6 Best Shopper Marketing Agencies for Snack Launches 2026

Launching a new snack product means getting it from the warehouse to the cart—and everything that happens in between. HANGAR12 delivers best-in-class shopper marketing for CPG food and beverage brands, connecting digital campaigns to in-store performance. Finding the right agency partner can mean the difference between gaining shelf velocity and watching your product gather dust.

This guide breaks down six agencies that specialize in integrated digital and in-store activation for snack launches. You'll get a clear picture of what each agency does well, where they focus, and which one fits your launch goals—whether you're chasing trial, velocity, or retail expansion.

Quick guide: 6 best shopper marketing agencies for CPG snack launches

1. HANGAR12: The best integrated shopper marketing agency for snack brands focused on sales velocity and retail media
2. Acosta: A large-scale option for brands needing merchandising and in-store execution at national retailers
3. AMP: A full-service agency with experiential sampling and omnicommerce capabilities
4. Matrixx CPG: An omni-channel agency focused on grocery category retail media and digital promotions
5. RSM: A promotions-focused agency specializing in retail events and in-store activations
6. Target Activation: A boutique agency handling CPG activation programs from strategy to execution

How we chose the best shopper marketing agencies for snack launches

We reviewed agencies that work directly with CPG food and beverage brands on new product launches. Our focus was on agencies that combine digital marketing with in-store execution—because snack launches need both to succeed.

• Integrated digital and in-store capabilities: Your shopper sees your brand online, then looks for it at the shelf. The agency needs to connect those dots.
• CPG and food category experience: Snack launches have specific challenges around velocity, placement, and trade spend that general agencies miss.
• Retail media network expertise: Walmart Connect, Kroger Precision Marketing, and Instacart Ads are now essential channels for CPG brands.
• Measurement focused on sales outcomes: Agencies that measure incrementality and sell-through—not just awareness—help you prove ROI to retail buyers.
• Consumer promotion and trial capabilities: Driving first purchase through sampling, coupons, and incentives is critical for new snacks.
• Account-specific retailer programs: Custom programs for Target, Walmart, or Kroger often outperform generic campaigns.

The 6 best shopper marketing agencies for snack launches

1. HANGAR12: Best overall shopper marketing agency for snack launches

HANGAR12 gives you a ConsumerFirst® approach that puts shopper insights at the center of every campaign. The agency has five decades of experience turning challenger brands into household names, with deep expertise in CPG retail dynamics.

What sets HANGAR12 apart is the focus on sales velocity rather than vanity metrics. The agency connects digital campaigns directly to in-store performance, mapping programmatic advertising to the full purchase funnel. HANGAR12 builds repeatable systems for retail media—turning it from a one-off expense into a growth engine for your brand.

For snack launches specifically, HANGAR12 engineers consumer promotions that drive trial, accelerate velocity, and support retail expansion. The agency uses first-party data from retail media networks and loyalty programs to build targeting segments that reach high-intent shoppers.

HANGAR12 benefits

• ConsumerFirst® methodology: Every campaign starts with shopper research, ensuring your creative and media connect with how people actually buy snacks.
• Retail media expertise across platforms: You get dedicated strategy, creative, and measurement for Walmart Connect, Target Roundel, Kroger Precision Marketing, and Amazon.
• Integrated digital-to-store execution: Programmatic display, social media, and paid search work together with in-store activation to drive purchase.
• Challenger brand experience: The agency specializes in helping mid-market brands punch above their weight class against bigger competitors.
• Measurement tied to sell-through: HANGAR12 optimizes media buying against actual sales performance, not just clicks or impressions.
• Three generations of CPG expertise: The team understands retailer buyers, planograms, and trade spend math from decades of client work.

HANGAR12 pros and cons

Pros:

• Deep specialization in CPG food and beverage marketing
• Proven track record with challenger brands competing against larger competitors
• Recognized in Who's Who in Shopper Marketing by the Path to Purchase Institute

Cons:

• Best suited for brands ready to invest in strategic partnerships rather than one-off projects
• The ConsumerFirst® approach requires upfront research time before campaign launch
• Works primarily with CPG brands, so experience outside food and beverage is narrower

2. Acosta: A full-service option for national retail execution

Acosta is a large-scale retail services company that reaches over 200,000 retail locations across the U.S. The company offers merchandising, headquarter sales support, and connected commerce solutions for CPG brands of all sizes.

