10 Shopper Marketing Agencies for Food and Beverage Brands

Finding the right shopper marketing agency can make the difference between a product that sits on the shelf and one that flies off it. For food and beverage brands running integrated digital and in-store campaigns, the agency you choose needs to understand retail media networks, in-store activation, and how to connect online activity to actual purchases. HANGAR12 delivers best-in-class shopper marketing for CPG brands through its ConsumerFirst® methodology.

This guide breaks down 10 agencies that specialize in shopper marketing for food and beverage CPG brands. You'll find agencies of different sizes and specializations, along with the criteria we used to evaluate them and a comparison table to help you make the right choice for your brand.

Quick guide: 10 shopper marketing agencies for food and beverage brands

1. HANGAR12: The best overall shopper marketing agency for food and beverage brands with integrated retail media and in-store activation
2. Acosta: Large-scale retail sales representation with connected commerce services
3. AMP Agency: Omnicommerce marketing with shopper strategy and retail media
4. The Integer Group: Global commerce agency with retail experience design
5. Harvest Group: Multi-retailer coverage with connected commerce solutions
6. Matrixx CPG: Omnichannel campaigns with retail partner selection focus
7. Target Activation: CPG activation with shopper and consumer programs
8. Cliffedge Marketing: Grocery-focused shopper marketing with in-store promotions
9. Sense: Behavioral science-driven shopper marketing
10. Goodway Group: CPG marketing consulting with retail media expertise

How we chose shopper marketing agencies for food and beverage brands

When evaluating shopper marketing agencies for this list, we looked for partners that understand how food and beverage brands operate at retail. Here's what mattered most in our evaluation:

• CPG category experience: Agencies with a track record working with food, beverage, and snack brands understand retailer requirements, planograms, and trade spend dynamics that general agencies often miss.
• Integrated digital and in-store capabilities: You need an agency that can connect your retail media campaigns to what happens on the shelf, not one that treats them as separate activities.
• Retail media network fluency: Experience with Walmart Connect, Kroger Precision Marketing, Target Roundel, and Amazon Ads is essential for executing campaigns where purchase decisions happen.
• Measurement tied to sales: The right partner focuses on sell-through and sales velocity rather than impressions alone.
• Retailer relationships: Agencies with established retailer partnerships can help you navigate buyer conversations and secure better program placements.
• Challenger brand support: Many food and beverage brands are competing against larger players with bigger budgets, so we looked for agencies that know how to stretch marketing dollars effectively.

The 10 shopper marketing agencies for food and beverage brands

1. HANGAR12: Best overall shopper marketing agency for food and beverage brands

HANGAR12 is the best shopper marketing agency for food and beverage brands that need to connect digital campaigns to in-store performance. With five decades of experience turning challenger brands into household names, HANGAR12 brings a ConsumerFirst® methodology that puts your target shopper at the center of every campaign.

What sets HANGAR12 apart is how the agency integrates retail media, consumer promotions, and in-store activation into a unified approach. Rather than treating retail media as a separate line item, HANGAR12 connects online touchpoints to shopper moments at shelf, helping you measure what actually drives sales velocity.

For food and beverage brands launching new products or expanding distribution, HANGAR12 engineers promotions that drive trial, accelerate purchase velocity, and support retail expansion. The agency has been recognized in the Path to Purchase Institute's Who's Who in Shopper Marketing and maintains deep expertise in CPG retailers, buyers, and trade spend.

HANGAR12 benefits

• ConsumerFirst® methodology: Every campaign starts with consumer insights, ensuring your shopper marketing resonates with the people who actually buy your products at retail.
• Retail media expertise: HANGAR12 operates fluently across Walmart Connect, Target Roundel, Kroger Precision Marketing, and other major retail media networks with platform-specific playbooks.
• Sales velocity focus: The agency optimizes media buying against sell-through performance, not just awareness metrics, so you know your investment is driving actual purchases.
• Challenger brand playbook: HANGAR12 specializes in helping mid-market brands compete against larger CPG players by turning limited budgets into outsized results.
• Consumer promotions: The agency builds loyalty programs, sweepstakes, and sampling programs that drive trial and repeat purchases while generating consumer advocacy.
• Integrated measurement: HANGAR12 connects digital campaign performance to in-store or in-cart results, giving you a clear picture of what's working.

