Produce industry headlines: December 16, 2025

Good afternoon! It’s Tuesday, December 16, 2025. Here’s what’s happening in fresh produce.

We have stories today on 2025 retail trends and objections to a credit card settlement, a lawsuit on new SNAP rules, crop updates on organic apples, Brazilian mangos, and Mexican avocados, and more.

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

Top Stories

Pardon the Disruption: 6 trends that defined grocery in 2025

This year, retailers focused on execution and efficiency, as innovation took a step back.

Walmart, other retailers object to Visa and Mastercard settlement

Major retailers are urging a federal judge in Brooklyn to reject a proposed antitrust settlement with Visa and Mastercard, claiming the deal lets the card companies keep charging them excessive fees for credit card transactions with few benefits.

USDA must give states more time to implement new food aid restrictions, judge rules

A federal judge ordered USDA to extend a deadline for states to implement new immigration-related eligibility restrictions on SNAP benefits.

Demand for smaller size organic apples outpaces demand for large apples

Washington apple harvest has finished and growers report that the organic apple crop seems to be similar in size compared to two years ago.

Brazilian mango exports to the U.S. rise 17% despite tariffs

The 40 percent tariff imposed by the U.S. on Brazilian products created uncertainty for mango exporters but it did not curtail shipments.

Ninety percent of Mexican avocado exports certified free from deforestation

Secma reports that 37 packhouses in the Mexican states of Michoacán and Jalisco have obtained Pro Forest Avocado certification.

Market Minute: Improved lettuce volume good news for retailers

Retail ad promotions can start up again on lettuce varieties, as desert yields have improved out of Arizona.

Texas Produce Industry Thanks Federal Leaders for Progress on Water Deliveries

Texas Citrus Mutual, the Texas International Produce Association, and the Texas Farm Bureau issued statements on the new federal actions addressing Mexico’s outstanding water deliveries.