2026 Society for Food Marketing and Retailing Conference (SFMR)

2026 Society for Food Marketing and Retailing Conference (SFMR)2026 Society for Food Marketing and Retailing Conference (SFMR)2026 Society for Food Marketing and Retailing Conference (SFMR)

February 27-28, 2026

Bryant University 

Rhode Island, USA

Call for Papers

Venue: Bryant University, Smithfield, Rhode Island

We are delighted to invite submissions for the Society for Food Marketing and Retailing (SFMR) Conference, a premier academic forum for advancing research in marketing and retailing within the dynamic food and beverage sector.


This inaugural conference creates a unique and timely global platform that brings together marketing and retailing scholars, students, and industry professionals to engage in rich interdisciplinary dialogue. In an era where food consumption, branding, and retail experiences are being reshaped by technology, sustainability imperatives, and shifting consumer expectations, the SFMR Conference aims to spotlight impactful research and foster collaboration across academia and industry.


The conference is designed to:

  • Advance rigorous academic research that addresses contemporary issues in food marketing and retailing
  • Bridge academic and industry perspectives, encouraging dialogue and knowledge exchange
  • Offer global insights into evolving consumer trends, technologies, and retail strategies


We welcome theoretical, empirical, and conceptual papers that explore emerging and enduring themes in food marketing and retailing. Topics of interest include—but are not limited to—the following conference tracks:

Conference Tracks

(e.g., decision-making, persuasion, advertising strategies, branding, packaging, labeling, positioning, integrated marketing communications)

Track Chairs: 

 Lamberto Zollo (University of Milan) | Sukki Yoon (Bryant University) 

(e.g., omni-channel retailing, restaurant marketing, in-store experience, online grocery, last-mile delivery, supply chain advancements)

Track Chairs: 

Virginia Vannucci (University of Pisa) | Michael Gravier (Bryant University)

(e.g., big data analytics, automation, predictive modeling, smart technologies, technology-enabled personalization)

Track Chairs: 

Chung Han Kang (The University of Hong Kong ) | Mark Yi-Cheon Lim (UMASS Lowell) 

(e.g., user-generated content, influencer strategies, brand storytelling, virtual influencers, community engagement)

Track Chairs: 

 Francesca Negri (Catholic University of the Sacred Heart-Milan) | Sharmin Attaran (Bryant University) | Duygu Akdevelioglu (Roger Williams University)

(e.g., eco-labeling, sustainable sourcing, plant-based trends, food waste reduction, ethical branding, health-focused marketing)

Track Chairs: 

Junghoon Moon (Seoul National University) | Shelly Rathee (Villanova University)

(e.g., international consumer behavior, cultural influences, globalization vs. localization, food labeling regulations, advertising standards, public policy)

Track Chairs: 

 Jong Woo Choi (Seoul National University) | Srdan Zdravkovic (Bryant University)

(e.g., sensory testing, eye-tracking, taste panels, neuroscientific methods, physiological response measurement, shopper behavior)

Track Chairs: 

Tobias Langner (University of Wuppertal) | Lan Xia (Bentley University)

 We especially encourage submissions that explore the transformative role of AI, sustainability practices, digital engagement, and innovation in food marketing and retailing—all of which are central to the future of this vital global industry.

Keynote Speakers

Dr. Dhruv Grewal

Toyota Professor of Commerce and Electronic Business

Babson College

Dr. Anne Roggeveen

Charles Clarke Reynolds Professor of Retailing and Marketing

Babson College

Dr. Charles R. Taylor

Dr. Charles R. Taylor

Editor-in-Chief, International Journal of Adverting

John A. Murphy Professor of Marketing

Villanova School of Business

Submission Guidelines

Submission Deadline: November 30, 2025

Notification of Acceptance: 

  • The SFMR Conference will use a rolling review process, with decisions sent within one month of submission. This means you can secure acceptance early and have more time for budget approval and travel planning.

Submission Format: 

  • Short/Extended Abstract: Abstracts should be no longer than 1,000 words and include research objectives, methods, and key findings or expected contributions.
  • Full paper

Submission Instructions: 

  • Please submit your manuscript as a Word or PDF attachment via email to: info@foodmarketing-retailing.com
  • In the subject line, indicate: SFMR 2025 Submission – [Track Number]
  • In the body of the email, include: 1) Track number, 2) Title of the Paper, 3) Full names and affiliations of all authors, and 4) Corresponding author’s email address
  • SPECIAL SESSIONS: We welcome proposals for special sessions on topics relevant to food marketing and retailing. Each proposal should include: 1) a brief description of the session theme and objectives; 2) a list of confirmed speakers; and 3) a one-page abstract for each paper in the session

Submit via: info@foodmarketing-retailing.com


Questions? 

If you have any questions, please reach out to the Conference Committee: 

  • Submissions: Kacy Kim (kkim2@bryant.edu) & Sukki Yoon (syoon@bryant.edu)
  • Industry and Travel: Eun Kang (ekang@bryant.edu)

Publication Opportunities

Selected full manuscripts may be invited for submission to a special issue in partnering academic journals. Click the image to view the Call for Papers (CFP)

Call for Papers (click here):

"New Perspectives on Advertising and Promotion in Food & Beverage Marketing"

Featured SFMR Sponsors

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