Produce industry headlines: October 9, 2026

Good afternoon! It’s Friday, October 8, 2026, the eve of IFPA Global Show week. Here’s what’s happening in produce and grocery today.

Read about Walmart and Target’s new dress codes, consumer confidence in food safety reaches a low, Walmart’s challenges with automation, a Weekend Interview with Flashfood’s leader, a photo report from Fruit Attraction, and good tariff news.

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

Top Stories

The Friday Checkout: Why Kroger and Target store workers are dressing to impress

The two retailers introduced new dress codes for their workers as they continue looking for ways to improve the shopping experience.

Confidence in grocery food safety falls to record low

According to a Gallup survey, Americans’ confidence in the safety of food sold at grocery stores has fallen to its lowest level, as is their trust in the federal government’s ability to ensure safe food.

For Walmart, Replacing Humans With Robots Is a Multibillion-Dollar Struggle

The retailer’s automation transition reaches peak complexity, with challenges including robot breakdowns, oversized products, and cardboard boxes that are too large.

Weekend Interview: Jordan Schenck, Flashfood

When did ‘deal’ become a dirty word? Jordan Schenck is reinvigorating the glory around the deal and saving the planet too.

Fruit Attraction 2026 photo report

Fruit Attraction was held in Madrid, Spain, October 6-8.

China reduces tariffs on U.S. cherry, grape, and pistachio imports

Last month, China and the U.S. announced reciprocal tariff reductions covering about $30 billion in imports from each country, including U.S. fruits and nuts.