20/CENT Retail's Podcast: Recent Episodes
20/CENT Retail's Podcast
20/CENT Retail ’s podcast lets you discover different concepts, innovations, the leading industry events, and explores some of the latest trends shaping the retail industry today, and tomorrow. More retail stories can be found on www.20CENTRETAIL.com (http://www.20centretail.com/) By Vincent Panneels, Retail Influencer
Retailers are investing heavily in self-order kiosks, self-checkouts, mobile apps and checkout-free shopping. The objective is clear: make shopping faster and more convenient.
But by simplifying the experience for the majority, are we making it more difficult for part of our customer base?
In this new episode of The Retail Influencer by 20/CENT Retail, Vincent Panneels and Elisa Servais explore one of retail's growing challenges: inclusion.
Through real-life examples from H&M, Exki and China, as well as inspiring initiatives from Carrefour, IKEA, LEGO and the Dutch "chat checkouts", they explain why the real challenge is not choosing between technology and human interaction, but offering enough options to meet the diverse needs of customers.
Inclusive design is not only about people with disabilities. It also considers older shoppers, tourists, neurodivergent customers, people experiencing loneliness, visually impaired or dyslexic consumers and, ultimately, anyone who may face barriers during their shopping journey.
Inclusion does not necessarily require major investments. Training employees, offering multiple ways to interact, adapting services or simply rethinking the customer journey can already make a significant difference.
The message is straightforward: technology is a powerful tool, provided it serves every customer.
Key takeaways
- Simplifying the customer journey should never exclude part of your audience.
- Self-order kiosks and self-checkouts should remain an option, not an obligation.
- Inclusion goes far beyond disability and concerns every stage of life.
- Inclusive design starts with empathy and a genuine understanding of customers' needs.
- Technology can improve inclusion when implemented thoughtfully.
- Silent shopping hours, chat checkouts and sensory support kits demonstrate that practical solutions already exist.
- Many improvements are inexpensive: staff training, clearer communication and offering alternative customer journeys can already have a major impact.
- Better inclusion also strengthens customer loyalty and enhances a retailer's brand image.
- The first step is simple: stop avoiding the topic and start educating your teams.
Listen to the full conversation in the latest episode of The Retail Influencer by 20/CENT Retail and discover why inclusion could become one of retail's greatest competitive advantages in the years ahead.
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The beer market is evolving—but probably not in the way you think. Behind Carrefour Belgium's 2% growth lies a profound shift in consumer behaviour. Purchasing power, the rapid rise of alcohol-free beer, the success of "easy drinking" beers, and Generation Z's changing preferences are reshaping the category. In this episode, we explore the key trends transforming the beer aisle and what they reveal about today's consumers.
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The Retail Influencer Monthly Recap is out.
July may be a holiday month, but retail certainly didn't slow down.
In this new episode with Elisa Servais, we look back at the stories that shaped the past month and discuss what they mean for the industry.
Highlights:
· Carrefour Belgium returns to growth after months of transformation and bold initiatives.
· Colruyt Group confirms its stability while adapting the strategy behind Okay Direct autonomous stores.
· Are autonomous stores entering a new phase? Lessons from Portugal and the Benelux.
· Why influencer brands are becoming a serious business, not just a social media trend.
· Louis Delhaize returns to Brussels Airport, while the former Makro site comes back to life with major new openings.
· Rituals embarks on one of the largest retail redesign projects ever: 1,500 stores, 30 countries, just 30 days.
· A preview of what's coming in August, including Agentic AI, retail tours and new podcast guests.
If you want a concise overview of the month's biggest retail stories and the trends worth watching, this episode is for you.
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Amazon Go may be gone, but is the "Just Walk Out" concept really dead? During my Retail AI Tour in Portugal, I visited the Continente supermarket powered by Sensei's technology. A deep dive into a solution that works in a real supermarket, with real customers, and could reshape the future of automated retail.
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What if your next meal was prepared in your own home… by a chef booked through Carrefour? That is exactly the concept currently being developed by Carrefour Belgium. Revealed exclusively by Arnaud Lesne on The Retail Influencer, the new service could launch before the end of the year and represents another step in Carrefour's service-driven strategy.
The idea is straightforward: go far beyond simply selling food products. After expanding quick commerce, click & collect and home delivery, Carrefour now wants to accompany customers all the way to the moment their groceries become a meal.
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For years, retailers focused their efforts on their stores. Today, some are going a step further: bringing the store directly to consumers. Festivals, sporting events, tourist destinations... Carrefour Belgium is multiplying its temporary retail formats to stay true to its promise of being the "favorite neighborhood store," even when that neighborhood happens to be a festival campsite or the paddock of a Formula 1 Grand Prix.
In this episode of The Retail Influencer, Arnaud Lesne discusses a strategy that goes far beyond a simple marketing stunt.
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In this episode of The Retail Influencer, I share with you my chat with Elise Bastien, Communications Manager at Chicory Leroux. Together, we discussed the replacement of the Pacha brand in Belgium, the company's strategy to revitalize the chicory category, and how evolving consumer trends are creating new opportunities for this historic product. A conversation about innovation, rebranding, and the future of chicory.
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In this new episode of the Retail Influencer, Vincent Panneels and Elisa Servais look back at the highlights of June. On the agenda:
- Key takeaways from the New European Bauhaus Festival
- A store tour in Brussels
- Parallels with Colruyt's latest results
- Trends emerging from the DIY Summit
- The transformation of Carrefour's non-food business
- An inspiring initiative discovered in London
- And a preview of the major trade shows coming up this autumn—worth adding to your calendar (or not!)—including SIAL, Maison&Objet, and NRF Europe.
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Today, I'm taking you behind the scenes of a particularly interesting transformation at Carrefour Belgium.
I recently visited the Drogenbos hypermarket, which is currently serving as a pilot store for a complete redesign of the retailer’s non-food offering.
During my visit, Jochen Meuwis guided me through the different concepts being tested, the thinking behind the changes, and the first results already being observed.
And what I saw is definitely worth a closer look.
Full analysis in this episode, pictures on www.20centretail.com
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In this episode of The Retail Influencer by 20/CENT Retail, I tell you about my chat with Philippe Mattart, Managing Director of APAQ-W. Philippe came on the french stream of the podcast to look back at the EuroFoodArt campaign, a European initiative designed to promote food products carrying official European quality labels such as PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) and PGI (Protected Geographical Indication).
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In this episode of The Retail Influencer , Vincent Panneels welcomes Elisa Servais and Pascal Jacobs, Head of Line DIY&Home & Kitchen at Katoen Natie, to explore how the DIY industry is evolving beyond traditional supply chain models.
Together, they discuss why retailers, brands and logistics partners must move away from siloed thinking and embrace a value-creation ecosystem centered around the customer. From omnichannel expectations and last-mile delivery to service innovation, data sharing and customer experience, the conversation highlights how logistics is becoming a strategic driver of differentiation rather than simply a box-moving operation.
Drawing on insights from Thierry Coeman’s Hammer Time 2 white paper, the guests examine emerging DIY customer behaviors, the growing importance of services alongside products, and how collaboration across the entire value chain can create stronger customer loyalty and long-term growth.
A must-listen episode for retailers, brands, manufacturers and supply chain professionals looking to better understand the future of DIY retail.
Key topics discussed:
- The shift from price competition to value creation
- Why omnichannel customers require a new supply chain mindset
- The strategic role of last-mile delivery and unboxing experiences
- Service models in the DIY sector: DIY, Do It Together and Do It For Me
- Data sharing as a catalyst for collaboration and innovation
- Insights from the Hammer Time 2 white paper
- The future role of logistics in customer experience and loyalty development
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First piece of news: Vincent is no longer the only one driving 20/CENT Retail! Elisa Servais is now joining the adventure and will actively contribute to content creation and business development. She brings her expertise, enthusiasm, and a perspective that perfectly complements that of Vincent Panneels.
Another new development: every month, we'll bring you a recap of the key retail stories and trends that caught our attention. And this is the very first edition for The Retail Influencer podcast!
