The Top 5 CPG Tech Trends Shaping 2026

Rhea-AI Summary

Kellanova (NYSE: K) outlines five technology trends shaping CPG in 2026: Agentic AI, advanced analytics, connected "phygital" commerce, smart supply chains, and sustainable tech. The company highlights concrete results: salty snack promotions were 91% more effective from 2024 to 2025, and the Kellanova Marketing Fund delivered $1 incremental GSV per $1 spent. Kellanova cites investments in RGM Navigator, Agentic AI, IoT-enabled supply visibility, digital product passports, and packaging innovation to drive growth and measurable sustainability. Net sales for 2024 were approximately $13 billion.

The piece frames technology as a growth catalyst that connects insight to action while emphasizing human-led adoption.

Positive

• Net sales approximately $13 billion in 2024
• $1 incremental GSV return for every $1 spent by the Kellanova Marketing Fund
• Salty snack promotions 91% more effective

Negative

• None.

News Market Reaction

-0.68%

1 alert

-0.68% News Effect

On the day this news was published, K declined 0.68%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Key Figures

Net sales: $13 billion Incremental GSV return: $1 per $1 spent Promotion effectiveness: 91% more effective +1 more

4 metrics

Net sales $13 billion Full-year 2024 net sales cited in article

Incremental GSV return $1 per $1 spent Return from Kellanova Marketing Fund spend

Promotion effectiveness 91% more effective Salty snack promotions 2024 vs 2025

People reached goal 4 billion people Better Days ambition by end of 2030

Market Reality Check

Price: $83.44 Vol: Volume 42,693,428 is 8.92...

high vol

$83.44 Last Close

Volume Volume 42,693,428 is 8.92x the 20-day average of 4,786,982, indicating unusually heavy trading before this release. high

Technical Price $83.44 is just below the 52-week high of $83.65 and trading above the $81.46 200-day MA, consistent with pricing near the announced cash merger value of $83.50.

Peers on Argus

While K traded flat at -0.01%, key packaged food peers were modestly positive: G...

While K traded flat at -0.01%, key packaged food peers were modestly positive: GIS +0.63%, SJM +0.91%, MKC +2.39%, and KHC +0.04%, with HRL slightly negative. The article’s strategic tech focus appears company-specific against a mixed-but-tilted-up peer backdrop.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Dec 08 (Positive)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Dec 08	Acquisition clearance	Positive	+0.4%	EU approval for Mars acquisition and expectation of Dec 11 closing.
Dec 08	Product launch	Positive	+0.4%	RXBAR launches Protein Energy Bites to extend brand beyond bars.
Dec 02	Marketing partnership	Positive	+0.1%	Pop-Tarts Bowl mascot expansion and fan engagement initiatives.
Dec 01	Co-branded product	Positive	-0.7%	Keurig and Pop-Tarts co-branded K-Cup launch tied to Pop-Tarts Bowl.
Dec 01	Strategic tech update	Positive	-0.7%	Outlined five CPG tech trends and quantified AI-driven growth benefits.

Pattern Detected

Recent Kellanova headlines, including product launches and strategic technology messaging, have produced small price reactions, with some positive-brand news coinciding with modest declines, while the Mars acquisition approval drew a mild positive move.

Recent Company History

Over the past weeks, Kellanova has combined brand activation with strategic milestones. On Dec 8, Mars received final EC approval to acquire Kellanova, with an anticipated close on Dec 11, 2025 and a $83.50-per-share cash consideration. Around the same time, RXBAR expanded into Protein Energy Bites and Pop-Tarts deepened exposure via the 2025 Pop-Tarts Bowl. Today’s tech-trends piece, highlighting Agentic AI and data-driven growth with 91% more effective salty snack promotions and about $13 billion 2024 net sales, fits a narrative of digital reinvention heading into the merger.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement details how Kellanova is applying advanced analytics, Agentic AI, and connected co...

Analysis

This announcement details how Kellanova is applying advanced analytics, Agentic AI, and connected commerce to drive growth, citing outcomes like a 91% boost in salty snack promotion effectiveness and about $13 billion in 2024 net sales. It reinforces a strategy of using data and digital tools to enhance pricing, promotions, and sustainability. Investors tracking the story may watch how these capabilities support performance as the company transitions into the previously announced $83.50-per-share cash merger structure.

Key Terms

agentic ai, advanced analytics, ai/ml models, phygital, +4 more

8 terms

agentic ai technical

"1. Call my agent! Agentic AI can analyze real-time data, make recommend..."

Agentic AI refers to computer systems that can make their own decisions and take actions without needing someone to tell them what to do each time. It's like giving a robot a degree of independence to solve problems or achieve goals on its own, which matters because it could change how we work and interact with technology in everyday life.

advanced analytics technical

"2. Advanced Analytics & Deeper Consumer InsightsThe explosion of data..."

