Produce industry headlines: September 1, 2026

Good afternoon! It’s Tuesday, September 1, 2026, the last day of August. Here’s what’s happening in produce and grocery today.

Read about how young shoppers push up private label sales, Canadian retailers promote local food, A Closer Look at U.S. grower struggles, SNAP bans lead to lower soda sales, and crop updates on strawberries and cherries.

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

Top Stories

Younger shoppers are driving private label adoption, report finds

According to Spins, Gen Z and millennials are driving store brand sales to grow faster than name brands.

Canadian grocers step up ‘buy Canadian’ efforts

As U.S. and Canadian leaders plan tariffs on each other’s products, Canada’s largest supermarket operators have put local sourcing back in the spotlight.

A Closer Look: American growers deserve more action and less talk

The produce industry hears “food security is national security” from our country’s leaders but their actions don’t show they believe it.

SNAP bans led to 12% decline in soda purchases

A new academic study finds that SNAP recipients didn’t buy more sugary drinks with their own dollars, countering food industry expectations.

California strawberry production holds steady despite weather shifts

According to USDA, despite a slow spring, strawberry shipments through mid-July were 5 percent above 2025 numbers.

Chile set for record cherry crop as exports surge

Exports on course for Chile’s largest cherry crop ever, as demand from China increases.