In this inaugural "Monthly Recap", we take a closer look at several topics that have shaped recent retail news:
• What's happening in Belgian food retail, where one player continues to stay under the radar while steadily moving forward and launching new initiatives.
• The latest milestone for Newpharma with the introduction of online consultations.
• The situation in Brussels, where French retailers continue to expand while the number of store closures keeps growing.
• Upcoming industry events, including the DIY Summit in Amsterdam, where Thierry Coeman's new white paper will be unveiled for the very first time.
We hope you'll enjoy this new format. Feel free to share your comments, suggestions, or topics you'd like us to cover in future editions.
And if you have a story, an innovation, or a piece of news you'd like to share with us, don't hesitate to get in touch!
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Retail is often perceived as a “cash machine.” Consumers regularly assume that supermarkets make huge profits on every shopping cart, especially during periods of inflation and rising food prices. But according to François Bernard, Offer Development Director at Carrefour Belgium, the reality is far more complex.
In this recent episode of The Retail Influencer by 20/CENT Retail, François Bernard shared a transparent breakdown of what actually happens behind a €100 shopping basket, and the numbers may surprise many people.
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In this episode of The Retail Influencer by 20/CENT Retail, I take you behind the scenes of a fascinating conversation I recently had — in French — with Morgane Lambaux from Carrefour Belgium.
Together, we explored one of Carrefour’s most interesting — yet still relatively unknown — initiatives: the Carrefour Quality Lines (Filières Qualité Carrefour – FQC). From local sourcing and transparency to fair partnerships with farmers and long-term retail differentiation, this project offers a unique perspective on how Carrefour is trying to rethink part of its assortment strategy.
During the episode, Morgane explains how Carrefour collaborates with producers and cooperatives to develop products that go beyond traditional standards, while progressively making local quality products more accessible to consumers.
From Belgian apples and carrots to meat, dairy and Belgian Gouda cheese, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at a retail initiative that combines sustainability, traceability, taste and local agriculture.
One of the most interesting parts of the discussion also revolves around a surprising paradox: despite representing more than 300 products and existing for more than 25 years in Belgium, the Carrefour Quality Lines are still not widely known by consumers.
This podcast episode was originally recorded in French.
If you would like to discover the full conversation and hear Morgane Lambaux explain the project in greater detail, I warmly invite you to listen to the French version of the episode.
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Some time ago, I had the pleasure of joining a press trip to the Kaltern region, in the heart of South Tyrol in Italy, near Bolzano.
For those more familiar with wine geography, this is Alto Adige, one of Italy’s most distinctive wine regions.
Beyond the postcard scenery, one question arises: why does this matter, and why should it interest wine retailers and distributors?
Two main reasons.
First, I discovered wines and practices that can truly differentiate shelf offerings.
Second, and more importantly, I encountered an approach to wine that speaks to a new generation: fresher, more accessible, more narrative-driven, without compromising quality or tradition.
The full story in this episode.
Cheers
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In this episode, we look at a first for Belgian retail: the launch by Colruyt Group of its very first artisanal wine, Pas de Soucis.
A fresh 100% Belgian white wine, produced from grapes grown at the Domaine Lez-Envies, in the heart of the Pays des Collines. More than just a cuvée, this project reflects a clear ambition: to showcase local expertise and further strengthen its commitment to Belgian supply chains.
How does a major retailer step into wine production? And what does this project reveal about evolving expectations around local sourcing, quality, and product identity?
We discuss it in the podcast.
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Tavola is just around the corner. And if you work in food retail, it’s definitely a place to be.
In the latest episode of The Retail Influencer by 20/CENT Retail, I share a short preview of what to expect from the upcoming edition of Tavola in Kortrijk (15–17 March), one of the most inspiring food trade shows in Europe.
And on Monday 16 March, I’ll have the pleasure of moderating two Tavola Talks sessions focusing on value creation and the transformation of retail.
All details in this episode
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In the run-up to Salon SHOP! Paris 2026, I had a fascinating conversation with Florent Zucca.
In this solo episode of The Retail Influencer, I take you behind the scenes of that discussion.
Why has this event become a key meeting point for professionals in retail and shopper marketing?
What are the major trends shaping this year’s edition?
And how can an event like SHOP! help brands and retailers better understand the future of the point of sale?
Drawing from my exchange with Florent, I share the ideas, insights and perspectives that stood out to me the most.
A great way to set the stage before meeting in Paris on April 1 and 2 to talk about retail design, in-store experience and innovation.
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For decades, ProWein has been a global meeting point for producers, retailers, buyers and experts from across the world. But this year, the event is entering a new chapter. Faced with changing consumer habits, new competition and the rapid evolution of the beverage market, the fair is reinventing itself.
In this episode, we’ll explore what this transformation means for the industry, what visitors can expect from the 2026 edition, and why trade fairs like ProWein remain essential platforms for innovation, networking and business.
Cheers!
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In this episode of The Retail Influencer by 20/CENT Retail, Vincent Panneels welcomes Valentine Dreyfuss from Mercio to discuss the evolution of pricing in brick-and-mortar retail and the growing role of Agentic AI.
Why is pricing still such a sensitive topic for retailers? Why has pricing historically been more dynamic in e-commerce than in physical stores? And most importantly, how could Agentic AI change the game?
Valentine Dreyfuss explains the difference between traditional predictive AI and multi-agent systems capable of integrating strategy, competitive context, and operational constraints. Together, they explore how these “virtual teams” of agents can help retailers respond to competitive attacks, maintain their price image, and protect margins.
A clear and practical conversation about the future of pricing in retail.
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What can we already learn about the future of fresh produce by looking at Fruit Logistica?
In the latest podcast episode, I sat down with David Ruetz, Senior Vice President at Messe Berlin, to discuss the upcoming edition of Fruit Logistica and its theme “Let’s grow!”. We talk about the key trends shaping the industry, the growing strategic role of logistics, sustainability challenges, and how visitors can extract real value from the show—even with limited time. A must-listen for growers, retailers, logistics players, and solution providers active in fresh produce.
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In this new episode of The Retail Influencer, I sit down with Elke Moebius to talk about the upcoming edition of EuroShop. We discuss the key trends currently shaping the retail industry, what visitors can expect from the event this year, and how the Euroshop is celebrating its 60th anniversary. Beyond the show itself, we also share some of our favourite retail spots in Düsseldorf and explain why these stores are worth a visit for anyone looking for inspiration. A conversation that blends strategic insights, industry trends, and concrete retail experiences on the ground.
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In January, retailers compete through campaigns to prove they are the cheapest.
Delhaize, Lidl, … a battle of numbers, methodologies and public reactions that raises an essential question:
can price still be the main argument in retail?
In this episode, here is My 20/CENT. Between campaigns, counter-analyses and social media buzz, one thing is certain: price is a lever… but not a long-term strategy.
What if the real question to highlight were a different one?
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2025 shook up the retail sector: store closures, the rise of e-commerce, and ever more demanding customer expectations…
For the third consecutive year, 20/CENT Retail is launching the Looking Forward series to kick off the year. On The Retail Influencer podcast, we welcomed six leading figures and experts to look back at the past year and decode the trends ahead.
Thierry Michiels from Carrefour explains how the group is focusing on data, local agility, and personalization to deliver an optimal customer experience.
Jennifer Nemry looks back at Delhaize’s accelerated digital transformation, with integrated e-commerce, AI, and connected stores.
IKEA is betting on sustainability and second-hand, with Nathalie Van Edom sharing the details.
DIY is reinventing itself, and Oliver Ginestier from EDRA-GHIN discusses more compact formats, enhanced services, repairability, and high value-added projects.
And when it comes to innovation and the challenges expected in 2026, Ben Miller from Shoptalk and Stefan Van Rompaey from RetailDetail highlight Sunday openings, the threat of Asian platforms in Europe, and explain how AI and retail media will transform the customer experience in 2026.
