CHICAGO — Evolving technologies are being used in many ways — across many industries — to improve efficiency and performance, and executives at Kellanova believe five technology trends are set to shape the consumer packaged goods (CPG) landscape in 2026.
The first trend is Agentic artificial intelligence (AI), which Kellanova said can analyze real-time data, make recommendations and complete tasks without direct human involvement, leading to faster decision-making and greater operational efficiency.
Kellanova said companies are using the AI “agents” to automate repetitive tasks, streamline cross-departmental processes, and predictively respond to market fluctuations, thus freeing up human employees for “higher-value strategic work.”
“In 2026, we’ll see advanced algorithms driving even greater efficiency across supply chain management, demand forecasting, and inventory control,” said Ramesh Kollepara, global chief technology officer of Kellanova. “AI-powered personalization will allow brands to create tailored experiences that deepen engagement and loyalty. Machine learning will continue to transform product innovation – helping us anticipate consumer needs, spot emerging trends faster, and make smarter decisions. And with the responsible application of Agentic AI, we’re unlocking new levels of agility, cost efficiency and adaptability in an ever-changing market.”
The second trend is advanced analytics, which “provide deeper insights into preferences, behaviors, and trends — turning data into actionable intelligence,” Kellanova said.
The company said advanced analytics delivered a $1 incremental gross sales value (GSV) return for every dollar spent by the Kellanova Marketing Fund while increasing trade investment.
Kellanova noted that since it began using advanced algorithms to determine which products to promote, when to promote them, how deep to discount them, and for how long, salty snack promotions became 91% more effective from 2024 to 2025, proving that innovative strategy drives performance rather than budget cuts.
“Through data-driven marketing, we’re unlocking sharper segmentation, smarter campaigns and stronger ROI,” said Loretta Franks, chief data and advanced analytics officer of Kellanova. “Partnering across the business, we’ve built a market-leading capability, called ‘RGM Navigator’ that is powered by trusted data products and AI/ML models, providing optimized pricing and promotion insights, strengthening.”
A third trend set to take hold in 2026 is connected commerce, which Kellanova said brings together physical and digital touchpoints, also known as “phygital” experiences.
Kellanova said it designs every interaction, including in grocery stores and online markets, around convenience, continuity and connection.
“The future of retail is connected,” said Charisse Hughes, global chief growth officer at Kellanova. “We’re building ecosystems where physical and digital experiences work together — from interactive packaging that links to digital content, to data-driven in-store engagement.”
The fourth trend is digital intelligence powered by Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, predictive analytics and blockchain, also known as smart supply chains.
Kellanova said the smart supply chains are more reliable and transparent than standard supply chains, leading to improved consumer trust, better product traceability, verifiable sustainability claims and more informed purchasing decisions.
“Our goal is a supply chain that’s not just efficient, but smart and resilient,” said Rodrigo Lance, senior vice president of global supply chain at Kellanova. “By connecting data from sourcing to shelf, we can anticipate disruptions, improve transparency, and serve consumers with greater speed and reliability.”
The fifth and final technology trend identified by Kellanova involves sustainable technology, which the company defines as any advances in data analytics, materials science and packaging innovation that bring CPG companies closer to a circular economy.
Some sustainable technologies that Kellanova is relying on include innovative packaging, digital product passports and carbon-tracking tools.
“As a digitally driven, technology-forward organization, we’re embedding sustainability into every stage of our innovation pipeline,” said David Lestage, chief research and development officer at Kellanova. “Whether it’s optimizing energy use in manufacturing or applying AI to food and packaging design to evaluate more sustainable ingredients and material choices, we’re demonstrating that what’s better for the planet is also better for business.”
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