, Anne-Marie Roerink of 210 Analytics.

This year’s research is believed to be the first to examine GLP-1 users’ behavior specifically in the produce department, including how medication use is influencing eating occasions, portion sizes, meal planning and food choices. It will also explore how these shifts are affecting fruit and vegetable purchases and consumption habits.

Critically, the research goes past whether GLP-1 use is changing grocery purchases and explores what these shoppers want from the food they eat — and where that opens opportunity for retailers, foodservice operators and the wider supply chain.

“GLP-1 medications are creating an entirely new set of questions for our industry,” said David Sherrod, president and CEO of SEPC. “This research gives us real answers about how consumer behavior is changing and, more importantly, a clear view of where fresh produce can meet shoppers where they now are.”

The findings are part of SEPC’s sixth annual What’s New? research, presented by Anne-Marie Roerink of 210 Analytics. 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. Southern Innovations 2026 takes place Sept. 9-12 in Nashville, TN. Registration and the full education schedule are available at seproducecouncil.com.

What opportunities could GLP-1 consumers create for fresh produce? 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.