Yulia Petitt, Head of Commercial & Marketing at Sugro UK, says AI will help wholesalers forecast demand.
What do you think will be the biggest emerging trends in wholesaling in 2026?
AI-driven inventory management, sustainability, and hyper-personalisation will be key trends. AI will play an increasingly important role in forecasting demand, reducing overstock and stockouts and improving supply chain efficiency. Predictive analytics software will be in high demand. Robots sorting, packaging and delivering within warehouses will increase efficiency and reduce operational costs.
The shift toward online wholesale platforms will continue, with businesses increasingly preferring to order supplies digitally. Platforms like Amazon Business, Alibaba, and niche industry-specific marketplaces will grow. Wholesalers will face increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices in both sourcing and distribution, reducing carbon footprints, minimising waste, and adopting eco-friendly packaging.
What will be the key categories to watch out for?
Health and wellness, eco-friendly products, and in-home lifestyle goods will be key categories to monitor. Consumers are increasingly looking for innovative, healthier food and beverage options, including plant-based, alternative proteins, and functional foods.
How can wholesalers best prepare for 2026?
Stay ahead of industry trends, adapt to changes in technology, and build a resilient business strategy. Wholesalers should invest in digital transformation including AI, sustainable practices and data analytics to remain competitive. Wholesalers should explore AI-driven solutions for inventory management, demand forecasting, and personalised customer service. Analysing historical data will help predict future trends and optimise the supply chain. With more B2B transactions moving online, having a robust, user-friendly e-commerce platform can help wholesalers reach a larger audience. Integration with AI tools can also enhance the customer experience. Establishing long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with suppliers and customers can provide stability and foster growth.
Do you think online shopping will increase over the next year?
Online shopping is expected to continue growing due to convenience and evolving consumer habits. Through AI, consumers can expect more accurate product recommendations, tailored deals, and dynamic pricing based on their preferences and past behaviour. Instead of browsing endless products, customers may be able to opt for AI-driven subscriptions that automatically send them what they need when they need it, based on their usage patterns.
Do consumers still love local shopping?
Consumers are increasingly seeking unique, personalised experiences, whether through shopping, dining or services. Local shops offer curated items and a deeper connection to the community. As sustainability becomes more important to consumers, local shopping may become more appealing because it tends to reduce carbon footprints and promotes a circular economy.
Will wholesalers become more reliant on AI and robotics?
AI and robotics help streamline operations by automating time-consuming tasks like inventory management, and order fulfilment. Robotics are already being used to automate manual tasks such as picking, sorting, and packing goods. Machine learning algorithms will help wholesalers anticipate which products will be in high demand, streamlining the replenishment process as well as analyse historical sales data, market trends, and customer behaviour to forecast demand with greater accuracy.
Will wholesalers adopt more sustainable practices such as eco-friendly packaging, reducing transport emissions, and implementing recycling programmes?
Wholesalers are likely to adopt more eco-friendly packaging, emission-reducing logistics, and recycling initiatives. By coordinating better with suppliers and customers, wholesalers can reduce transportation emissions by maximising truckloads and using more efficient routes.
Switching to electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid trucks for deliveries, especially for local or regional routes will be another step to drive sustainability. Waste can be minimised by recycling, composting and reusing materials.
Will consumers stay in more and will there consequently be more products aimed at in-home consumption?
In-home consumption trends have been evolving over the past several years, influenced by factors like convenience, health awareness, economic conditions, and changes in social behaviour. The remote or hybrid work model is becoming more permanent for many companies, meaning fewer people need to commute. This leads to more time spent at home, growing demand for products geared toward in-home use. There’s been a noticeable shift toward cooking at home, with people trying to recreate restaurant experiences or exploring new recipes.
Will healthy eating and wellness be even bigger trends in 2026?
It’s very likely that healthy eating and wellness will continue to be major trends in 2026 and beyond. The health is driven by the increasing awareness of mental health, chronic diseases, sustainability concerns, and a desire for longevity. Consumers are more mindful of the environmental impact of their food choices, which is pushing demand for plant-based diets, nutrient-rich, and environmentally conscious products, eco-friendly packaging, and reducing food waste.
Comments are closed.