One clear conclusion: retail is evolving fast, driven by technology, personalization, and sustainability.
Find all Looking Forward 2026 episodes on The Retail Influencer by 20/CENT Retail.
Episodes available via
https://vincentpanneels.substack.com
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Fevia, the federation of the Belgian food industry, has presented its new sustainability roadmap for the next five years. This 2026–2030 roadmap builds on the previous one launched in 2021, for which the federation also presented an assessment. Between tangible progress, growing pressure on competitiveness and rising sustainability expectations, the sector is once again equipping itself with a strategic framework to navigate an increasingly demanding economic and regulatory environment.
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For everyone entering the period of annual negotiations (whether you are Key Account Managers, buyers, category managers, or executives), this episode is truly made for you. Fiorella Origlia, founder of La Révolution and author of the book The Retail Revolution, is the guest on the podcast The Retail Influencer.
In this episode, she addresses an essential topic: the necessary transformation of suppliers to perform in a retail environment that has already deeply evolved. Too many players still react at the last moment, only when the RFP lands in their inbox, whereas anticipation has become a key condition for success.
A former buyer at Adeo and Kingfisher, Fiorella shares a clear vision, practical tools, and a straightforward perspective on the supplier–retailer relationship, negotiation preparation, and the crucial importance of no longer suffering decisions but preparing ahead of time.
Drawing from her experience, she wrote a book titled The Retail Revolution to support companies in this transformation. The book is available at https://www.amazon.com/stores/Fiorella-Origlia/author/B0FQNYZF9D?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=f952562f-17d5-45b4-9a1c-c51804e5a8d5
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The European campaign EuroFoodArt continues its mission to promote products bearing the PDO and PGI labels. During the Horeca Expo trade show, from November 16 to 19 in Ghent, visitors will be able to discover and taste high-quality products from our regions.
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How can retailers turn store traffic into real business performance?
In this episode, The Retail Influencer welcomes Marc Ryski, CEO & Founder of HeadCount Corporation and author of several reference books on retail analytics, to explore the crucial topic of conversion in retail. Together, we discuss why conversion should be seen as a company-wide mindset rather than just a metric, how it differs from e-commerce, and which data levers truly matter in-store. Marc also explains the often-overlooked factors that drive or kill conversion, from staff engagement to store layout, and shares how retailers can detect issues early, train teams effectively, and prepare for the future of conversion in an AI-driven, omnichannel world.
A must-listen for anyone who wants to move beyond traffic counting and truly understand what drives performance in physical retail.
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How can you launch a concept and develop a brand in just a few months using experience, data, and AI? In this episode of The Retail Influencer, Gary Legrand, Chief Soup Officer at SO.UP!, reflects on his extraordinary journey in the world of soup.
From his beginnings with Soup Shop in Charleroi in 2001, through Soupissime and his retail and B2B experiences, Gary shares the lessons learned from his successes and failures. He explains how he bounced back after years of challenges, lost certain projects, and how he leveraged all his resources—his background, knowledge, data, and even AI—to create SO.UP!, a premium, creative, and scalable soup concept designed for retail and foodservice.
An inspiring episode for anyone looking to understand how to combine creativity, data, and resilience to succeed in today’s food retail industry.
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In this episode, the Retail Influencer examines self-checkouts: do they really replace employees? From innovations and absurd taxes to out-of-touch political decisions, we explore why common sense remains the best guide for retail.
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In the Company Journeys series, The Retail Influencer by 20/CENT Retail welcomes Arnaud Jacquemin, founder of Night Orient.
He looks back on his career, the experiences that shaped his entrepreneurial adventure, and the evolution of his business in the fast-growing no-alcohol segment. A conversation that sheds light on the development of the brand and how both the segment and its consumers have evolved in recent years.
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In this new episode, we sit down with Alex van Gestel from EPAM to dive into the findings of the Consumer Voice Report 2025.
Where do retailers really stand when it comes to AI adoption? Why is customer experience still such an underused field of application? And how can companies move beyond quick wins to build a truly strategic vision?
Together, we explore concrete use cases, the cultural barriers still holding many players back, and the trends to watch as AI budgets are set to grow in 2025.
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In this episode of The Retail Influencer by 20/CENT Retail, I sit down with Jeff De Graef from ServiceNowto dive into the latest Consumer Voice survey and explore what it reveals about the evolving relationship between customers, human agents, and AI.
Is AI ready for emotional customer interaction? Why do consumers still prefer human contact while being critical of AI, despite its advantages? Jeff also shares concrete examples of emotionally intelligent AI in action, insights on when customers trust or avoid AI, and his vision of the ideal customer experience in 2025.
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Reducing theft-related losses remains a major challenge for retailers, whether they are independents or managing a network of hundreds of stores. In this episode, Tom Symons, founder of iRetailCheck and Profit Protection Services, shares his expertise on in-store shrinkage and the technological tools that can help prevent it.
We discuss the different types of theft, human error, and the concrete solutions available to detect these issues without harming the customer experience. Tom explains how artificial intelligence can identify suspicious behaviors such as scan-avoidance or push-out theft, what level of investment is required, and how accessible these technologies are for smaller store formats.
This is an episode for anyone who wants to understand how to protect their revenue from those infamous “Oops, I forgot” customers.
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In this episode, Vincent is joined by Gijs de Mol, co-founder of Root Sustainability, for a conversation on the challenges of sustainability reporting. Accurately reporting on sustainability requires reliable data, the right tools, and a clear understanding of complex frameworks, which is something that’s far from easy for both retailers and manufacturers.
Gijs breaks down the intricacies of scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, explains why the biggest impact often lies beyond a company’s direct operations, and discusses how outdated tools like spreadsheets are holding teams back. He also highlights how innovations like digital product passports could revolutionize supply chain traceability.
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In this episode of The Retail Influencer, we dive into the evolving world of gardening with Gerco de Graaf, Director of Sales Europe at EGO POWER+. As the sector transitions from traditional retail models to more service- and sustainability-focused approaches, Gerco shares his unique perspective on where the market is heading.
We explore current consumer trends, the rise of cordless and battery-powered equipment, and how to deal with seasonality in such a dynamic sector. From innovation processes to ideal retail partnerships, this episode is packed with practical insights for professionals in the gardening and DIY retail space.
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Important regulatory deadlines are approaching (CSRD, EUDR, and more). Ensuring traceability, managing data, and demonstrating compliance can be complex and overwhelming. Yet, retailers and manufacturers are already feeling the impact and taking action.
In this episode of The Retail Influencer, I speak with Stijn Scheepers, Country Director Benelux at osapiens, about the mounting pressure on companies to adapt to evolving regulations like the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). We explore how retailers and suppliers can get ready, the crucial role of data and digital tools in achieving compliance, and why shifting from a reactive to a proactive approach is now essential.
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In this episode, my guest is none other than Thierry Coeman, author, speaker, and ambassador for All Fields. A go-to expert when it comes to a topic as broad and strategic as field marketing and in-store activation.
Before diving into trends, we took the time to lay the groundwork and clarify what field marketing truly means. From there, we unpacked the sector’s dynamics, explored current major trends, Thierry’s take on real-world challenges, the ongoing importance of the human factor, and much more.
A must-listen if you work in the field, in activation, or if you're simply looking to better understand what really makes a difference at the point of sale.
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In this episode of The Retail Influencer, I sit down with Ana Pinto, CEO of RECKON.AI, to explore the fast-evolving world of unmanned stores. From the core AI technology powering these concepts to the challenges of implementation, we cover it all. We also dive into the strategic use of data, the impact on customer experience, and what it takes to scale these solutions in real-world retail environments.
If you're curious about the future of convenience, automation, and intelligent retail, this episode is packed with insights.
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In this episode, we're diving into a different kind of trade show, one that’s not open to everyone, but still plays a major role in shaping the retail landscape: the tradeshow organised by a retailer for its affiliates and suppliers.
