Produce industry headlines: July 20, 2026

Good afternoon! It’s Monday, July 20, 2026. Here’s what’s happening in produce and grocery today.

Read about Walmart’s COO transition, Vallarta entering Phoenix, Yellow Banana closing Chicago stores, FMI’s new retail members, a biotech solution to HLB in Florida, and prioritizing child nutrition.

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

Top Stories

Walmart US chief operating officer to depart

Kieran Shanahan is stepping down as chief operating officer for Walmart’s U.S. business, as Kyle Kinnard takes over the executive vice president and COO role.

Yellow Banana ready to close 6 Chicago stores, loses tie with Save A Lot

The closures are the result of a domino effect of reduced SNAP benefits, lack of investors, and the death of Yellow Banana’s CEO.

Vallarta Supermarkets Coming to Phoenix

The family-owned grocer plans to open 10-15 Arizona locations over the next decade.

FMI Welcomes ROFDA Members, Advancing a Shared Vision for Stronger Wholesale-Retail Partnerships

FMI announces that members of the Retailer Owned Food Distributors & Associates (ROFDA) – Affiliated Foods, AG Northeast, Certco, and Piggly Wiggly Alabama Distribution Company – have joined FMI.

Soilcea begins commercial rollout of HLB-resistant rootstock after federal approval

The biotech firm has started commercial shipments of its CRISPR-developed CarriCea T1 citrus rootstock following approval from both the U.S. EPA and USDA.

Prioritizing child nutrition is a strategic imperative for the produce industry

The chief medical officer for The Foundation for Fresh Produce says children must be at the center of the global response to obesity and chronic noncommunicable diseases.