Memorial Day represents the unofficial start of the summer season for most Americans, which means it’s time for barbecues, picnics, and an array of other warm-weather social gatherings. And while beer and hot dogs are staple menu options through the summer months, a range of emerging options are joining them on the menu.

In the months ahead, retailers would be wise to prioritize promotion strategies beyond traditional staples. Specifically, they should look to options like plant-based meat alternatives and ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages. And it’s time to get ready for a summer where legal cannabis and private-label products leave ripple effects across categories, as we examine percentage shifts in the past year to predict trends in the coming months.