Produce industry headlines: August 19, 2026

Good afternoon! It’s Wednesday, August 19, 2026. Here’s what’s happening in produce and grocery today.

Links today include Target’s strong Q2 report, Trader Joe’s new locations, Blueprints tips on berry loads, growers seek billions in aid, and broccoli and avocado crop updates.

As always, have something to share? Send us your feedback at news@bluebookservices.com.

Top Stories

Target’s turnaround gains steam as grocery sales power ahead

Target reported this week that its food and beverage sales grew 7.2 percent year-over-year to nearly $6 billion during the second quarter of 2026.

New Trader Joe’s locations are released

The retailer plans to open stores in 13 states before the end of the year.

Dock to Dock: Trucks tested by berry loads in summer heat

When temperatures climb, shipping perishables pushes reefers to the limit to maintain the cool.

U.S. specialty crop growers seek US$5 billion in aid

The funding proposal comes as lawmakers consider a new farm bill, a broader $12 billion agricultural aid package, and changes to the H-2A agricultural workforce program.

Strong broccoli supply pressures pricing

Good supplies are coming from California and many local regions, but demand remains soft.

Michoacan finishes 2025-26 avocado season 27 percent below last

While the region saw a drop in production, it set a record for exports to the U.S., up 32 percent from the prior season.