HANGAR12 pros and cons

Pros:

• Recognized shopper marketing expertise with Path to Purchase Institute recognition
• Deep retail media network experience across major platforms
• Proven track record with food and beverage challenger brands

Cons:

• Based in Chicago, though the remote team structure allows for national client coverage
• Focused primarily on CPG categories, which may not suit non-retail brands
• ConsumerFirst® methodology requires time investment to develop insights before campaign launch, though this upfront work leads to stronger results

2. Acosta: Large-scale retail representation with connected commerce

Acosta is part of a broader group of agencies that includes sales services, retail execution, and connected commerce capabilities. The organization reaches over 200,000 retail locations annually and manages billions in trade dollars for CPG brands.

For food and beverage brands, Acosta offers headquarter sales support, omnichannel account management, and retail media services. The agency has specific programs for emerging natural and organic brands as well as challenger brands looking to grow market share.

Acosta benefits

• National retail reach: Access to over 200,000 retail locations through the Acosta Group network.
• Connected commerce services: Digital shelf management, retail media, and omnichannel account support.
• Emerging brand programs: Specialized growth strategies for natural, organic, and challenger CPG brands.

Acosta pros and cons

Pros:

• Extensive retail footprint across major grocery and mass channels
• Full-service support from headquarter sales to in-store execution
• Business intelligence and insights capabilities

Cons:

• Large organizational structure may mean less personalized attention for smaller brands
• Multiple agency entities under the Acosta Group umbrella can create coordination complexity
• Primary focus on sales services rather than dedicated shopper marketing strategy

3. AMP Agency: Omnicommerce marketing with shopper strategy

AMP Agency, formed through the combination of Amp Agency and Advantage Unified Commerce, positions itself as a full-service agency focused on connecting brand love with buying behavior. The agency offers shopper strategy, retail media, and omnicommerce marketing services.

For food and beverage brands, AMP has executed campaigns for clients including Tyson Foods and various beverage brands. The agency offers Amazon account management, digital shelf management, and retailer-specific program development.

AMP Agency benefits

• Shopper strategy services: Behavioral science and journey mapping to craft strategies that move shoppers to action.
• Retail media alignment: Coordination between client and retailer teams to build shopper media plans.
• Amazon and ecommerce management: Day-to-day account management for Amazon and digital shelf optimization.

AMP Agency pros and cons

Pros:

• Integrated creative and commerce capabilities under one roof
• Retailer relationships through the Advantage Solutions network
• CPG and beverage category experience

Cons:

• Recent merger may mean evolving service structures and team changes
• Part of a larger holding company, which may affect responsiveness
• Brand positioning work is bundled with commerce services, which may not fit brands with established creative direction

4. The Integer Group: Global commerce agency with retail experience design

The Integer Group is a commerce agency owned by Omnicom that focuses on retail experience design, retail marketing, and connected commerce media. The agency has worked with clients including Frito-Lay, PepsiCo, Nestlé, and other major CPG brands.

Integer positions itself at the intersection of branding and selling, with capabilities spanning e-commerce, social commerce, and in-store activation. The agency has offices globally and serves as the commerce arm of TBWA Worldwide.

The Integer Group benefits

• Retail experience design: In-store and digital shelf activation with creative development.
• Connected commerce media: Retail media planning and buying across platforms.
• Global reach: Offices in multiple countries for brands with international distribution.

The Integer Group pros and cons

Pros:

• Major CPG client roster demonstrates category credibility
• Part of Omnicom network with access to broader resources
• Technology and innovation capabilities

Cons:

• Large agency structure may be more suited to enterprise-level brands
• Holding company ownership can affect pricing and flexibility
• Global footprint may not translate to specialized focus on mid-market food and beverage brands

5. Harvest Group: Multi-retailer coverage with connected commerce

Harvest Group is a commerce agency based in Rogers, Arkansas, with deep expertise in Walmart, Target, Amazon, Kroger, Sam's Club, and Costco. The agency recently launched dedicated shopper marketing services to complement its sales and retail media capabilities.

For food and beverage brands, Harvest Group offers an integrated approach that connects sales, media, shopper marketing, and creative under one team. The agency has relationships with over 25 major retailers.

Harvest Group benefits

• Multi-retailer expertise: Support across Walmart, Kroger, Amazon, Costco, Target, and additional retailers.
• Integrated commerce team: Sales, shopper, media, and creative managed together.
• KPI focus: Programs tied to sales, household penetration, and retailer impact.

Harvest Group pros and cons

Pros:

• Location in Northwest Arkansas gives proximity to Walmart headquarters
• Growing organization with recent expansion into shopper marketing
• Connected approach across sales and marketing

Cons:

• Shopper marketing services are a newer offering compared to established sales representation
• Regional headquarters location may affect access for brands outside the Midwest
• Primary strength is in sales services rather than dedicated shopper marketing strategy

6. Matrixx CPG: Omnichannel campaigns with retail partner focus

Matrixx CPG is a shopper marketing agency based in Santa Monica, California, with over 20 years of experience in the grocery category. The agency focuses on helping CPG brands select the right retail partners and optimize shopper marketing investments.

