Adds details from IPO filing, context on market and background throughout

July 2 (Reuters) - Convenience store retailer Cumberland Farms filed for a U.S. initial public offering on Thursday, adding to a busy summer for new stock market entrants as favorable market conditions swell the IPO pipeline to its strongest in years.

After nearly three years of subdued activity, as higher interest rates, market volatility and valuation concerns kept many companies on the sidelines, the U.S. IPO market has staged a broad recovery in 2026, with companies across sectors returning to public markets.

Known for its coffee, snacks and fuel, Cumberland Farms operates in densely populated markets, including Pennsylvania, Ohio, Colorado and Florida, which it says drive higher traffic volumes, attractive store-level economics and consistently strong fuel margins.

"The United States convenience market is large, growing and structurally resilient," the company said in its prospectus. Its fuel partners in the country include oil major BP BP.L and Phillips 66 PSX.N.

Cumberland Farms said its European business benefits from markets with limited new entrants and high barriers to entry, strengthening its competitive position. It has also partnered with leading consumer brands in the region, including fast-food chains KFC and Burger King, as well as coffee chain Starbucks SBUX.O.

It reported a net loss of $95 million for the quarter ended March 31, compared with a profit of $3 million a year earlier. Revenue rose to $3.99 billion from $3.73 billion over the same period.

The consumer IPO pipeline is also gaining momentum, with sandwich chain Jersey Mike's filing for an IPO on Thursday and convenience store operator Yesway going public in April.

The convenience store sector has attracted investor interest for its defensive business model, with recurring fuel and grocery purchases helping cushion demand during periods of economic uncertainty.

Cumberland Farms is aiming to trade on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol "CMBY."

BofA Securities, Goldman Sachs and Jefferies are the lead underwriters of the IPO.