Produce industry headlines: April 27, 2026

Good afternoon! It’s Monday, April 27, 2026, and the week of IFPA’s Retail Conference and the CPMA Expo. Here’s what’s happening in produce and grocery today.

Links today include a look inside Food Lion’s loyalty program, restaurants deal with high has prices, a poll shows New Yorkers’ digital tag aversion, a California ag leader is tragically killed, California and Northwest cherry updates, and more.

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

Top Stories

Food Lion pulls back the curtain on its loyalty program

The Ahold Delhaize banner counts more than 1 million active and engaged customers in its MVP program.

Restaurants brace for the impact of high gas prices

In addition to adding value items, restaurants are investing in service and experience in order to impress consumers with fewer dining dollars to spend.

Poll: New Yorkers Want Full Ban on Digital Tags as Maryland Passes Landmark Surveillance Pricing Law

The poll shows New Yorkers cite fears of predatory price hikes and the exploitation of personal data.

California ag leader Ernie Dosio killed in tragic accident

The owner of Pacific Agrilands and an agriculture leader based in California was killed April 17 during a hunting trip to Gabon.

Cherry growers still evaluating crop post California rains

Growers are still making assessments California’s cherry crop following rainfall in several cherry regions earlier this month.

Northwest Cherries forecasts up to 21.5 million boxes in first round estimate

The higher end of the estimate range would be 7 percent below total production in 2025, an expected drop after a bumper year of 23 million boxes.

Mexican avocado output to top 3 million tons by 2030

A recent study predicts that Mexico will maintain its global leadership in avocado production and exports through 2030, despite the rise of international competitors.