Hospitality and retail sectors face shifting consumer habits and digital competition

The food and hospitality sectors are facing significant transformations driven by changing consumer habits and digital demands. The Auténtica 2026 forum, scheduled for September 14-15 at FIBES Sevilla, will gather over 12,000 professionals to address challenges such as maintaining brand identity during expansion, improving profitability, and managing professionalized business models.

Key industry shifts include the impact of GLP-1 medications, such as Ozempic, which are altering appetite and dietary preferences in regions like California and Barcelona. These drugs influence satiety and can lead consumers to prefer fresher, more nutritious foods over ultra-processed or high-fat options.

Additionally, the ongoing tension between online commerce and physical retail continues to reshape consumer expectations, with digital platforms offering unmatched convenience, 24/7 availability, and instant price comparisons, forcing traditional stores to adapt to a landscape defined by immediacy and virtual catalogs.