Advanced analytics involves using sophisticated techniques and tools to examine large amounts of data, uncover patterns, and generate insights that might not be obvious at first glance. For investors, it’s like using a high-powered microscope to see details that help predict future trends or make better decisions. This approach helps turn complex information into clear, actionable knowledge.

ai/ml models technical

"powered by trusted data products and AI/ML models, providing optimized..."

AI/ML models are computer systems trained on data to recognize patterns, make predictions, or automate decisions — like a recipe that learns and improves by tasting many dishes. Investors care because these models can speed up tasks, reduce costs, improve product features or forecasting accuracy, and create competitive advantage, but they also bring risks such as higher development costs, data privacy concerns, regulatory scrutiny, and potential model failures.

phygital technical

"3. Connected Commerce: The Seamless "Phygital" ExperienceConsumers no..."

Phygital describes a strategy that blends physical and digital customer experiences so they feel seamless—like using a store kiosk that links to an online account or scanning a product in a shop to see online reviews. Investors care because phygital approaches can boost sales, lower friction, and generate richer customer data, affecting revenue growth, marketing costs, and a company’s competitive edge in both online and real-world markets.

iot sensors technical

"Digital intelligence—powered by IoT sensors, predictive analytics, and..."

Small electronic devices that detect physical conditions—like temperature, motion, light, or equipment performance—and send that information over the internet to other systems for analysis or action. For investors, they matter because they turn everyday objects into sources of real-time data that can lower costs, improve efficiency, enable new services and revenue streams, and reveal risks earlier, much like giving a company extra senses and a steady stream of useful information for decision-making.

blockchain technical

"powered by IoT sensors, predictive analytics, and blockchain—redefines..."

A blockchain is a digital record-keeping system that securely stores information across many computers, making it difficult to alter or tamper with. Think of it like a shared, unchangeable ledger that everyone can see and verify, ensuring transparency and trust. For investors, this technology offers a way to securely track transactions and assets without relying on a central authority, potentially reducing costs and increasing security.

digital product passports technical

"Innovative packaging, digital product passports, and carbon-tracking..."

A digital product passport is an electronic record that follows a physical item through its life, listing facts like where it was made, what materials it contains, maintenance and repair history, ownership changes and any certifications. For investors, these passports improve transparency and traceability—helping assess regulatory risk, product value, resale potential and consumer trust much like a travel passport helps verify a person’s identity and history.

carbon-tracking tools technical

"Innovative packaging, digital product passports, and carbon-tracking tools..."

Carbon-tracking tools are software and systems that measure, record and report a company’s greenhouse gas emissions across its operations and supply chain, much like a budget app tracks spending or a fitness tracker logs activity. Investors use them to judge a company’s exposure to regulatory fines, rising costs, and reputational damage, and to assess whether management is reducing emissions in ways that could affect future profitability and long‑term value.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

Kellanova's CIO, Lesley Salmon, shares how technology is redefining the industry

CHICAGO, Dec. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As we near 2026 and technology continues to rapidly reshape what it means to be a consumer goods company, Kellanova's Global Chief Digital & Information Officer, Lesley Salmon, shares the trends poised to redefine the CPG landscape, and how the company is harnessing this era of digital reinvention as a catalyst for growth. 

The Top 5 CPG Tech Trends Shaping 2026

By Lesley Salmon, Global Chief Digital & Information Officer, Kellanova

Technology is redefining what it means to be a consumer goods company.

Digital transformation is no longer about modernization — it's about reinvention. From AI that fuels creativity to connected systems that enhance sustainability, the convergence of technology and human ingenuity is reshaping every part of the CPG ecosystem.

At Kellanova, we see this as the great unlock: technology as a growth catalyst—connecting insight to action, purpose to performance, and innovation to impact.

Here are the five tech trends transforming the CPG landscape in 2026—and how Kellanova is embracing them.

1. Call my agent!

Agentic AI can analyze real-time data, make recommendations, and even execute actions without direct human intervention. This leads to faster decision-making and greater operational efficiency. As these AI "agents" become integrated into CPG workflows, companies are using them to automate repetitive tasks, streamline cross-departmental processes, and respond predictively to market fluctuations.

Widespread adoption frees employees for higher-value strategic work while enabling organizations to react with unprecedented speed and precision.

"In 2026, we'll see advanced algorithms driving even greater efficiency across supply chain management, demand forecasting, and inventory control," says Ramesh Kollepara, Kellanova's Global Chief Technology Officer. "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."

2. Advanced Analytics & Deeper Consumer Insights

The explosion of data from digital touchpoints is empowering brands to understand consumers like never before. Advanced analytics provide deeper insights into preferences, behaviors, and trends—turning data into actionable intelligence.

"Through data-driven marketing, we're unlocking sharper segmentation, smarter campaigns, and stronger ROI. 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," says Loretta Franks, Kellanova's Chief Data & Advanced Analytics Officer.

This approach delivered a $1 incremental GSV return for every dollar spent by the Kellanova Marketing Fund, while increasing trade investment. The results show that a more innovative strategy—not spending cuts—drives performance. Advanced algorithms determine which products to promote, when, how deep to discount, and for how long. As a result, salty snack promotions became 91% more effective from 2024 to 2025.

