AirFlo Brings Fresh Merchandising Solutions to IDDBA

The 2025 International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA) show in New Orleans was nothing short of electric. It serves as one of the biggest stages for our industry to connect, showcase innovation, and see where consumer preferences are heading. This year, the spotlight shone brightly on cutting-edge merchandising solutions that are redefining how retailers engage shoppers. The 2025 show proved that the momentum toward smarter, faster, fresher experiences is only picking up speed.

The Rise of Convenience and Culinary Creativity

This year, the trend lines were clear: convenience is king, but not at the cost of quality. We saw a significant uptick in products designed to meet the modern consumer’s pace—items that are easy to grab, quick to prep, and still aligned with wellness goals. This looks like clean-label snacks, better-for-you indulgences, portable cheese flights, and quality prepared meals that look and taste fresh.

Specialty cheeses were also a large focal point at the show—artisan, regional, and globally inspired varieties dominated display cases. It’s clear that consumers are craving both sophistication and comfort, and the industry is responding with gusto.

A Hit with Hustling Retailers

AirFlo’s booth was buzzing from the moment the doors opened. Attendees weren’t just curious; they were genuinely engaged in our merchandising solutions. Many were asking smart questions about how our display systems could drive impact where it matters most: in labor efficiency, reduced shrinkage, and product visibility.

The labor market continues to challenge retailers across the board, and AirFlo’s solutions provide real-world answers. Our labor-saving display fixtures are designed to reduce stock time, improve facings, and minimize shrink. This really resonated with attendees who recognized that the right merchandising strategy isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about performance. And that’s exactly what our systems deliver.

Lessons from the Aisles (and the Crowd)

Retailers and vendors alike are laser-focused on efficiency and experience. The takeaway? Time-starved shoppers still have high standards. They want food that’s fast and good for them, and they want it merchandised in a way that makes discovery simple.

From what we saw, vendors are stepping up with innovative packaging, streamlined category sets, and turnkey meal solutions. It truly is a testament to how agile and inventive this industry can be.

What Stopped People in Their Tracks

Among all the products on display at our booth, three stars rose to the top—each playing a unique role in helping retailers deliver convenience without compromise, and innovate in ways that resonate with today’s consumers.

Elite Self Facers: The ELITE™ Self Facers were one of the most talked-about systems at our booth, and for good reason. As consumer habits shift toward grab-and-go choices, shelves need to stay full, neat, and appealing, especially during high-traffic hours. These facers automatically bring product forward as items are removed, keeping displays tidy and inviting without constant employee attention. That means less time spent restocking, and more time focused on serving the shopper. For retailers looking to balance limited labor with a polished presentation, AirFlo’s ELITE™ Self Facers are a game-changer.

Glide Roller Systems: In a market where speed matters at every level, from warehouse to shelf, the Glide RollerShelf system delivers. Complete with self-facing product movement, these allow staff to replenish stock effortlessly, cutting down on time in the cooler or backroom and improving efficiency on the floor. But the real genius? It’s just as beneficial for shoppers. Front-facing product makes decisions faster and reduces visual clutter. This system bridges the need for operational speed with the consumer’s demand for easy access and instant clarity.

Deli Meat & Cheese Organizer: Deli meats and cheeses continue to be high-demand categories, especially with the rise of charcuterie kits, lunchbox-ready options, and specialty pairings. Our DeliBox Organizer system streamlines these sections, ensuring product is properly segmented, labeled, and easy to reach. It’s the kind of quiet innovation that leads to smoother shopping experiences, better category performance, and higher shopper satisfaction. Retailers love it for its simplicity; shoppers love it because it makes their decision-making faster.

Looking Ahead

Our biggest takeaway from IDDBA was ‘doing more with less’. Less time, less labor, less waste is still the name of the game and AirFlo is here to help retailers rise to that challenge.

Whether it’s reducing restocking time, elevating the look and feel of fresh departments, or keeping product facings flawless, our mission stays true to our promise: Keeping it FRESH™—with smarter solutions, sharper execution, and seamless merchandising.

To everyone who stopped by to chat, explore, or ask how we do what we do—thank you. We’re energized, inspired, and already looking ahead to what’s next. See you next year, IDDBA!

Wanting to Refresh Your Store?

If you’re looking to transform your produce department with equipment that boosts sales, cuts costs, and wows shoppers, we’d love to help. Reach out to us today—let’s keep it fresh together!