I see event as a place to network, spot trends, and of course, do business. But unlike massive international fairs like SIAL or Anuga, the event on our agenda today is something else entirely. It’s organized by a retailer, for its own network of stores and suppliers. A private, large-scale gathering that deserves a closer look.
Joining me today to talk about this unique concept are Paul Peugnet and Nathalie Matterne from Carrefour Belgium.
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Why is this campaign making a comeback at Carrefour Belgium? And why as a summer edition, no less? How does this initiative fit into the overall commercial strategy?
Answers to these questions, and much more, in this episode dedicated to Scanmania 3.0, featuring Yannick de Bièvre, Director of Marketing, Customer Services & Analytics, and Paul Peugnet, Chief Commercial Officer at Carrefour.
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The checkout area is a key part of any store, and many retailers use it to drive impulse purchases. But what are the real drivers of impulse buying, especially when it comes to confectionery?
In this episode, I’m joined by Fred Naymark, one of the co-founders of the candy brand Yolloh. With his impressive on-the-ground experience, he shares his highly pragmatic vision of the confectionery category, covering innovation, merchandising, and shelf management.
Together, we talked about trends, impulse buying, how to optimize checkout zones, top-performing formats, and best practices to boost in-store sales through co-creation.
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In this episode, I sit down with Chris Peterson, author of Red and Blue Customers, to explore the fascinating intersection of values and purchasing behavior. What if the way people vote actually influences how they shop? That’s exactly the question Chris set out to answer. Together we spoke among other things about insights from his research into conservative and liberal values, implications and opportunities for brands and retailers, and how values evolve in response to broader political climates.
Don’t forget to check out Chris's book Red and Blue Customers and request to take the test to see where your brand stands: https://www.lifemind.ai/book
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In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Ben Miller from Shoptalk about some of the key trends shaping the retail industry today. From cutting through the noise of the AI hype to discussing the growing synergy between physical and digital retail, we covered a lot of ground. We also explored the rapid rise of retail media and what it means for brands and retailers alike.
And of course, we talked about the upcoming Shoptalk Europe event happening this June in Barcelona. If you're a retailer or a brand, don’t forget: the deadline to register for the Hosted Retailers & Brands Programme is May 9 — so act fast!
This year, 20/CENT Retail is proud to be a Shoptalk partner, and if you'd like a ticket or want to know more, feel free to reach out to me directly.
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Today, I bring you a fascinating conversation with three winemakers: Jacob Bruun-Jensen from Dyrehøj Vingaard, Kim Thrysøe from Guldbæk Vingård, and Helle Stokkebye from Stokkebye Vineyard, as we dive into the world of cool climate wines, with a special focus on Danish wines.
We discussed the definition of these cool climate wines, the challenges they face, the issue of brand awareness, how they are perceived by the trade and by consumers, as well as the evolution of the wine market in Denmark and the country’s positioning. We even had the chance to mention the upcoming Cool Climate Wine Summit in Copenhagen, taking place in January 2026.
I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank the Prowein team for providing the recording studio at the fair for this special episode.
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In this episode, I spoke about Skills4Retail with two guests: Nicole Bartolo, Business Development & Events Associate, and Sabrina Di Ruggiero, Project Manager at Schuman Associates.
Skills4Retail is an innovative European project aimed at supporting the green, digital, and resilient transition of the retail sector.
The podcast explores the origins of the project, the people behind it, its key achievements, and the countries and companies involved. It concludes with an invitation for you to join the pledge in support of this transformation via: https://skills4retail.eu/join-the-pledge/
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Today, I invite you to discover a fascinating conversation with Nicolas Ancion about the PRIX JUSTE label, a committed project that brings new meaning to the food supply chain.
In this episode, Nicolas discusses the origins of the initiative, the concrete benefits for producers and consumers, and the future outlook for building a fairer model.
It was a conversation full of ideas and values. Tune in now on your favorite platform!
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Saveurs et Métiers set up shop in Namur from February 2 to 4, and let’s be clear: the event lived up to expectations! With increased attendance and fully booked conferences, the atmosphere was dynamic, the exchanges enriching, and industry trends well highlighted. Here’s a recap of this event, which 20/CENT Retailparticipated in intensively for three days, along with the key takeaways.
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This episode is a great one, as I get to chat about industry trends with a true specialist.
Stijn Bex, Co-Founder of Bullseye Distribution, joins me to discuss the evolving landscape of the drinks, sweets, and snacks industry.
We dive into key market trends, including the rise of "less" (less sugar, less alcohol, etc.), the growing demand for premium products, the importance of experience-driven consumption, and much more.
What’s shaping the market? Tune in to find out!
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EUROCIS 2025 is just around the corner! From February 18 to 20, Düsseldorf will become the epicenter of retail technology. On this episode of The Retail Influencer, I sit down with Elke Moebius, to explore what’s in store for this year’s edition. Tune in to discover the key trends, innovations, and highlights shaping the future of retail.
EUROCIS, 2-4 February 2025, Dusseldorf Messe, Dusseldorf, Germany, https://www.eurocis-tradefair.com
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Lieven Vanlommel, the CEO of Foodmaker joins the Retail Influencer for this episode. Together, we dive into the origins of this trailblazing company and explore its mission to make healthy eating accessible to all. Actually, I shouldn’t use the word “company” as Lieven often refers to Foodmaker as the healthy wave or movement. During our conversation, he shares insights into Foodmaker’s journey, from its humble beginnings to its ongoing expansion in Belgium and beyond. Discover how the brand is conquering new markets in France and Germany while staying true to its core values of sustainability, quality, and innovation.
Tune in for an inspiring conversation about building a business with purpose and redefining what it means to eat well.
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In this special episode, I sit down with Marie Henin from Easyfairs to give you an exclusive preview of Saveurs et Métiers, the must-attend event for food and retail professionals to kick off the year in Belgium (and around).
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For the second year in a row, Chun Kay Tang from Mollie joins The Retail Influencer by 20/CENT Retail to discuss the findings of their latest E-commerce Report. In this insightful episode, we unpack the key trends shaping retail in 2025.
From shifting consumer habits to economic pressures and opportunities, the report offers a wealth of data and actionable insights. Did you know that 4 out of 10 consumers plan to spend more online this year? That’s just one of the many fascinating takeaways we explore in this episode.
Whether you're a retailer, e-commerce professional, or just curious about the future of online shopping, this episode is packed with valuable information to help you navigate the ever-changing digital landscape.
Don’t miss this conversation.
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There are many retail events in our region and as many of you know, the trade show is in my opinion a very efficient media for networking, doing business and discover the trends of a sector.
Yearly I attend quite a lot of conferences, seminars and tradeshows. And over the years, during my visits and discussions with retail professionals, two recurring questions always come up:
- The first one : “Hey Vincent, which trade fairs should I attend, or which ones are worthwhile?”
- And the second question comes after my visits to any tradeshow, it is: “So Vince, what interesting things did you see?”
This post focuses on answering the first of these questions. So, without further ado, here’s a selection of the unmissable events for the year 2025: Eurocis, Shoptalk, Shop! and Anuga
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In this episode, I sit down with Ulrich Spaan from the EHI Retail Institute to dive into the technologies shaping the future of retail. From the rise of generative AI to the evolution of self-checkout systems, we discuss what’s driving these trends, how they’re transforming processes, and what retailers and brands should watch out for in 2025.
We also touch on the EHI's presence at the upcoming EuroCIS event—don't miss it!
Tune in to explore the cutting-edge innovations and insights that are setting the pace for the industry.
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Let’s dive into one of the most anticipated events in the food industry calendar: ISM and ProSweets Cologne, taking place from February 2nd to 5th, 2025. As the first major international trade show of the year, ISM and Prosweets set the tone for the industry's health and trends, making it a must-visit event for professionals.
I'm always excited to attend, and I highly recommend you do the same!
To explore what’s in store for the upcoming edition and the framework of the 'Sweet Week,' I had the pleasure of speaking with Sabine Schommer, Director of ISM, and Guido Hentschke, Director of ProSweets Cologne. Let’s uncover their insights and what makes these events truly unmissable.
