Produce industry headlines: March 26, 2026

Good afternoon! It’s Thursday, March 26, 2026. Here’s what’s going on in fresh produce today.

See links to Aldi expanding to a new state, Target’s new grocery strategy, California’s ultraprocessed label, using AI at work, crop updates on cucumbers and West Mexican produce, and more.

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

Top Stories

Aldi makes debut in 40th state

The discount grocer opens its first store in Maine this week as it continues to roll out its expansion plan of 180 locations this year.

Number Sense: Can Target succeed by positioning itself as a specialty grocer?

Rather than trying to convince shoppers to make it a destination for essentials like Walmart, Target hopes customers will head its way to keep up with the latest trends.

California to consider creating ‘not ultraprocessed’ food label

California considers a voluntary label verifying that foods are not ultraprocessed after it set the first legal definition for the term last fall.

AI and human intelligence: The real advantage at work

IFPA’s CEO says the difference between information and transformation is not just the tools we use, but the people using them.

Produce companies are finally jumping on the protein trend. This is how they’re doing it.

Here are the ways produce firms offer protein-enhanced meals and snacks with their produce.

Volatile cucumber pricing expected for near future

Cucumber supply is tighter than normal for this time of the year due to weather disruptions of the seasonal transition.

After Florida Freezes, West Mexico Shippers Eye Robust Spring Amid High Prices

Spring demand for West Mexican produce imports is higher than normal due to weather problems in Eastern growing regions.