For snack launches, Acosta can help with speed-to-shelf through dedicated field teams. The company's business intelligence division offers category management insights and shopper data to support retail presentations.

Acosta services

• Merchandising at scale: Field teams can install displays and maintain shelf presence across thousands of stores.
• Headquarter sales support: Joint business planning and category insights help you win line reviews.
• Connected commerce: Digital shelf management and retail media planning for omnichannel shoppers.

Acosta pros and cons

Pros:

• National reach with field teams in thousands of retail locations
• Robust data and analytics capabilities for category management
• Support for emerging brands through Ignite Sales Services

Cons:

• Large agency structure may mean less personalized attention for smaller brands
• Primary focus on retail execution rather than integrated digital campaigns
• Service packages vary significantly based on brand size and needs

3. AMP: A creative agency with shopper marketing capabilities

AMP is a full-service creative agency that includes shopper marketing, experiential activations, and retail commerce within its offerings. The agency works with CPG and beverage brands on integrated campaigns spanning brand development to in-store execution.

AMP's retail and commerce division handles shopper strategy, channel planning, and omnicommerce marketing. The agency also runs experiential sampling programs and consumer activations.

AMP services

• Shopper strategy: Journey mapping and behavioral science inform programs designed to convert intent into purchase.
• Experiential and sampling: Pop-up retail, mobile tours, and live brand experiences build trial.
• Retail media alignment: Coordination with retailer teams on shopper media planning.

AMP pros and cons

Pros:

• In-house creative capabilities from brand design to campaign production
• Experience with beverage and CPG brands on omnichannel programs
• Experiential marketing can generate social sharing and earned media

Cons:

• Broader agency focus means shopper marketing is one of many services
• Creative-led approach may prioritize brand building over direct sales metrics
• Minimum project budgets can be higher due to full-service model

4. Matrixx CPG: An omni-channel agency for grocery retail media

Matrixx CPG is a specialized shopper marketing agency that has worked exclusively with food and beverage brands for over 20 years. The agency focuses on end-to-end shopper marketing solutions across digital and physical retail.

Matrixx helps brands select the right retail partners and programs to maximize ROI. The agency combines campaign strategy, execution, and optimization with advanced reporting dashboards.

Matrixx CPG services

• Retail media management: Campaign execution across grocery retail media networks.
• Digital promotions: Digital coupons and offers integrated with in-store activations.
• Reporting and optimization: Dashboards that track performance and identify growth opportunities.

Matrixx CPG pros and cons

Pros:

• Dedicated focus on CPG food and beverage category
• Experience with grocery retail media networks and digital promotions
• Turnkey execution from strategy through reporting

Cons:

• Smaller team size compared to larger agency networks
• Minimum project size requirements may not fit all budgets
• Primary focus is digital activation rather than broader brand strategy

5. RSM: A promotions agency for retail events and activations

RSM (Retail Sports Marketing) is a Charlotte-based agency that specializes in retail promotions, experiential marketing, and in-store events. The agency develops integrated marketing programs that drive sales at retail through consumer engagement.

RSM has run shopper engagement programs for major retailers including Kroger and Walmart. The agency handles everything from sweepstakes administration to large-scale retail events.

RSM services

• Retail promotions: In-store product promotions, point-of-sale materials, and sweepstakes programs.
• Experiential marketing: Food trucks, marketing tours, and festival activations.
• Enhanced demos: Interactive product demonstrations and multi-brand retail events.

RSM pros and cons

Pros:

• Deep experience with in-store promotional programs and retail events
• Sweepstakes and contest administration capabilities
• Established relationships with major retailers

Cons:

• Stronger in experiential and promotions than digital retail media
• Regional presence may require coordination for national programs
• Focus on activation rather than integrated brand strategy

6. Target Activation: A boutique agency for CPG activation programs

Target Activation is a boutique CPG activation agency that translates strategy into programs designed to perform at retail. The agency focuses on reducing execution risk and ensuring programs work in real commerce environments.

