Produce industry headlines: January 15, 2026

Good afternoon! It’s Thursday, January 15, 2026. Here’s what’s happening in fresh produce.

We have story links on increased grocery foot traffic in 2025, how the MAHA era is changing grocery, two updates on Walmart, a sad loss for the Washington fruit industry, and more.

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

Top Stories

Placer.ai: Fresh format grocers saw largest bump in foot traffic in 2025

Foot traffic increased across all grocery store formats in 2025, with fresh format grocers seeing the largest gains, according to the latest Placer.ai research.

How the MAHA Era Is Changing Grocery Aisles

In response to government initiatives and the new dietary guidelines, top food companies examine familiar brands as cut artificial dyes or pack protein into their products.

A Business Sale Roadmap: From first call to closing

Whether it’s a serious thought or not, there’s much to consider when selling a business. Learn everything you need to know here.

Walmart: This year, AI tinkering ‘becomes transformation’

A Walmart leader says, a year from now, its customers will look back and realize just how much has changed about the shopping experience.

Walmart Opens New Eastvale (CA) Supercenter to Support a Growing Community with Speed, Value, and Choice

Walmart opens its newest Supercenter and first location in Eastvale, CA, in a ceremony recognizing the city, its leadership, and the store’s new team of associates.

Washington fruit industry mourns death of BJ Thurlby

The Washington State Fruit Commission announces the passing of its long-time president, BJ Thurlby, who died at the age of 60 on January 10, following surgery for cancer.

Growth gaps and consumer trends emerge as organic market reaches $7.6B

Millennials and Gen Z drive organic sales as they prioritize organic products that deliver on values such as clean labels and animal welfare.

Exceptionally strong U.S. grape market, but pricing expected to normalize

The U.S. table grape market has had strong start to the import season following an abrupt end to the California grape campaign.