Produce industry headlines: March 24, 2026

Good afternoon! It’s Tuesday, March 24, 2026. Here’s what’s going on in fresh produce today.

Links include charting fast-growing retailers, exploring Sprouts’ success in fresh produce, how the new food pyramid could change food spending, a cargo claims quiz, crop updates, and more.

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

Top Stories

Pardon the Disruption: Do fast-growing grocers need to rein in their expansion plans?

Fast-growing retail chains Grocery Outlet and Sprouts Farmers Market may have grown too fast in an increasingly fragmented grocery market.

How This Grocery Store Turned Shopping Into a Farmers Market Experience

At Sprouts, fresh fruits and vegetables account for nearly 20 percent of its total sales and about 15 percent of its floor space, as the retail chain sells nearly twice as much produce as traditional grocery stores.

Death of the Center Store? Lessons From the Food Pyramid Flip

According to a Numerator report, the dietary guidelines transition from grain-based to a produce-and-protein-heavy base would cost $1,012 per household per year.

Perishable Cargo Claims Quiz: Assessing transit temperatures

Are you a claims pro? Have you seen a few temperature problems in your day? Test yourself with our True/False quiz!

Blueberry roundup: what’s on in the growing regions

The production calendar for this blueberry season is stable, and crops have produced on schedule as forecasted across primary growing regions, although a freeze will limit volume from Georgia and Florida.

Heat causes bloom concerns for California citrus growers

Growers say heat while bloom is underway can affect sizing and fruit drop down the road.