Produce industry headlines: February 3, 2026

Good afternoon! It’s Tuesday, February 3, 2026. Here’s what’s happening in fresh produce.

Read retail news on Kroger’s store expansion and Trader Joe’s fresh operations, crop updates on bananas and imported citrus, emerging technology in retail, a unique investment by Taylor Fresh Foods, and more.

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

Top Stories

Kroger doubles down on large-format stores as it chases growth

The retailer plans to open several locations under its Marketplace banner in Indiana, Texas, and West Virginia in the next two years.

Trader Joe’s doubles down on fresh and deli operations with daily delivery, local autonomy and high-protein convenience

Trader Joe’s explains the operational complexity of fresh and deli, using daily production, frequent deliveries, and decentralized store ordering to keep its refrigerated cases stocked.

When the Last Local Bank in Town Turns to a Global Salad Company for Help

Taylor Fresh Foods acquired a roughly 16-percent stake in Pacific Valley Bancorp, becoming its largest investor and gaining a board seat.

The Produce Department of Tomorrow: Emerging tech at point of sale

Technology continues to reshape grocery store operations from the backroom to the checkout counter—what’s trending?

Subway franchisee MTF Enterprises files for bankruptcy

The Lancaster, PA-based restaurant franchisee, which operates 43 Subway stores in Pennsylvania, Maine, New Hampshire, and Virginia, filed for bankruptcy, citing an inability to pay off its debts.

Record surge: U.S. mandarin and tangerine imports to hit 555,000 metric tons as California output dips

This marks the second straight year of record-breaking import volumes, according to the USDA.

How Tariffs Grounded Fair Trade Produce in 2025, Just as It Was Poised for Takeoff

Equifruit says the baseline tariff of 10% the Trump administration imposed on nearly all countries slowed the momentum it had been building in the category.