Produce industry headlines: September 11, 2026

Good afternoon! It’s Friday, September 11, 2026. Here’s what’s happening in produce and grocery today.

Read about this year’s CEO carousel at grocery retailers, Empire’s new chief technology and transformation officer, a California heat wave, a shortened season for Hatch chiles, ‘spooky’ produce ideas for retailers, and how healthy bowls are in high demand.

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

Top Stories

PRO*ACT Crop Update: West Coast heat wave keeps summer alive

It may be September, but the current temperatures in California are affecting crops already beleaguered by pest pressures.

Pest pressure cuts short Hatch chile fresh season 

Pest pressure created harvest gaps and lower yields for this year’s Hatch chiles, affecting availability for the fresh market.

Scaring Up Produce Sales This Halloween Season

Frieda’s Branded Produce encourages grocers to showcase ‘spooky’ tropical fruits and vegetables for creative Halloween displays. 

Grocers have made 14 CEO changes so far in 2026

Internal hires figure prominently in these leadership changes but globally recognized chief executives are among the ranks as well.

The Battle for the Bowl Heats Up in QSR

No longer a specialty item, bowl concepts are not only here to stay but proliferating across menus to give consumers more healthy choices. 

Former McDonald’s exec Lara Skripitsky joins Empire C-suite

After 11 years at McDonald’s, Skripitsky has been named chief technology and transformation officer for Empire Company Ltd.