Produce industry headlines: August 14, 2026

Good afternoon! It’s Friday, August 14, 2026. Here’s what’s happening in produce and grocery today.

Read about the top retail stories of the week, HEB’s supplier struggles, if Congress will take on defining ultraprocessed foods, a Weekend Interview with Matt Mandel, men as the power grocery buyer, and Zespri’s attempt to recover tariff duties.

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

Top Stories

THE FRIDAY 5: Amazon Reshapes Whole Foods’ Strategy; C&S Grabs Majority Stake in Winn-Dixie

Catch up on the top retail news stories of the week.

H-E-B produce suppliers struggle in wake of Cyclospora outbreak

Two of the retailer’s CEA suppliers are struggling with demand due to the outbreak.

Weekend Interview: Matt Mandel, SunFed, Part 1

If you don’t know his name, you’re either new to the industry or, well, hmmm. We talk to the one and only Matt Mandel.

Will Congress be left to define ultraprocessed foods?

HHS has encouraged Congress to build on its efforts around ultraprocessed foods and ingredients transparency “through legislation that further strengthens the safety of the American food supply.”

How Men Became Grocery’s Unsung Power Buyers

Defying the stereotypes, men are emerging as one of the most lucrative, health-conscious growth groups in the grocery store.

Zespri sues for US$23 million in U.S. tariff refunds

Zespri is attempting to recover duties paid under the U.S. International Emergency Economic Powers Act tariff rule.