Kellanova outlines five technology trends shaping 2026
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.
USA – Kellanova, the global snacking powerhouse behind Pringles and Cheez-It, has outlined five pivotal technology trends set to transform the consumer-packaged goods (CPG) industry in 2026, emphasizing a “Human + Digital” approach to drive growth, efficiency, and sustainability.
In a recent blog by Global Chief Digital & Information Officer Lesley Salmon, the company highlights how these innovations, agentic AI, advanced analytics, connected “phygital” commerce, smart supply chains, and sustainable tech, build on 2025 successes like 91% more effective salty snack promotions and US$1 incremental gross sales value per US$1 spent in marketing.
Agentic Artificial Intelligence (AI) tops the list, evolving from basic tools to autonomous systems that handle complex tasks like turning consumer conversations into commerce, demand forecasting, and personalized product innovation, with Kellanova’s Global CTO Ramesh Kollepara predicting greater agility and cost efficiency.
Advanced analytics follows, leveraging AI/ML models in tools like RGM Navigator to deliver deeper consumer insights, sharper segmentation, and optimized pricing, as noted by Chief Data Officer Loretta Franks, who credits it for more substantial ROI amid exploding digital data.
Connected “phygital” commerce ranks third, blending online and in-store experiences for seamless journeys from digital discovery to physical purchase, prioritizing convenience and continuity to capture the attention of scarce shoppers.
Smart supply chains, powered by IoT sensors, predictive analytics, and blockchain, enhance visibility, resilience, and trust in volatile environments, redefining reliability for Kellanova’s US$13 billion net sales operations.
Finally, sustainable tech integrates AI into packaging, energy reduction, and design, advancing eco-goals while enabling faster trend spotting.
Chief Growth Officer Charisse Hughes ties these to consumer-centricity, where value stems from real outcomes like faster innovation and cultural bridges via creators, separating leaders through speed and collaboration.
Kellanova’s investments, including digital product passports and IoT-enabled tracking, position it ahead, with early wins signaling broader CPG adoption.
As 2026 nears, these trends promise measurable gains in engagement, loyalty, and planetary impact.
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