Produce industry headlines: August 17, 2026

Good afternoon! It’s Monday, August 17, 2026. Here’s what’s happening in produce and grocery today.

Links today include details on SNAP usage dropping, a Twin Cities retail acquisition, an opinion piece on avocado imports, how to expand the U.S. grape market, and crop updates on apples and pears.

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

Top Stories

Where SNAP participation has fallen the most

An enrollment decline of 13 percent as of April has been spread unevenly across the country, with some states seeing a large impact while others have faced minimal disruption.

Jerry’s buys three Cub Foods locations

Jerry’s Enterprises will buy three Cub Foods stores in the Twin Cities area from UNFI.

Trump can protect California avocado farmers and take a bite out of Mexican cartels, too

The columnists argue that California producers face unfair competition during their March-to-October season, harming their marketing opportunity.

Market Minute: Pacific Northwest pears early, ready to promote

Northwest pear growers expect a comeback crop this season as harvest has officially begun.

The last mile, the key to the US table grape market

A grape expert says that the investments in varieties, technology, and logistics have led to value growth for table grapes in the U.S. but not volume growth.

First indicators point to smaller U.S. apple crop

The U.S. apple crop looks to be smaller compared to last year, with Washington projected to be down about 8 percent and Eastern apples down 10 percent from last season.