Produce industry headlines: March 27, 2026

Good afternoon! It’s Friday, March 27, 2026. Here’s what’s going on in fresh produce today.

In retail news, read about Dollar General’s grocery future, Publix store openings, Fareway’s DC expansion, Whole Foods honoring suppliers, plus foodservice’s biggest AI needs, crop updates, and more.

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

Top Stories

The Friday Checkout: Will Dollar General’s new CEO make it more of a grocery destination?

With its CEO hire from Ahold, the discount chain may have telegraphed its intent to capture a more prominent position in the U.S. grocery sector.

Restaurant AI must deliver more than fancy dashboards

AI only becomes valuable in foodservice when it solves managers’ hardest problems which are scheduling and labor optimization.

Publix Adds to Footprint With New Store Openings in Tennessee, Florida

Publix Super Markets opened two new stores this week — one in St. Augustine, FL, and the other in Farragut, TN.

Whole Foods Market recognizes supplier all-stars

Included in Whole Foods Market’s 14th annual Supplier All-Star Awards is Oppy.

Fareway breaks ground on distribution center expansion

The Midwest supermarket chain has broken ground on a significant building expansion at its distribution center in Boone, Iowa.

Yuma melons could see earlier start following record heat

Growers say volume will start ramping up from the desert from now until offshore season finishes in early to mid-May.