Produce industry headlines: October 7, 2026

Good afternoon! It’s Wednesday, October 7, 2026. Here’s what’s happening in produce and grocery today.

Read about Albertsons’ accusation in its Kroger lawsuit, grocery groups issue caution over pricing enforcement, a column about communicating during outbreaks, ELDs are under scrutiny again, CPMA comments on Canada’s big food investment, and what growers and packers are looking for in automation investments.

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

Top Stories

Shred-gate? Albertsons accuses Kroger of destroying key piece of evidence in merger

Ahead of its court case with the Cincinnati retailer in Delaware, Albertsons says a Kroger consultant shredded notes that would have helped its argument.

Grocery trade groups caution FTC on overly broad pricing enforcement

FMI and the NGA call for the agency to distinguish between personalized pricing and personalized promotions.

Hot Cyclospora Summer: What An Outbreak Can Teach Us About Risk Communication

Wendy Reinhard Kapsak, President and CEO of IFIC, says this is a moment to reflect, review, and renew our commitment to food safety.

ELDs Under Scrutiny: What the recall wave means for fresh food transportation

The transition to electronic logging devices was fraught with controversy but settled down, now it’s back.

CPMA welcomes substantial federal investments via new Food-Link Fund

CPMA comments on the Government of Canada’s upcoming launch of the $1 billion Food-Link Fund, a piece of the National Food Security Strategy.

Labor challenges drive greater focus on complete packing line automation

Fresh produce growers and packers are looking at labor requirements, product loss, weighing accuracy, and how efficiently the entire line operates.