Week in Review: Celebrating America 250 

Americans can go into the Independence Day holiday weekend a little happier thanks to Team USA’s advancement in the World Cup, defeating Bosnia & Herzegovina 2-0 last night, setting up a Round of 16 match with Belgium July 6. 

American consumers have not been happy with the continued rise of food inflation, and the annual “2026 Summer Cookout Cost Survey” from the Farm Bureau confirms they keep rising, as this year’s cost for a July 4th cookout for 10 rises to its highest ever at $73.82 or $7.38 per person, a 4 percent rise from last year. Independence Day cookout costs reflect food inflation – Blue Book 

The basket in the survey includes only one produce item, strawberries, and the Farm Bureau points out the berries posted one of the largest increases in the basket, up 12.4 percent from last year. 

We hope your cookout has much more produce than this basket. Let’s say half a basket. 

Many produce companies and retailers are celebrating this 250th anniversary of America holiday with special sales, packaging, and videos. America 250 Archives – Blue Book 

Even with food costs continuing to rise, I will remain grateful to live in this great country! 

Mergers and acquisitions 

July 1 officially starts the third quarter of 2026, and it started with several mergers and acquisitions. 

Kroger announced its plan to acquire Giant Eagle, a chain of nearly 200 stores in the East and Midwest. Kroger to acquire Giant Eagle for $1.65B – Blue Book 

In Southern California, Sunrise Produce acquired fellow distributor Family Tree Produce. Sunrise Produce acquires Family Tree Produce – Blue Book 

And in the East, Trucco formed a partnership with Italian distributor Orsero Group, to continue its growth. Trucco forms joint venture with Italian distributor Orsero Group – Blue Book 

Expect to see more of this activity the second half of 2026.