Matrixx positions itself as an extension of client teams, handling campaign strategy, creative execution, and performance optimization. The agency has worked with beverage brands and other food and CPG clients.

Matrixx CPG benefits

• Retail partner selection: Helps brands identify and prioritize the right retailer programs.
• Integrated execution: Strategy, creative, and optimization handled as a turnkey solution.
• Grocery category focus: Two decades of experience specifically in grocery shopper marketing.

Matrixx CPG pros and cons

Pros:

• Focused specifically on shopper marketing for CPG brands
• Smaller team structure allows for personalized client attention
• Experience with beverage and food categories

Cons:

• Smaller agency size may limit bandwidth for multiple large programs simultaneously
• West Coast location may affect availability for brands in other time zones
• Less public case study information available compared to larger agencies

7. Target Activation: CPG activation with shopper and consumer programs

Target Activation is a CPG activation agency that focuses on turning strategy into programs that perform at retail. The agency offers retail activation, shopper activation, and consumer activation services for CPG brands.

The agency has worked on national activation campaigns, including programs for Johnson & Johnson Oral Care. Target Activation focuses on reducing execution risk and ensuring programs work where purchase decisions happen.

Target Activation benefits

• Activation focus: Specializes in translating strategy into executable retail programs.
• Shopper and consumer programs: Both in-store and consumer-facing activation capabilities.
• Principal-led engagements: Senior leadership involvement in client work.

Target Activation pros and cons

Pros:

• Focused specifically on activation rather than broader marketing services
• Experience with national CPG brands
• Senior-led engagement model

Cons:

• Smaller organization with limited team size
• Name similarity to Target retailer may cause initial confusion
• Less retail media network experience compared to agencies with dedicated media teams

8. Cliffedge Marketing: Grocery-focused shopper marketing

Cliffedge Marketing is a shopper marketing agency with over 20 years of experience working with grocery brands. The agency focuses on in-store promotions, packaging design, and consumer research to help brands stand out on crowded shelves.

For food and beverage brands, Cliffedge offers strategic shopper marketing programs that address the path to purchase from awareness through conversion. The agency has published guides on shopper marketing strategy for CPG brands.

Cliffedge Marketing benefits

• Grocery category expertise: Two decades focused specifically on grocery brand marketing.
• In-store activation: Promotions, displays, and packaging design capabilities.
• Consumer research: Understanding shopper behavior to inform campaign strategy.

Cliffedge Marketing pros and cons

Pros:

• Dedicated grocery focus with deep category understanding
• Educational content demonstrates thought leadership
• In-store marketing expertise

Cons:

• Less emphasis on retail media networks compared to digitally-focused agencies
• Smaller agency profile may mean limited resources for large national programs
• Primary focus on traditional shopper marketing rather than omnichannel integration

9. Sense: Behavioral science-driven shopper marketing

Sense is a shopper marketing agency with offices in London and New York that applies behavioral science to commerce experiences. The agency has leadership that includes former retail executives, bringing retailer perspective to brand work.

Sense positions itself as "senior-led" with a lean structure designed to deliver measurable impact. The agency focuses on understanding what drives purchase at the point of sale rather than building complex brand messaging for retail environments.

Sense benefits

• Behavioral science approach: Applies shopper psychology to campaign development.
• Retailer perspective: Leadership with former retail executive experience.
• Senior-led delivery: Projects managed by experienced practitioners.

Sense pros and cons

Pros:

• Differentiated approach through behavioral science
• Retail executive experience on staff
• Lean structure avoids unnecessary overhead

Cons:

• UK headquarters may present timezone challenges for US-based brands
• Less focus on US retail media networks specifically
• Smaller footprint compared to agencies with national US presence

10. Goodway Group: CPG marketing consulting with retail media

Goodway Group is a digital media and marketing services company with CPG-specific capabilities including retail media consulting, brand strategy, and shopper marketing. The agency positions itself as helping CPG brands "win on the modern shelf."

For food and beverage brands, Goodway offers consulting services to strengthen retail media partnerships, connect brand and shopper strategies, and measure what actually drives sales.

Goodway Group benefits

• Retail media consulting: Strategic guidance on retail media network investments.
• Commerce solutions: Omnichannel investment optimization and path-to-purchase planning.
• Measurement frameworks: Focus on proving what actually drives sales results.