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Eurofoodart is a campaign highlighting local products, the terroir, and in particular PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) and PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) labels. Did you know that Belgium counts 12 products with these labels on its territory?
Philippe Mattart, Managing Director of Apaq-W, spoke to the Retail Influencer about the campaign. In this episode, he explains the different labels, reviews some of our Belgian PGIs and PDOs and, of course, explains the importance of Eurofoodart and its actions.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency (REA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
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Food plays an essential role in our health. With this in mind, the Vrije Universiteit Brussel and UZ Brussel, with the support of the Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek Fund, are launching a study to investigate the impact of a fibre-rich diet on the side effects of immunotherapy for cancer patients. The study, called FORX, will be supported by Delhaize, which will deliver weekly parcels of plant products (fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds) to 60 cancer patients taking part in the study.
Jennifer Nemry, VP E-commerce and Florence Caporali, E-commerce Commercial & Activation Director at Delhaize, appeared on the podcast to explain why the group is supporting this study.
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On November 25, 2024, an exclusive event will take place at the Gare Maritime (Tour & Taxis, Brussels). In fact, it's a double event, as participants will have the opportunity to take part in a Good Food speed dating event and attend the pitch of the 2024 class of startups that took part in the Foodup program.
This will be an opportunity for professionals to discover local and sustainable food innovations from numerous start-ups. Elodie Bouscarat, the driving force behind Foodup, spoke to the Retail Influencer to explain how the event works, the practical aspects and how you can get involved.
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SIAL opens its doors in a few days' time, and there are several anniversaries to celebrate. The 60th anniversary of the show, but also 30 years of Walloon presence at the event.
Let’s review a few tips for you to prepare for the upcoming edition of the show. The episode is short, but that's deliberate, because I want to give you time to prepare your visit as quickly as possible.
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The Week without Meat will be held for the second time in Belgium from 14 to 20 October. The initiative, which has spread to several European countries, is coming back to Belgium to continue to raise consumer awareness. Audrey Vandenbauw, Campaign Manager at Week Without Meat, joined the Retail Influencerpodcast to explain the campaign's ambition: to inform, raise awareness and not polarize.
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ScanMania is back at Carrefour Belgium. The second edition of this action is even bigger, more impressive and funkier. So why not having two guests for this week’s episode?
Yannick de Bièvre, Director of Marketing, Customer Services & Analytics, and Paul Peugnet, Chief Commercial Officer at Carrefour spoke to the Retail Influencer about the stakes and scope of the 2024 edition.
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Let's talk money. How much does a Senior Marketeer earn? What is the base salary you should expect for a sales representative? These questions and many more are answered in the Salary Guide published by Generations Recruitment. Yoni Szpiro, founder of the recruitment agency, spoke to the Retail Influencerabout developments and lessons to be learned from the annual barometer.
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As a visitor to many trade fairs and events, I'm often asked the same question: What does the perfect stand look like? That's a question we try to answer with Amaury Catlin from D-Side Group.
Discover the four essential elements to pay attention to in this episode.
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It's not easy to find a job that suits you, or in a company that matches your values. What if the starting point was to first get to know yourself before jumping at every opportunity?
For the Retail Influencer podcast, Yoni Szpiro presented the GRAM (Generations Recruitment Aspirational Model). It is a model designed for professionals after a great deal of research and reflection, to help you discover your personality profile at work.
And for those who want to do the GRAM here is the link : https://generationsrecruitment.com/fr/gram/
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In this episode, 20/CENT Retail gives a quick review of a few events to mark in your agenda. Packaging, Optics, Food, Marketing… there is inspiration to be found on various events covering different industries.
Also, I point out three events you should already note in your agenda for 2025.
Enjoy
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In this episode, the Retail Influencer welcomes Dagmar Roesner from Kangaroo Ridge. Together we dive into the innovative approach behind their bag-in-box approach and explore the story behind the upcoming rebranding of this Australian brand. Get ready to uncork some insights on sustainable packaging, brand evolution, and what it takes to stay ahead in the competitive wine industry.
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A podcast recorded some time ago, but well worth a listen. In these times of disruption and successive crises (logistics under strain, inflation, etc.), (fashion) retailers don't always have it easy. That's why the Retail Influencer wanted to take a closer look at Kiabi Belgium with Managing Director Jérôme Calonne. The group is dynamic, with positive results and several customer-focused initiatives. It's an interesting example from which others can learn (and not just in the fashion world).
As a bonus for subscribers, a visit to a Kiabi concept in Brussels and Kiabi Kids in Waterloo is available on 20/CENT Retail. (www.20CENTRETAIL.com)
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Anyone still talking about goodies is clearly out of date. The promotional items market is highly professional and clearly made up of players who pay attention to service, methodology, but also sustainability. To discuss trends in this segment, Tom Verhaert, CEO of Kick and Rush, came to the microphone of the Retail Influencer by 20/CENT Retail and together we talked about branding, sustainability and even the market size.
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Kellanova inaugurated its largest European logistics site in Mechelen (Belgium). It marks a major investment in the region and a new stage in its sustainable development. In this episode, Luc Houben, General Manager Benelux at Kellanova, explains how this hub will help reduce traffic, increase efficiency in logistics but most importantly how it fits in the sustainable strategy of the group.
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The Colruyt Group is testing an electric tractor. Not in a supermarket, of course, but in the Group's orchards and vineyards. So why is this test so important to the Group's sustainability and efficiency strategy?
To answer these questions, Kim Vancauwenberghe, Manager of the Innovation Hub of the Colruyt Group, spoke to the Retail Influencer.
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This week’s chat is with Bart Janssen, General Manager North Europe at ACER.
Together we examine the company’s road to market approach in the region. We also discuss about sustainability topics such as carbon neutrality targets or end-of-life of products to name a few. A quite interesting discussion with very honest and open responses from our guest.
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The LEOO (Les Entreprises de l'Optique Ophtalmique) is once again organizing the Manufacture Tour on June 3. This initiative aims to increase opticians' knowledge of the origins, history and manufacturing methods of frames, lenses and accessories produced by French manufacturers. Laure-Anne Copel, General Secretary of LEOO, spoke to the Retail Influencer to tell more about the day, and to remind us that opticians from all countries are welcome to attend.
Further information and registration via https://www.manufacture.tours
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Imagine earning money for cooking at home. It sounds a little improbable, but that's what Carrefour Belgium is proposing today by teaming up with Coco Cooking, an app that pays its users when they cook.
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How to appeal to customers' senses with digital solutions? That's the theme of this episode with Mat Wilde from Mood Media in which we look at some examples of solutions that aim to create a brand identity and enhance the customer experience. At the end of the episode, we even discuss the human aspect, which remains an essential element in any interaction, even a digital one.
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In retail, wine is unique. Brands don’t dominate the category but the product does. Therefore building a brand is quite an achievement. In this episode of the Retail influencer, Vincent Panneels chats with Javiera Vial Wünkhaus from VSPT Wine and Olivier Lejeune from Schenk Benelux about how Gato Negro built a name, developed itself and became a successful wine brand on the market.
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In this episode, Christophe Echement sheds light on Ping Price's latest analysis of Delhaize's Little Lions concept.
What do we learn from our interview? Among other things, that 1000 seems to be a magic number for retailers, that Little Lions doesn't mean fixed price, and that Delhaize is consistent in its communication.
Find out more in the latest episode of the Retail Influencer.
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Loyalty campaigns, shrinkflation and ethics in fashion shopping are just some of the issues addressed in a recent study by Lightspeed. In a new episode of the podcast, Ewout van Rossum comments on this study in more detail.
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After a successful first year, the FOODUP incubator is back, calling on entrepreneurs whose projects contribute to the sustainable food transition. Elodie Bouscarat tells us more about the program and the values it stands for.
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EuroCIS will soon open its doors in Düsseldorf and who better than Elke Moebius to talk about what you can expect from the upcoming edition. Listen to some of the trends and highlights of this year’s show on this episode .
