Produce industry headlines: October 12, 2026

Good afternoon! It’s Monday, October 12, 2026, Columbus Day and Canadian Thanksgiving. Here’s what’s happening in produce and grocery today.

Links include Ahold’s cybersecurity issue, a Target executive on food strategy, Circana projects lower holiday spending, Publix and Walmart support hurricane relief, and crop updates on bananas and Peruvian blueberries.

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

Top Stories

Ahold Delhaize experiencing cybersecurity issue

Ahold Delhaize USA says its five banner websites, Hannaford, Stop & Shop, Giant Food, Food Lion, and The Giant Company, were down Monday morning, as part of precautionary measures.

How Target Is Adapting Its Food & Beverage Assortment for Today’s Shoppers

John Conlin, SVP of Food & Beverage Merchandising, explains Target’s plans for protein, private label, and emerging brands.

U.S. holiday spending expected to dip as shoppers focus on value

Circana projects U.S. consumers to spend an average of $779 on holiday purchases in 2026, down from $796 last year, in response to higher prices and household budget pressures.

Publix, Walmart Supporting Hurricane Isaias Relief

Retailers are mobilizing relief efforts after Hurricane Isaias made landfall along the northern Gulf Coast late last week.

Peru’s blueberry outlook weakens despite strong early-season exports

Industry association Proarándanos projects 366,000 metric tons of fresh blueberry exports for the full season, which would be 4.2 percent lower than September’s estimate.

Stronger banana prices on the way

An importer says that supplies should be strong through November and then slow down due to weather patterns, which typically leads to higher prices.