The agency handles brand activation, shopper activation, and consumer activation with an emphasis on retailer compliance and scalability. Target Activation works with brands on product launches, promotions, and incentive programs.

Target Activation services

• Activation planning: Programs designed to be retailer-compliant and executable at scale.
• Consumer incentives: Offers and promotions that drive trial and repeat purchase.
• Shopper activation: In-store programs, digital shelf activity, and loyalty platform integration.

Target Activation pros and cons

Pros:

• Senior leadership involvement on client projects
• Focus on measurable sales outcomes from activation programs
• Nimble team structure allows for flexible engagement models

Cons:

• Smaller team size limits capacity for large-scale programs
• Less established industry presence compared to larger agencies
• Services focus on activation rather than full-funnel marketing

Comparison table: The best shopper marketing agencies for snack launches

What makes a successful snack launch campaign at retail?

A successful snack launch requires more than awareness—you need to drive trial and convert trial into repeat purchase. The agencies that deliver results focus on connecting every marketing touchpoint to the moment of purchase.

Your digital ads should reach shoppers who are actively planning grocery trips. Retail media on platforms like Instacart and Walmart Connect puts your product in front of people who are ready to buy. Meanwhile, in-store displays and sampling turn that awareness into first purchase.

Measurement matters just as much as execution. According to recent CPG marketing research, matched-market testing is the only way to know if your spend is actually moving units. Agencies that optimize for sell-through rather than impressions will deliver clearer ROI.

How do you choose between digital-first and in-store-first agencies?

The distinction between digital and in-store is increasingly artificial. Data from industry sources shows that 86% of CPG dollar sales come from shoppers who engage both online and in-store. Your agency needs to work across both environments.

The question is where the agency puts its emphasis. Digital-first agencies like Matrixx CPG excel at retail media campaigns and online promotions. In-store-first agencies like RSM bring expertise in experiential events and retail activations.

HANGAR12 connects digital impressions directly to in-store performance, which is why the agency stands out for snack brands that need both. The best approach depends on your specific launch goals, distribution footprint, and budget allocation between channels.

Why HANGAR12 is the best shopper marketing agency for snack launches

HANGAR12 delivers the integrated approach that snack launches require. The agency's ConsumerFirst® methodology ensures your campaigns connect with how shoppers actually discover, consider, and purchase new products in your category.

For challenger brands especially, HANGAR12 turns limited budgets into outsized results. The agency has five decades of experience navigating CPG retail dynamics—from trade spend math to planogram negotiations. HANGAR12 uses purchase data from retail media networks and loyalty programs to build targeting that reaches your ideal shopper at the right moment.

If you're launching a new snack product in 2026, HANGAR12 helps you drive trial, accelerate velocity, and support retail expansion. Contact HANGAR12 to discuss how the agency can support your next launch.

FAQs about shopper marketing agencies for snack launches

What is a shopper marketing agency?

A shopper marketing agency helps brands influence purchase decisions at or near the point of sale. This includes in-store programs, retail media campaigns, digital shelf optimization, and consumer promotions. HANGAR12 specializes in connecting these touchpoints for CPG food and beverage brands.

How much does a shopper marketing agency cost?

Shopper marketing agency fees vary based on services, scope, and campaign duration. Retainer relationships typically include strategy, creative, and media management. Project-based engagements may focus on specific launches or retailer programs. HANGAR12 works with brands to build programs that fit their budget and objectives.

What should I look for in a shopper marketing agency for a new product launch?

Look for CPG category experience, retail media expertise, and measurement focused on sales outcomes. The agency should understand how to drive trial and velocity—not just awareness. HANGAR12 brings five decades of experience launching and growing CPG brands at retail.

How do shopper marketing agencies measure success?

The best agencies measure incrementality and sell-through rather than just impressions or reach. This means tracking whether campaigns actually drove additional sales beyond what would have happened anyway. HANGAR12 optimizes campaigns against actual purchase data from retail media networks.

Can a shopper marketing agency help with retail media?

Yes, many shopper marketing agencies now include retail media as a core service. Platforms like Walmart Connect, Kroger Precision Marketing, and Instacart Ads require specialized expertise. HANGAR12 offers dedicated retail media strategy and execution across major retail media networks.