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My guest in this episode is Joeri Perneel, CEO of NEXGEN Europe. Together we discuss his experience in the cannabis industry and the challenges linked with being a pioneer in a difficult new segment. We also discuss the launch of a new range, destined to fuel a wellness category in retail.
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In this episode I chat with Chun Kay Tang from Mollie about the European e-commerce report. This study reveals a few interesting insights on consumers’ online behaviour.
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Climate change affects various aspects of our life and our industries. It is of course also the case in the wine production. But we need to understand the effects in details and also analyse every region and country differently. Perhaps, the effects of climate change are not the same everywhere? Therefore, the answer to climate change should not be the same everywhere. These are all valid questions don’t you think?
So, I thought it would be interesting to take a case and to see how the Belgian wine industry is facing the issue. To help us see better and understand the big picture, Vicky Corbeels, Sustainability researcher in the Wine sector came on our microphone for a chat.
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Consuming less meat could help the environment. To convince you to adopt this habit, you could try the Week without meat. The event started in 2018 in the Netherlands and it is now rolling out to Belgium, with the ambition to conquer Europe and its consumers. To tell you more about the concept, Isabel Boerdam, the founder of the idea came on the Retail Influencer to have a chat
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AI is a hot topic in retail at the moment. But to make sure the hype is here to stay; the market needs to see concrete and efficient applications. To help us see a bit more clearly on the topic, David Grunewald, AI strategist came for a chat.
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The technique of Buy now pay later is probably familiar to you. But how is it perceived by consumers and how useful is it for retailers? These are valid questions and a recent study by Lightspeed sheds some light on the perception of this concept. Ewout van Rossum, Regional Manager Retail Benelux at Lightspeed came to explain the results of the study.
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Wine production in Belgium has evolved considerably in recent years, both in terms of quality and volume. Belgian winemakers are exporting all over the world, and retailers are taking an increasing interest in the phenomenon.
Delhaize is even a forerunner in this field: in addition to reserving a place for Belgian winemakers on its shelves, the retailer has even collaborated with one of them to create its own brand of Belgian wine, Leo Vinum. To talk about this project, my guests are Christophe Bollyn, buyer at Delhaize, and Jeroen Houben from Domein Hoenshof.
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The Anuga is coming up. So, Jan Philipp Hartmann, the Director of the event is my guest in this episode. Together we chat about the upcoming event which brings together food professionals from all over the world to Cologne.
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Let's talk about the word that's on everyone's lips at the moment in Belgian food retail: franchising.
Though, let me reassure you. This episode isn't about shooting red-hot bullets at the concept. Nor am I going to start giving you a ladleful of stores with and without picket lines.
No, it's more like a bunch of questions that have been running through my head since early March.
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As a young entrepreneur or startup, the dream is to approach retail buyers directly. But the process can be sometimes confusing, time consuming, and even frustrating when trying to find your right category manager.
So good news to all young manufacturers out there as Delhaize and RangeMe announced their new partnership.
From now on, a matchmaking digital system exists. So as a young entrepreneur you can simply use the new platform and be put directly in contact with the right department and responsible.
On the other hand , the life of category managers is also made easier as the new tool will help them search, filter and even set up campaigns to find new partners and suppliers.
To explain the new system and give us all the practical advantages for (local) startups and businesses I welcome John van der Valk, CEO of RangeMe and Antoine Walravens, Director Assortment strategy Space Management and Local Products at Delhaize Ahold.
To determine and optimise your pricing policy is quite crucial. Some of you might have heard or consider to use the Yield Management approach. But is it suitable for you ? What are the advantages?
The best is to ask an expert and I have the pleasure to welcome Valentine Dreyfuss from Mercio. She helps us get a better understanding on the subject.
Our topic in this episode are payment trends. CCV recently published its yearly Pulse report listing a few of the major trends in payment methods. Sam Arckens, the CCO of CCV came to guide us through the report.
Many reconsider their meat consumption and nobody denies that plant based alternatives are a necessity on the shelves. But did consumers really abandon meat? and should alternatives be allowed to use whichever name they want just for marketing purposes? To discuss these points, my guest for this episode is Michael Gore, Managing Director of FEBEV (the Belgian Meat Federation).
Robots are a trend in retail at the moment. But there are many different aspects of the value chains that see robots involved. In this episode we look at warehouse robots in particular, and to discuss this topic, my guest is Wim Vermeir Expert Warehouse robotics at Exotec
In comments or through feedback, many of you told me that you listen to this podcast with a coffee in your hand. Well you will be happy to know more about the one in your mug as it is this episode’s topic.
Guillaume Bergiers is Category Manager at Delhaize Belgium and we had a chat about the coffee category and the Brand Latitude 28. You will discover that coffee today needs to be more than just a good roast. Fairtrade, quality and affordability become key requirements for the segment.
When talking about food retail, the name Deliveroo still seems surprising for many. However, the company has developed strongly and is making its mark in the delivery sector. In this episode, Yoann Antoine, Head of Retail, explains the rise of Deliveroo in retail and unveils the next developments of the group.
Sustainability is one of the major concerns in retail today. But to truly do something about it, manufacturers and retailers should measure their impact with the best precision possible.
inoqo offers impact assessments for all food & beverage products so one can make informed decisions to
create a more sustainable business module.
Markus Linder Founder of INOQO participates in this episode to explain why product assessment is necessary but also useful to take better informed decisions.
An efficient pricing approach is essential for retailers and especially in the current economic context.
In this episode, my guest is Rémi Casanova from Pricemoov who helps us understand the effects of inflation and gives advice on which areas retailers and manufacturers should focus.
To implement reusable packaging in a sustainable system is a key challenge for catering and food retail businesses. To help companies in this sustainable transition, Jan Patzer and Lennart Heynercreated Crafting Future. The young start-up helps develop and produce sustainable packaging, but it also advises companies when it comes to develop a circular model. In this episode I chat with both cofounders about the different aspects of their vision but also recycling, deposit systems and many more.
Urban farming is a relatively recent concept. Many pilot projects are developed and the idea is to make cities more sustainable and self-sufficient. Technology and know-how are necessary but profitability also needs to be achieved. With this in mind, my guest in this episode is Jens Krogshede, Co-Founder and CEO at Nabo Farm. Together we chat about the young start-up’s experience with urban farming, but also about the technological side and a new software designed to help the new generation of urban farmers.
What to do with plastic at the end of its life? That is the question, isn’t it? Wouldn’t it be great if we could still find a way to transform these plastics into something useful?
Well, it seems that a specific insect, the Galleria mellonella might be a solution. In this episode, Nathalie Berezina from Norbite explains how this insect can digest and transform plastics into proteins, lipids and biofertilizers. These can then be used in various industries for feed, cosmetics and more.
Today a packaging needs to be sustainable and this means many different things. (Reuse, Recycle, Compost etc…). But there is also another major trend in the packaging industry which focuses on digitalisation. So, what does it imply? Concretely what applications and achievements are made today?
To discuss this digitalisation I invited Greet Vanoppen, Strategy & Design Leader at .becoming belgium.
The world faces conditions such as diabetes or malnutrition. Therefore, educating consumers is quite an important challenge. Retailers and brands even make it a pillar in their plans as they have a major role to play.
And to address the challenge, initiatives such as the ones my guests started might help. Tuulia Järvinen and Laura Holland founded Venner Nutrition and took on the task of empowering families to live healthy and happy lives. In this episode, you will hear about improving food awareness through gamification.
Covid, supply chain, the Ukrainian conflict... The crises follow one another. It makes you wonder if a startup can still launch itself and make its mark on the market.
Yet some do, and the buzzword to describe them is resilience. To talk about this term and no doubt inspire you, my guest today is Gary Garnier-Guisgand from Nespart. Together we talk about Kidywolf, a brand of toys and objects for children that launched at the end of 2019 and that despite successive crises has established itself well in several countries. A great example that with resilience, great results can happen.
