While there were rave reviews and plenty of excitement surrounding all the new technology at the 2026 NAMA Show in Los Angeles, the beverages, snacks and legitimate dining options on display and available for tasting are always a big part of the show experience.

In Part 3 of our coverage from the 2026 NAMA Show, Automatic Merchandiser & VendingMarketWatch’s Vending & OCS Nation Podcast host Bob Tullio walks the convention floor speaking with suppliers, innovators, operators, and emerging brands focused on helping convenience services operators build stronger customer loyalty through smarter product selection.

This episode highlights:

• Protein-forward snacks and healthier options driving consumer demand
• Functional beverages and clean-label energy drinks
• Premium grab-and-go innovation
• Office coffee trends and new beverage formats
• Shelf-life solutions and operational efficiency
• Data-driven merchandising and product selection
• New product launches from major brands and emerging companies

Key takeaways related to CPG products:

• Operators are increasingly focused on products that combine convenience, health, and strong margins.
• Protein continues to dominate snacking trends across vending, micro markets, and OCS.
• Clean ingredients and natural formulations are becoming major differentiators.
• Operators are relying more heavily on data to customize client programs and optimize product mix.
• Premiumization remains a major theme throughout the convenience services industry.

Featured guests and companies:

• Larry Atnip - Atnip & Premier Broker Partners LLC
• Maggie Eich - Nestlé Professional
• Monte Farrar - Jack Link's Protein Snacks
• James Kolodziej - Wonderful Pistachios & Almonds
• Dylan Reiner - Odyssey Functional Energy
• Kinsley Torpin - Alliant Coffee Solutions
• Drew Smith - Mondelēz International
• Eli Owings - Primal Eats
• Haley Eggum - Hormel Foods
• William Cross - Tina's Burritos
• Jessie R. - E.A. Sween Company
• Linda Saldaña - Seventh Wave Refreshments, NAMA 2026 Operator of the Year