Produce industry headlines: July 13, 2026

Good afternoon! It’s Monday, July 13, 2026. Here’s what’s happening in produce and grocery today.

Links today include Heritage Grocers CEO’s plans, retail food sales growth through half of 2026, Costco’s cultural relevance in the U.S., Chiquita’s Panama banana plan, Chile’s USTR tariff ask, and more.

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

Top Stories

What Heritage Grocers’ new CEO is prioritizing

David Hinojosa says the Hispanic grocer aims to improve fundamentals while also investing in omnichannel capabilities and private brands.

Food, beverage sales to return to pre-pandemic levels

Circana reports that the U.S. retail food and beverage industry grew 2.2% in the first half of 2026, in line with its forecast of 2-4% growth.

The One Thing Everyone in America Can Agree On? Costco

The warehouse club has the kind of mass appeal that may be America’s last best source of common culture.

Chiquita plans to export 11 million boxes of bananas from Panama this year

Chiquita restarts banana operations in Panama and expects to export about 11 million boxes in the coming months and about 15 million in the next year.

Chile asks USTR to exempt its fresh fruit imports from Section 301 tariffs

Frutas de Chile leaders are optimistic following their presentation at the Office of the United States Trade Representative.

Central Valley comes into peak on field bell peppers

As California’s Central Valley hits peak bell pepper season, Eastern regions are just starting, and Georgia is finishing production.