In this episode we are talking about a well known system in the food industry, the Nutriscore. The concept is designed to help consumers identify healthy products. It is a visual attempt to simplify the nutritional value of food product.
But since the introduction of the system, it has also been described as far from perfect. Therefore in this episode with my guest, Aris Christodoulou, Founder and President at SIGA, we put the Nutriscore under the microscope.
Listen to it on this episode titled : the Nutriscore debunked.
In the news this week
- Times are tough for specialised alternative food stores
- Nolhtaced is the retailer formerly known as Decathlon
- “Let’s go” is the new European brand campaign of MediaMarkt
- Finish, the Dishwasher detergent brand continues to raise awareness among Belgians to save more water
- Kraft Heinz, starts a new step in its partnership with Pieter Pot, the online packaging-free supermarket.
The French Market is definitely an appealing target for any company. But in order to enter the market, a manufacturer must first prepare and ask itself some questions. For example, should you use an agent, a wholesaler or go directly, or perhaps use another road?How do you seduce buyers? What drives consumers? ...
These and other questions are addressed in today's episode with Mathilde Imrie of Sutralis, an organisation that helps companies enter the French market.
As you will hear, Mathilde will give you pointers and a lot of facts to help you in the right direction.
In the news this week
- Newpharma helps the Colruyt Group in preventive healthcare
- Carrefour Belgium and Takeway.com start a test to deliver groceries
- Retailers help Pink Ribbon to fight breast Cancer
- Anuga and Innova Market Insights enhance their collaboration
Inflation, Purchase power , e-commerce or customer experience. These are just some of the parameters that retailers have to juggle with today. For this episode, my guest comes from a major player in the food retail industry. Alexandros Boussis, Senior Vice President Commerce & Marketing at Delhaize Belgium discusses with me about all these aspects. As you will hear, he was very candid and open about the current crisis and how Delhaize reacts in the current circumstances.
In the news this week :
- Tough year due to inflation, so Jef Colruyt tells it like it is.
- Happy Birthday AH Foundation
- It was a big week at Delhaize
- The agenda for october with SIAL Paris and the Mercury Price
Cycling is today more and more popular as a mean of transportation, a mobility solution for your employees, or even a sustainable delivery method. As a specialised retailer, Bike Republic intends to offer solutions for all cycling enthusiasts.
As the group is expanding, I thought it would be nice to have a chat with Wim Teerlynck, General Manager of Bike Republic. During our chat, Wim explains the ambitions of the group, how the future will be and how it all fits in the Colruyt Group ecosystem.
In the news this week :
Comeos and its members save energy
CLC Luxembourg involves ambassadors to promote shopping in the country
Kiabi freezes prices on selected winter items
Carrefour Express is 25 years old
Albert Heijn helps you find your products
Cru number 4 opened in Dilbeek
Frits van Eerd avoids an ackward family sunday
In this episode my guest is MICHEL KOCH from DIAMART CONNECT. Together, we discuss three major trends in retail : Resilience in times of crisis, digital transformation, and of course CSR. I also took the opportunity to ask him to unveil the next Connect Lille which will take place in November.
In the headlines this week
- Patagonia gives his shares to the Earth
- I don't know how money laundering works, but the dutch tax authotrities suspect that Jumbo's CEO Frits van Eerd does.
- Saveurs et Metiers launches awards
- Amazon Belgium comes in peace but doesn't say when
- Agenda : remember DMEXCO is next week, Sial Paris is in a month so get your tickets in order.
Let’s review a few facts about palm oil. Why is it used so often? Is it bad for the environment or is there such thing as a sustainable palm oil production? How is it viewed by retailers and consumers?
To answer these questions, my guest is Michelle Desilets, Executive Director of the Orangutan Land Trust,. For many years, she has watched closely the evolution of the industry and she also participates in many platforms working towards a more sustainable palm oil.
In the news this week,
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Test Achat/Test Aankoop and retailers disagree on semantics
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Kruidvat will use a new DC in Oosterhout
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Action has a new General Manager
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Cactus will save loads of paper
The food industry is in full transformation, consumers modify their habits drastically and all those changes are opportunities for manufacturers and producers. In this episode, Jean-Gabriel Mollard from SIAL Network, highlights the main trends of the food industry worldwide and of course, unvails a bit of what's to be expected at SIAL Paris in October.
In the news this week,
- the battle to maintain the purchase power : how do retailers react and the harsh negociations between retailers and manufacturers
- Makro/Metro asks for protection
- Hema tests mobile payments
- The agenda of september : Dmexco and the Négoce Connecté
In today’s episode my guest is Doriane Magnus from Kiabi Belgium. Together we talk about customer experience both online and in store. And we also chat about the efforts the group makes when it comes to sustainability.
Data is a topic that nobody in retail can ignore. But do you truly understand the concept? Are retailers going in the right direction? And what about the human factor?
In this episode, I chat with Edouard Beaucourt from Snowflake. Together we discuss the challenges and opportunities linked to data management.
Could retail and the food industry function without any packaging? Often, and for various reasons, packagings are seen as a necessity. On top of that, they are a strong marketing tool as well. So, a world without packaging sounds hard to believe.
But in the recent years we have seen the rise of packaging free supermarkets and they prove that a packaging-free grocery chain is possible.
An example of such concept is Pieter Pot. The young Dutch start-up started in 2019 and is active in both Netherlands and Belgium. Recently it reached a serious symbolic threshold: in two years, with their methods, their clients avoided to use 2 Million of packagings. So, what are the secrets to a packaging-free chain? You will hear them in this episode with Puck Schaaphok, Head of Belgium at Pieter Pot.
The last mile is today a challenge for any retailer when it comes to home deliveries. Many parameters come to play in the equation and we see different solutions proposed by retailers or startup companies.
In this episode, my guest comes from YPER, a dynamic French startup founded in 2016. Alexandre Meynadier, Commercial Director took time to chat with me and explain how the collaborative approach to home deliveries can be beneficial to the last mile challenge.
Pricing is an important element in your strategy. Instinctively, you might think that the lowest price is the one you have to apply and aim for. But is it so? Maybe price sensitivity is something you should measure? It is quite an interesting topic and to talk about it, my guest is Jérôme Laurent from Pricinghub. Together we chat about how retailers can study, measure and optimize their strategy when it comes to pricing.
In this episode, I chat about field marketing with my guest Jari Anttonen from Znapio, a company specialised in mobile solutions.
When it comes to field marketing, I have quite some experiences. In previous lives, I have been on the road and have had the joy of alternating miles with visits to sales outlets. And I also know what it’s like to have to manage a team of field sales representatives. Those were fun experiences with also some challenges, and one of them was reporting.
So, when I learned about the existence of Znapio, I thought it was interesting to chat with Jari. Together we discuss about the challenges paired with the different ways of collecting and organising data from store visits. And you will also hear that having a solution for such challenges can surprisingly help with your field team's morale.
My guest in this episode is Mathieu France, Founding and Managing Partner of Mediafield.
Together we discuss openly about a few of the trends animating outdoor advertising today. Mathieu also shares his advices and explains what your main purpose should be when planning an outdoor campaign.
It was great to record with him as one can hear how passionate he is about his field.
The wine industry is close to the land. Winegrowers listen to, and cherish their soils. In recent years, some have even embraced biodynamics. To talk about this topic, my guest today is Gérard Bertrand, President of Gérard Bertrand Wines. He is a major producer in the southwest of France and above all a fervent defender of the earth and the values of biodynamic farming.
It’s time for another chat with a start-up. Diane Noyes founded Cool BeansFoods and created a range of meat alternatives based on…you guessed it: beans. As it is the purpose of this kind of episode, I let Diane present her concept and also we discuss the struggle and challenges that a young start-up can encounter when starting from scratch.
The relationship between a brand and its customers has evolved considerably in recent years. And as you all know; the digital era has further accentuated the need for a brand to participate in an active discussion rather than a passive one.
