Produce industry headlines: February 9, 2026

Good afternoon! It’s Monday, February 9, 2026. Here’s what’s happening in fresh produce.

Click links to stories on independent grocers’ tech challenges, Florida’s freeze damage, a banana breakthrough, report from Fruit Logistica, CPMA’s president on USMCA, and more.

To read more about crop damage due to the freeze, click here.

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

Top Stories

Why independent grocers need a tech roadmap

The largest retailers continue investments in cutting-edge areas like AI, so smaller food retailers also need to step up their game, speakers said during the NGA Show.

‘Our red bet came up’: Florida blueberry industry faces major losses after historic frost

During the weekend of January 31 and February 1, Central and North Florida blueberry crops were hit by the coldest weather in decades.

Chiquita welcomes banana pan-genome breakthrough

Research supported by Chiquita claims a major advancement in the fight against banana disease, with new varieties potentially close to development.

Ice cold Berlin and international challenges at Fruit Logistica 2026

A photo report from the world’s largest produce event, which saw lower attendance in part due to the frigid weather in Germany.

Weekend Interview: Robert Schueller, Melissa’s/World Variety Produce, Inc.

]Want to explore exotic fruits and vegetables from the farthest reaches of the globe? Robert Schueller will happily be your guide.

Fresh Produce Must Avoid Becoming ‘Collateral Damage’ in USMCA Trade Talks, Says CPMA President

At Fruit Logistica, Ron Lemaire discussed what the industry needs to do now ahead of the July 1, 2026 USMCA six-year joint review.

Fresh Farms partners with Sun World to supply branded table grapes to North America

Through the agreement, Fresh Farms will produce, pack, and market Sun World–branded grapes across its operations in Mexico, the United States, and South America.