Building on our continued investment in cutting-edge technologies, the next evolution of 'RGM

Navigator introduces Agentic AI — a breakthrough that moves beyond simply summarizing data to generating actionable insights. This includes:

• A virtual analyst that enhances productivity by automatically exploring data, identifying trends, and explaining performance drivers.
• Moving beyond dashboards to answer fundamental business questions — for example, breaking down complex tasks like extracting promo lifts, reviewing elasticities, or understanding how competitive distribution impacts Pringles' market share growth in the US.

Together, these innovations will help teams make faster, smarter, and more confident decisions — driving sustainable, profitable growth across our business.

3. Connected Commerce: The Seamless "Phygital" Experience

Consumers no longer distinguish between digital and in-store - they expect a seamless journey across channels. Connected commerce, or "phygital" experiences, bridges physical and digital touchpoints.

"The future of retail is connected," says Charisse Hughes, Kellanova's Global Chief Growth Officer. "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."

For Kellanova, this means designing every interaction—from the grocery aisle to the online basket—around convenience, continuity, and connection.

4. Smart Supply Chains: Visibility That Builds Trust

In today's unpredictable environment, resilience is the new currency. Digital intelligence—powered by IoT sensors, predictive analytics, and blockchain—redefines supply chains, making them more innovative, more transparent, and more reliable.

"Our goal is a supply chain that's not just efficient, but smart and resilient," says Rodrigo Lance, SVP of Kellanova's Global Supply Chain. "By connecting data from sourcing to shelf, we can anticipate disruptions, improve transparency, and serve consumers with greater speed and reliability."

Smart supply chains also build consumer trust, enabling product traceability, verifiable sustainability claims, and more informed purchasing decisions.

5. Sustainable Tech: Innovating for People and Planet

Sustainability and technology are now inseparable. Advances in data analytics, materials science, and packaging innovation are accelerating CPG's transition toward a circular economy.

"As a digitally driven, technology-forward organization, we're embedding sustainability into every stage of our innovation pipeline," says David Lestage, Kellanova's Chief R&D Officer. "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."

For Kellanova, digital sustainability is an imperative, not an initiative. Innovative packaging, digital product passports, and carbon-tracking tools help turn commitment into measurable progress. Today's consumers aren't just buying brands - they're buying values. Technology makes those values visible.

The Future Is Human + Digital

As CPG companies prepare to navigate 2026 and beyond, one truth stands out: technology alone doesn't create transformation—people do.

When we combine data, technology, and human curiosity, that's when real magic happens. It's how we turn insights into impact.

Kellanova is embracing that future today—where innovation is inclusive, sustainability is measurable, and every digital investment brings us closer to the customers and consumers we serve. The CPG industry is on the cusp of its most exciting chapter yet—and the companies that lead will be those who use technology not just to connect systems, but to connect people.

Kellanova (NYSE: K) is a leader in global snacking, international cereal and noodles, and North America frozen foods with a legacy stretching back more than 100 years. Powered by differentiated brands including Pringles^®, Cheez-It^®, Pop-Tarts^®, Kellogg's Rice Krispies Treats^®, RXBAR^®, Eggo^®, MorningStar Farms^®, Special K^®, Coco Pops^®, and more, Kellanova's vision is to become the world's best-performing snacks-led powerhouse, unleashing the full potential of our differentiated brands and our passionate people. Our net sales for 2024 were approximately $13 billion.

Kellanova is guided by our purpose to create better days and a place at the table for everyone through our trusted food brands. We are advancing sustainable and equitable access to food by addressing the intersection of hunger, sustainability, wellbeing, and equity, diversity & inclusion, with the ambition of creating Better Days for 4 billion people by the end of 2030. Visit www.Kellanova.com for more information.

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SOURCE Kellanova

FAQ

What five tech trends did Kellanova (K) highlight for 2026?

Kellanova listed Agentic AI, advanced analytics, connected phygital commerce, smart supply chains, and sustainable tech as the top five trends.

How did Kellanova measure marketing effectiveness in 2024–2025 for K (NYSE: K)?

The company reported the Marketing Fund delivered $1 incremental GSV per $1 spent and salty snack promotions were 91% more effective year-over-year.

What revenue figure did Kellanova report for 2024 and why does it matter to investors?

Kellanova reported net sales of approximately $13 billion in 2024, a baseline for evaluating growth and returns on digital investments.

How will Agentic AI affect Kellanova's operations in 2026?

Kellanova expects Agentic AI to automate repetitive tasks, speed decision-making, and enhance forecasting and inventory control.

What supply chain technologies is Kellanova (K) deploying to boost resilience?

Kellanova cites IoT sensors, predictive analytics, and blockchain-enabled traceability to improve visibility and trust.

What sustainability tech initiatives did Kellanova mention for 2026?

Initiatives include digital product passports, carbon-tracking tools, packaging innovation, and AI-guided materials choices to measure impact.