As a company specialized in customer relations, Eloquant decided for its 20th anniversary to do a study and look at the customer-brand interactions. To talk about the results of this survey, my guest is Alain Bouveret, General Manager of Eloquant.
Together, we discuss among other things about :
- What are actual consumers' expectations when it comes to customer relationship,
- how brands should converse with clients,
- which channels are the best ones?
- and many other points...
The FMCG professionals obviously know about the existence of GS1, the organisation whose mission is to make the supply chain more efficient by offering global standards for the identifying, capturing and sharing of data.
But did you know that the organisation recently launched a program designed to help you optimise your brand’s presence in all different channels online and offline?
To discuss about this, in this episode, my guest is Luc Demeulenaere, an expert in category management and one of the lecturers in this GS1 College. He explains why as a brand or manufacturer, you should attend and which benefits you will get out of it.
https://www.gs1belu.org/en/program-2-category-management-store-brand-presence?utm_campaign=GS1-college&utm_medium=link&utm_source=referral
You probably all have heard about the Silicon Valley, but have you ever heard of a Retail Valley? Well actually, if one place can claim this title it should be the region of Lille in France. Strategically, the city is very well located and the region has a rich history of economic development. To explain more about the region and why it is "the one and only Retail Valley", I invited Luisa Delattre, Business Manager at Hello Lille. Together, Luisa and I discuss a bit about the history of the region, and why so many companies and start-ups choose Lille as their location.
In today’s world, consent is really important especially with the GDPR requirements. If your company is active online, doing business, even with a simple website or blog, you should make sure your activities are in line with the legislation.
My guest in this episode is Olivier Chouraki, President of Consent Manager. He agreed to talk about cookies, GDPR obligations and other concepts linked to a good consent policy.
Let’s chat about chatbots. Are they all the same? Are they truly intelligent? Are they efficient? Do they improve your customer’s experience? All good questions. To discuss the topic, my guest is Jérôme Corbiau, CEO and Co-founder of Neareo. Together we chat about the use of bots, a few tips about implementation, customer experience and more.
In this episode my guest is Michelle Geber, Managing Director of Chateau Tanunda an Australian vineyard in the Barossa region. Together we discuss a little bit of the history of the vineyard, but also how today winemakers need to think of sustainability. Also she explains how different sales channels and creating wine clubs allow them to create more intense and personal relationships with their consumers.
I love to chat with startups and especially if they have an interesting new approach in their field. Today my guest is Bernard Perelsztejn from YUM’MIX. His company conceived and sells instant mix vegan burgers. It’s is an interesting concept and as I like his approach I wanted to chat with Bernard about the challenges and opportunities a startup faces when launching on the international market of meat substitutes.
The Anuga will take place. It is a certainty and, in a few weeks, Cologne will welcome one of the biggest trade events since the restart of face-to-face trade shows.
Obviously, the event is a major one for exporters and as usual, there will be many Belgian exhibitors. Amongst them, Walloon companies will be well represented thanks to the collective pavilion of the AWEX, or Agence Wallone à l’Exportation.
Despite a huge preparation and a tight schedule, Arlette TANASIJEVITCH, Project Manager Fairs & Events, took the time to chat with me and discuss the upcoming Anuga. Arlette coordinates the different pavilions of the AWEX at the show and together we discuss the Walloon exhibitors that buyers and agents should definitely see at the show.
In today's episode, Phil Jeudy and 20/CENT chat about robots. Phil is a writer, keynote, innovationist and has a wide experience in retail technologies and the startup world.
What are robots used for? how do you get an ROI? and many more questions are being discussed in this episode.
In today's episode, I chat about the optic industry with Eric Lenoir, Exhibitions Director of SILMO,
one of the leading events of the Optic world.
Together, we chat about the trends of personalisation, we discuss about the evolution of services…and you will discover that the profession of optician is more sophisticated than you might think.
“Rugby Football Indoor Darts” are not what the letters RFID stand for. Yet Decathlon, the retailer specialised in sports equipment, has invested a lot in the technology.
For those who wonder, RFID stands for Radio-frequency identification and the technology uses electromagnetic fields to automatically identify and track tags attached to objects. Usually, RFID is associated with inventory and supply chain. But in this episode you will learn that more can be done with RFID.
My guest is Tristan Finet, ProgramSupportOfficer and RFIDCommunicationLeader at Decathlon. He will tell us how the organization uses RFID in various domains and for much more than just speeding up its inventory processes.
In this episode, I chat with Charlotte DeVroey, Sustainability Manager at Delhaize Belgium. A decade ago, the Belgian retailer started a sustainability department and to mark the occasion, Charlotte took time to discuss with me about the evolution of the department and some of the concrete achievements from the past years.
Our topic today is “Retail Supply Chains – Time to Change!”
To tackle this subject, my guest is Gary Newbury. Together we will discuss the challenges of the retail supply chain and what are we likely to expect in the short term.
Gary is based in Canada and has an impressive track record having worked with Boards and Business Leaders to navigate disruption and reinvigorate supply chain performance in various companies.
He also won different awards recently such as being named one of the “Top 40 Immigrants impacting on Supply Chains” by Supply Chain Canada, and he is in the “Top 100 Global Retail Influencers 2021” awarded by Rethink Retail.
So Gary definitely knows his way around the supply chain and here is our little chat.
In this episode, I chat with Marko Nousiainen, General Manager France at Hitachi Solutions Europe.
We discuss the results of a survey titled “Fashion’s Digital Tipping Point, Why a strong transformation strategy needs a strong digital foundation”. Hitachi Solutions Europe and K3 Business Technologies commissioned a survey over 300 Directors of ecommerce, Finance and Buying and Merchandising from footwear and apparel brands with a turnover of over 100 million euros. Insights were collected from France, Germany and the UK and the survey was conducted in Q2 of 2021. So, it’s quite recent. And those directors active in the fashion channels were questioned about their digital systems and the consequences of the pandemic.
The results are fascinating and I thought it was interesting to get Marko’s comments on the survey and on ERP implementations.
So, there you go, enjoy our little chat.
In today’s episode, I chat with Oliver Frese, Chief Operating Officer of Koelnmesse.
We discuss how the event industry evolves to the new hybrid era and how digital and live events will complement each other in the future.
It’s the third and final episode in this three-part series dedicated to the digitalisation of retail events. Don’t miss the conclusion in the end where I summarize a few of the key points we learned during this mini-series.
In this episode, I chat with Corinne Moreau, CEO of Promosalons.
Due to the pandemic the event industry accelerated its digital transformation and many announce the dawn of the hybrid era, where events will combine digital and live.
After the first episode with the founders of MAD//FEST, this second instalment gives you the views of one of the leaders of the industry. Corinne Moreau explains how the digitalisation is only an acceleration of what was already in the pipeline, and she shares her views on how the future events will look like. So, these are great insights on how you, as a professional, will be impacted and how your networking events will be thoroughly and safely prepared.
This is the first of three episodes to discuss the digitalisation of the event industry. With the pandemic, Retail events were forced to accelerate their digitalisation and transformation into the hybrid future. This transformation impacts how retail professionals like yourself will network or showcase their products on events in the future.
In this episode I chat with Ian Houghton and Dan Brain, Co-Founders of Mad//Fest.
Their idea is that a business event can feel like a festival and be efficient. Last march, they also organised Mad//Anywhere, a digital event which was a vivid example of how a digital happening should be, with great content and also various options to practice digital networking.
In the next 20 to 30 minutes, Ian, Dan and I discuss about the story of their Mad universe and how they concretely approach networking at their events, whether these are digital or live.
In this episode, I chat with Thierry Jourquin Co-Founder at XRintelligence, a Belgian company specialised in VR technology.
During a small half hour, we discuss about some of the opportunities and challenges that virtual reality brings to the retail industry today.
In the second part of the show, we also discuss how the technology impacts the event industry.
In today's episode, I chat with Amancio Junior, CEO and Founder of Analyticalways
a company specialised in optimising stocks thanks to AI technology.
We discuss about concrete cases and the impact that artificial intelligence has on the retail industry.