Produce industry headlines: October 20, 2026

Good afternoon! It’s Tuesday, October 20, 2026. Here’s what’s happening in produce and grocery today.

Links today include Albertsons’ former CEO accuses Kroger in lawsuit, Buehler’s acquires Ohio rival, Blueprints Cold Chain transportation advice, a meth bust at the border hidden in produce, a pumpkin spill snarls traffic in South Carolina, and a South Texas crop update.

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

Top Stories

Kroger doomed merger with weak store divestiture plan, former Albertsons CEO testifies

Vivek Sankaran testified in a trial about the failed merger that the grocers lost credibility with regulators because Kroger was not willing to part with enough stores.

Buehler’s Fresh Foods Acquiring 3 Sander’s Markets Stores in Ohio

Buehler’s Fresh Foods plans to acquire the Sander’s Markets grocery stores in Ohio.

The Cold Chain: What fresh food shippers weigh when two providers look the same

When two providers quote the same lane, the winner is usually the one who made the decision easier for the shipper.

U.S. customs seize 1,600 pounds of methamphetamine hidden in tomatillo shipment

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Otay Mesa port of entry confiscated nearly 1,600 pounds of methamphetamine concealed in a commercial shipment of tomatillos.

Traffic snarls in South Carolina after pumpkin truck spill

After thousands of pumpkins spilled from a truck, people swarmed the truck, carrying away pumpkins in their arms, baskets, and carts.

Persistent drought creates challenges for South Texas winter growers

Growers say ongoing drought conditions and unusually high temperatures in South Texas are creating significant challenges as they prepare for the upcoming winter production season.