Produce industry headlines: May 18, 2026

Good afternoon! It’s Monday, May 18, 2026. Here’s what’s happening in produce and grocery today.

Read about consumers struggles with rising food prices at retail and restaurants, FDA’s leadership appointment, Instacart helping healthy eating, crop updates on cherries and grapes, and more.

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

Top Stories

Consumers Struggle With Significant Jump in Grocery Prices

Perishable food, such as meat and produce, is seeing immediate price pressure due to higher diesel prices.

How Instacart is tackling healthy eating hurdles for consumers and retailers

Instacart Health said this spring it is scaling its partnership with a supplemental health insurance provider to offer Fresh Funds, Instacart’s category-specific stipends, to as many as 100,000 of the provider’s members this year.

FDA names safety vet acting head of food

Donald Prater has been named to lead the Human Foods Program and succeed Kyle Diamantas, who is taking over as department commissioner.

Restaurant industry navigates ‘complex’ consumer landscape as sentiment hits all-time low

Consumer sentiment is at an all-time low, with gas prices providing no relief, but many people still prioritize dining out.

U.S. cherry growers in San Joaquin County face 63.5% crop losses

California’s largest cherry-producing region, San Joaquin County, has filed a disaster declaration with the state for the second consecutive year.

Pandol Bros Prepares for Early California Grapes

The grape grower projects about a two week earlier start for the Central California season.

SEPC announces 2026 Member Scholarship recipients

The Southeast Produce Council awarded 45 SEPC Member Scholarships this year, totaling $67,500. See who’s on the list.