
McLane Company, Inc., one of the largest U.S. distributors and a trusted partner to major retail and restaurant brands, has launched McLane Engage, its annual trade show and conference, in Nashville, Tenn., with a fresh format and exciting product announcements.
“Smart Convenience: Embracing AI for the Future of Retail”
The event’s keynote will feature acclaimed food expert and “Top Chef” personality Padma Lakshmi, in conversation with McLane’s senior director of culinary innovation, Farley Kaiser. Together, they will explore Lakshmi’s career, personal insights, and cultural influences while emphasizing the critical role of culinary innovation in shaping the future of retail foodservice.
This year’s event saw record exhibitor participation, with companies like Hershey, Kraft Heinz, and Mars Wrigley showcasing a variety of products. McLane’s digital marketplace, Emerging Brands, also features over 140 brands and 1,000 products, with new additions in health, beauty, wellness, and general merchandise categories.
“The breadth of brands and innovation displayed this year highlights the dynamism within our industry,” said Chris Smith, president of McLane Retail. “We are constantly adapting to meet evolving consumer needs while offering unique opportunities for our suppliers to showcase their latest offerings.”
Attendees will get a first look at McLane Fresh’s new Better Case Bakery, an on-the-go program featuring top sellers like donuts, premium cookies, and muffins. Additionally, McLane Fresh will introduce a seasonal CupZa! pumpkin spice shot and Prendisimo pizza in four varieties: cheese, pepperoni, three-meat, and supreme.
McLane’s private label subsidiary, Consumer Value Products, Inc., will unveil four new Beau Dacious dog treats, including egg and bacon chewy treats and peanut butter biscuit bones, crafted with upcycled ingredients.
Key Sessions Focus on AI and Convenience Store Innovation
The event opens with a two-part educational session. “Smart Convenience: Embracing AI for the Future of Retail” will be led by Gray Taylor from Conexxus and Eric Hildenbrand, McLane’s chief strategy officer, covering AI’s impact on retail. The second session, “Designing for the Future: Trends Shaping Next-Gen Convenience Stores,” led by Joseph Bona, will explore the latest trends in store design.
General sessions on Thursday include “Tech-Driven Transformation: Revolutionizing Convenience Retail,” featuring Art Sebastian, CEO of NexChapter, Inc., and “Fresh Ideas, Safe Practices: Innovating and Safeguarding Convenience Store Foodservice,” hosted by McLane executives focusing on innovation, customer experience, and food safety.
The event concludes with a networking breakfast on Friday.
For more information about McLane’s customizable retail and restaurant solutions, visit mclaneco.com.
About McLane
Founded in 1894, McLane Company, Inc. is a leading distributor, serving convenience stores, mass merchants, and chain restaurants. Headquartered in Temple, Texas, McLane operates more than 80 distribution centers across the U.S. and employs over 25,000 people, delivering to nearly every U.S. zip code. McLane is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc.