Produce industry headlines: March 13, 2026

Good afternoon! It’s Friday, March 13, 2026, another Friday the 13th. Here’s what’s going on in fresh produce today.

Click links to analysis on the threats to regional retailers and how to deal with constant chaos in produce, plus how the K-shaped economy affects foodservice, crop updates on sweet potatoes and mandarins, and more.

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

Top Stories

The Friday Checkout: Which competitor does Publix watch the closest?

A speaker on a dunnhumby webinar this week said regional grocers need to watch for competitors who combine quality and money savings.

In the Trenches: Confronting produce dilemmas

The retail columnist gives advice on how to handle the produce crises that never seem to let up.

How a K-shaped economy is rewriting the rules for restaurants

Analysis shows that economic trends mean one set of guests continues spending while another set pulls back, and the end result is that numbers often don’t match the effort.

Dollar General is hitting on all cylinders following strong Q4

The discount retailer showed strong performance across every category in the fourth quarter despite severe winter weather that affected store traffic.

ITC issues a preliminary ruling on Mexican winter strawberry imports

The International Trade Commission determines there’s a reasonable indication that the U.S. strawberry industry is being financially injured by winter strawberry imports from Mexico.

Easter demand up for North Carolina sweet potatoes

Growers say supplies are tightening, which they hope will strengthen the market ahead of Easter in early April.

Sunkist Growers Reports Good Quality and Strong Fruit Movement in California Mandarin Program

The citrus giant reports strong volume and good quality, positioning it well for the rest of the season.