Produce industry headlines: September 30, 2026

Good afternoon! It’s Wednesday, September 30, 2026, the final day of September. Here’s what’s happening in produce and grocery today.

Links today include Kroger acting more like Walmart, Sprouts new store openings, Hy-Vee to end its dollar store format, cold chain analysis from Blueprints, how marketers can learn from CPG success, and a Sonora, Mexico crop update.

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

Top Stories

Why Kroger Is Trying to Be More Like Walmart

Kroger CEO Greg Foran focuses on more everyday low prices to help the grocer win back shoppers, which some call Walmart-style tactics.

Sprouts Farmers Market Adds 4 Stores in 2 Weeks, From Arlington to San Diego

The organic grocer opened its 500th location in Texas earlier this month.

Hy-Vee abandons dollar store format

The Midwest retailer will transition its remaining Dollar Fresh Market locations to its namesake supermarket banner, saying the Hy-Vee name resonates better with customers.

The Cold Chain: Four months after Montgomery, what has actually changed

If state negligence claims against freight brokers are not preempted by federal law, what does this mean for shippers?

A consumer-centric approach drives fresh produce marketing success

Produce marketers at Asiafruit said they can learn from CPG marketing when it comes to meeting consumer trends across emotional connection, digitalization, and health and wellness.

Sonora vegetable season starts amid volatile weather and strong squash demand

Squash harvest has started, and cucumbers, green beans, eggplant, and peppers soon follow, but growers enter the season after experiencing a variety of weather problems.