Produce industry headlines: September 29, 2026

Good afternoon! It’s Tuesday, September 29, 2026. Here’s what’s happening in produce and grocery today.

Read about Costco’s rising sales of fresh food, how generations differ on favorite grocery chain, how foodservice should handle AI, Cosmic Crisp’s rising popularity, a big Washington grower sale gets closer, and California’s new non-ultraprocessed labeling law.

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

Top Stories

Costco continues to gain momentum in fresh food

CFO Gary Millerchip said customers have shown increasing interest in food high in protein and fiber.

Baby Boomers put wrench in favorite grocer list

According to a YouGov study, Aldi was the top grocer for millennials and Gen X, while Baby Boomers ranked Trader Joe’s as tops.

Why next-gen restaurant tech should automate the task, not the moment

Leaders from 7 Brew and Smoothie King explain how they use AI to remove frictions while protecting hospitality.

Cosmic Crisp enters Washington’s top five apple varieties

According to the Washington Apple Commission, the state’s five leading apple varieties last year were Gala, Granny Smith, Red Delicious, Honeycrisp, and Cosmic Crisp, in that order.

Washington apple and cherry grower moves closer to $231.5 million sale

A bankruptcy reorganization that would transfer Washington apple and cherry grower Gebbers Farms to Heritage Orchards Alliance has moved closer to completion.

California enacts non-ultraprocessed label despite food industry concerns

The voluntary label may be used on products that do not fit the state’s definition of ultraprocessed foods, established last year.