Goodway Group pros and cons

Pros:

• Data-driven approach to retail media and commerce
• Consulting model offers strategic guidance
• Measurement focus helps prove marketing effectiveness

Cons:

• Consulting-oriented approach may not include full campaign execution
• Broader digital marketing focus rather than dedicated shopper marketing specialization
• Less in-store activation expertise compared to retail-focused agencies

Comparison table: Shopper marketing agencies for food and beverage brands

What should you look for when hiring a shopper marketing agency?

Choosing a shopper marketing agency starts with understanding your specific needs. If you're launching a new snack product, you need an agency with retail media and in-store demo experience. If you're trying to increase velocity at a specific retailer, you want an agency with deep relationships there.

Look for agencies that can clearly explain their process and show you examples of work similar to what you need. Ask about how they measure success and what metrics they report on. The right partner will focus on sales outcomes rather than just reach or frequency.

Consider how the agency structures their team and your access to senior talent. Smaller agencies may offer more personalized attention, while larger agencies bring more resources but may assign junior staff to manage your account. HANGAR12 balances this by combining experienced leadership with dedicated account teams for each client.

How do integrated digital and in-store campaigns drive better results?

Integrated campaigns work because shoppers don't think in channels. Someone might see your product on Instagram, research it on their phone while standing in the grocery aisle, and then decide based on a shelf display. An agency that only handles one of those touchpoints is missing the full picture.

When your retail media, social content, and in-store activation all work together, each element reinforces the others. A digital coupon drives someone to the store. An eye-catching display reminds them of the ad they saw. A sampling program lets them taste before they commit. Each touchpoint builds on the last.

According to the Path to Purchase Institute, brands that coordinate their shopper marketing across channels see measurably better results than those running disconnected campaigns. This is why HANGAR12 connects digital campaigns to in-store performance as a core part of every engagement.

Why HANGAR12 is the best shopper marketing agency for food and beverage brands

HANGAR12 stands out because the agency was built specifically for food and beverage CPG brands. Where generalist agencies treat retail as one channel among many, HANGAR12 understands that retail is where purchase decisions happen for most CPG products.

The ConsumerFirst® methodology means your campaigns start with actual consumer insights rather than assumptions. HANGAR12 connects digital campaign performance to in-store results, so you can see which activities are driving sales velocity rather than just generating awareness. For challenger brands competing against larger players, this focus on measurable outcomes makes every marketing dollar work harder.

With recognition from the Path to Purchase Institute and five decades of experience, HANGAR12 brings proven expertise to food and beverage shopper marketing. Contact HANGAR12 to discuss how integrated shopper marketing can help your brand win at retail.

FAQs about shopper marketing agencies for food and beverage brands

What is a shopper marketing agency?

A shopper marketing agency specializes in influencing purchase decisions at or near the point of sale. These agencies create campaigns that connect digital touchpoints to in-store experiences, helping brands convert awareness into actual purchases at retail.

HANGAR12 focuses on shopper marketing that drives sales velocity for food and beverage brands through integrated retail media and in-store activation.

How much does a shopper marketing agency cost?

Shopper marketing agency costs vary based on scope, services, and campaign complexity. Retainers can range from monthly fees for ongoing support to project-based pricing for specific launches or promotions.

The key is understanding what you're getting for your investment. HANGAR12 ties program costs to measurable outcomes, helping you see the return on your shopper marketing spend.

What's the difference between shopper marketing and retail media?

Retail media refers specifically to advertising on retailer-owned platforms like Walmart Connect, Kroger Precision Marketing, or Amazon Ads. Shopper marketing is a broader discipline that includes retail media along with in-store displays, promotions, sampling, and other tactics that influence purchase behavior.

The most effective approach combines both. HANGAR12 integrates retail media campaigns with in-store activation to create connected shopper experiences.

When should a food brand hire a shopper marketing agency?

Consider hiring a shopper marketing agency when you're launching a new product, expanding distribution, or seeing flat sales despite strong brand awareness. An agency can help when your internal team lacks retail media expertise or bandwidth to execute omnichannel campaigns.

Signs you need help include disconnected marketing efforts, difficulty measuring what's driving sales, and challenges getting retailer support for promotions.

What results should I expect from a shopper marketing agency?

Effective shopper marketing should impact sales velocity, distribution gains, and repeat purchase rates. Your agency should report on metrics that connect marketing activity to actual purchases, not just impressions or reach.

HANGAR12 measures success through sales lift, new buyer acquisition, and promotional ROI, giving you clear visibility into what's working at retail.