Produce industry headlines: August 26, 2026

Good afternoon! It’s Wednesday, August 26, 2026. Here’s what’s happening in produce and grocery today.

Read how Redner’s saves customers money with self-distribution, Loblaw labels tariff-affected products, how tariffs will likely affect U.S. grower-shippers, apples’ export risks with trade disputes, how independent restaurants are outperforming chains, and a lemon crop update.

To read more about the Canadian tariffs, click here.

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

Top Stories

How Redner’s Markets continues to push the envelope with its fresh format

Redner’s buys fresh products in bulk directly from its local partners, primarily growers, which allows it to pass on cost savings to its customers.

Loblaw reinstates ‘T’ symbol as Canada-U.S. trade war escalates

Loblaw Companies says it will reinstate shelf labels identifying U.S.-sourced products affected by counter-tariffs.

From Inputs to Margins: The Real Cost of U.S.-Canada Trade Friction

An IFPA source says U.S. lettuce, strawberries, and grapes are potentially the hardest hit items if Canada retaliates with its own tariffs.

U.S. apple export trend underlines importance of Canada and Mexico

Canada and Mexico spent almost $650 million combined on U.S.-grown fresh apples last season, and those markets are at risk due to trade disputes with the two nations.

Consumers are spending more at restaurants, but not at chains

Lower-income and younger consumers are spending more at restaurants, but independents are getting the benefit, according to Bank of America credit-card data.

Lemons went from a supply deficit to an oversupply in just a few weeks

Supplies in the U.S. were tight, and then Chile and Argentina boosted their exports higher than demand.