The Produce Reporter Week in Review September 5, 2025 

Inflation and consumer price pain never leaves the news. 

Both retailers and restaurants keep making news addressing this pain points. McDonald’s is bringing back its Extra Value Meals next week. I realize this menu is pretty weak on fresh produce, but it’s certainly a trend. McDonald’s returns Extra Value Meals to menu – Blue Book 

Fast food inflation has hit the middle and lower classes hardest, and $10 or $15 meals seem extra painful, so McDonalds is bringing back $5 and $8 meals and Snack Wraps (which have lettuce!) at $2.99 each. 

On the retail side, BJ’s Wholesale Club says its members save 25 percent or more over traditional grocery store prices. Two of its examples are $1.79 baby peeled carrots and $2.99 pineapples. BJ’s Wholesale Club says its members save 25% or more over grocery store prices – Blue Book 

BJ’s explains how it derived its 25 percent savings claim, comparing its prices to four grocery banners in BJ’s trade areas. One way its members get savings is by unit of measurement, meaning when they buy larger items, they get volume discounts.  

Expect other restaurants and retailers to keep pushing this value message, as it resonates with a huge number of customers. 

Fraud Survey 

At Blue Book, we keep hearing stories of fraud across the supply chain. And we keep hearing stories of more creative fraudsters. One would think some of these criminals who put so much thought into their schemes could use this effort for legitimate business, but alas. 

Blue Book has created a short fraud survey for the produce industry and will release the results later along with solutions for members to combat this alarming trend. Fraud is on the rise. Tell us what you know! – Blue Book 

Please take the time to fill it out here.