CLVG Explores GLP-1’s Impact on the Convenience Industry

The report delves into how retailers can adapt their businesses for customers who are eating less.

June 03, 2025

The Convenience Leaders Vision Group (CLVG) released its latest Vision Report, "The Skinny on GLP-1s and Their Impact on the Convenience Industry," examining how GLP-1 drugs are transforming consumer purchasing patterns and retail strategies.

The report emphasizes “how GLP-1 drugs, originally developed for diabetes but now widely used for weight loss, represent a potentially transformative shift in consumer purchasing patterns. Retailers share insights on adapting their businesses to serve customers who are eating less, seeking high-protein options and changing their traditional impulse-buying behaviors.”

The CLVG quarterly meeting, was facilitated by Roy Strasburger, CEO of StrasGlobal, president of Compliance Safe and Vision Group Network co-founder. The meeting featured a presentation from Sherry Frey, vice president of Total Wellness at NielsenIQ (NIQ), who delivered a comprehensive analysis of GLP-1 drugs' market penetration, projected growth and implications for convenience retailers.

CLVG said that takeaways in the report include:

  • Understanding GLP-1 drugs and their impact: GLP-1 medications are creating fundamental changes in consumer behavior as users experience reduced hunger and alter food preferences. "The GLP-1s are a big piece, but they are just a piece, of a catalyzing moment that we have right now, especially in the U.S., around how people are thinking about what they're eating and how they're looking at that," said Frey.
  • Downsizing packages and loading protein: Retailers are exploring opportunities in smaller portion sizes and high-protein offerings to meet evolving customer needs. "We may have a fundamental change in how our category management works for those impulse sales," said Strasburger, pointing to the prevalence of oversized products that may no longer meet customer needs.
  • Health and wellness trends: The broader implications of GLP-1 drugs extend beyond individual users to entire households and the wider economy. “There could be two or three other people in those households that are listening to the new habits of the user and transferring those habits to themselves, possibly eating higher protein, eating less sweets, more hydration,” said Hal Adams, senior advisor, U.S. Proximity FEMSA/OXXO.
  • Data analysis and manufacturing changes: Retailers are closely tracking GLP-1 adoption rates, with usage showing significant growth despite challenges with adherence and cycling. "There's going to be a huge opportunity for the retailers who are prepared and are being innovative to differentiate themselves from other people in the industry and to take advantage of what these new opportunities are going to be," said Greg Parker, CEO of Parker's Kitchen.

GLP-1s and their impact on the convenience industry was discussed at the NACS State of the Industry Summit held in April. For more insights on how c-stores can win and adapt to these new customers, check out “Targeting the GLP-1 Shopper” in the June 2025 issue of NACS Magazine coming out this month.