Produce industry headlines: September 28, 2026

Good afternoon! It’s Monday, September 28, 2026. Here’s what’s happening in produce and grocery today.

Links today include Kroger’s 24-hour store plan, Walmart addressing ESL concerns, NGA’s new officer, growers struggling to invest in technology, and crop updates on California grapes and cherries.

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

Top Stories

Kroger tests a return to the 24-hour store

Lower-than-expected earnings have Kroger trying to figure out a turnaround, and store hours might be a solution.

Walmart CEO Pledges No Personalized Pricing Amid ESL Rollout

Walmart CEO John Furner wrote in an open letter that “We price the product, not the person,” to calm public fears about companies using personal data and new technology to charge individual shoppers more.

NGA names Chief Collaboration Officer and Senior Vice President

Mike Ridenour has joined the organization to strengthen industry relations and deepen engagement with consumer packaged goods companies, service suppliers, and other industry partners.

Why Investing in Specialty Crop Ag-Tech Is the Ultimate Catch-22

With margins tightening, growers are hesitant to fund automation, even as delaying investments exposes them to labor and production losses.

California grape harvest expected to finish early, but supply could extend into December

Growers say that with late varieties running about ten days ahead of schedule, the exact end of the season will depend heavily on varieties and remaining inventories.

US fresh cherry exports forecast to fall 25 percent

USDA projects fresh cherry exports to fall by almost a quarter to 62,000 tons in 2026-27, following a 20 percent decline in production caused by freezing weather.