Annual convenience retail event features new technology, industry insights and first Supplier Summit

TEMPLE, Texas: McLane Company, Inc. brought retailers, suppliers and partners together at McLane Engage 2026 for three days focused on new ways to help convenience retailers grow their businesses, from technology and new products to industry education and supplier collaboration.

A major highlight of the event was the launch of McLane360, the company’s new digital platform for customers. McLane360 brings promotion ordering, delivery tracking information and business insights together in one unified experience, giving retailers greater visibility and helping them make faster, more informed decisions.

Attendees also got a first look and taste of new products across McLane’s portfolio, including:

• Prendisimo: Duo Slice Pizza
• HiBird: Dippin’ Sauce 2-oz Portion-Control Cup and HiBird Sandwich with Mike’s Hot Honey
• Central Eats: PB&J Crunch Sandwich and Grilled Cheese Sandwich
• Roller Grill: Johnsonville® Dr Pepper Brat and Ultimate Cheddar Beer Brat
• Consumer Value Products (CVP): Divinely Sweet Birthday Cake Mini Crisp Cookies and Chocolate Chip Mini Crisp Cookies

"McLane Engage is about moving our industry forward, and this year we put new, innovative tools into our partners’ hands," said Vito Maurici, chief customer experience officer for McLane. "Whether it’s better technology, expanded foodservice offerings or stronger industry relationships, our focus is on helping our customers grow and operate with ease.”

New for 2026, McLane hosted its first Supplier Summit, providing supplier partners with dedicated programming focused on collaboration, operational excellence, technology and shared growth opportunities. The summit concluded with the McLane Supplier Awards, recognizing partners whose innovation, performance and commitment continue to strengthen the convenience retail industry.

Award recipients included:

• Operational Excellence Award: Altria Group Distribution Company, recognized for consistently delivering reliable execution and measurable operational improvement.
• Category Growth Award: Ferrero, recognized for accelerating demand and driving exceptional category growth.
• Philanthropy Award: Tootsie Roll Industries, recognized for its continued support of Children’s Miracle Network and commitment to giving back.
• Logistics Partner Award: The Coca-Cola Company, recognized for outstanding collaboration, communication and supply chain partnership.
• Digital Leadership Award: The Hershey Company, recognized for advancing digital innovation and leveraging data to strengthen collaboration.
• Rising Star Award: Prasek’s Family Smokehouse, recognized for its innovation, growth and emerging leadership within the McLane supplier network.

Technology and AI were also part of this year’s educational programming. Keynote speaker Sol Rashidi, recognized as the world’s first Chief AI Officer and a former Amazon executive, discussed how businesses can move beyond the hype around AI and put the technology to practical use. Her presentation explored ways convenience retailers can use AI to improve day-to-day operations and support business growth.

Additional educational sessions covered merchandising strategy, data-driven decision-making, customer experience and other trends affecting convenience retailers.

McLane Engage is the company’s premier annual convenience retail event, connecting customers and suppliers with new products, industry insights and business solutions. To learn more about McLane and its retail, restaurant and e-commerce solutions, visit mclaneco.com.

About McLane

Founded in 1894, McLane Company Inc. is one of the largest distributors in America, serving convenience stores, mass merchants and chain restaurants. As an industry-leading partner to the biggest retail and restaurant businesses, McLane buys, sells, delivers and serves the world’s most beloved brands. With headquarters in Temple, Texas, McLane has more than 80 distribution centers across the country, employs more than 25,000 teammates and delivers to nearly every ZIP code in the U.S. McLane is a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc.

Fonte: Business Wire