Produce industry headlines: May 22, 2026

Good afternoon! It’s Friday, May 22, 2026, the eve of Memorial Day weekend. Here’s what’s happening in produce and grocery today.

Read about Kroger’s low-price plan, weekend interview with Molly Pop, mourning Ronald Bown, impending truck crunch, Mexican grape update, the biggest ever bowl of guac, and more.

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

Top Stories

Kroger’s CEO wants to close the gap with low-price retailers

CEO Greg Foran told media that the supermarket chain plans sweeping price cuts as it takes aim at Walmart, Costco, and Aldi.

Weekend Interview: Todd LaForest, Molly Pop

Todd LaForest planned to be a lawyer involved in the sports world, but when the legal path narrowed, the produce path widened.

Frutas de Chile mourns passing of Ronald Bown

The Chilean exporters association pays tribute to its former president, who oversaw meteoric growth of the industry in his three decades in charge.

3 Moves Produce Shippers Must Make Today to Survive the Reefer Crunch

Refrigerated trucking capacity is about to hit its tightest level in over a year, just as peak harvest seasons in Florida and California converge with $5.40 a gallon diesel pricing.

Mexican grape season defined by low yields and low pricing

The season started two weeks early and is expected to finish two weeks early, which has caused some problems with retail planning.

Mexican avocado breaks world record with gigantic guacamole bowl

The Avocado Institute of Mexico says the largest guacamole bowl ever produced weighed 6.8 metric tons and took two and a half hours to prepare.

SEPC’s STEP-UPP Foodservice Class Digs Deep During Immersive Summer Tour

The program is designed to bridge the gap between the field and the fork, equipping retail and foodservice professionals with better perspectives.