ISSAQUAH, WA - Costco Wholesale Corporation announced its operating results for the second quarter (twelve weeks) and the first 24 weeks of fiscal 2026, ended February 15, 2026.

Net sales for the quarter increased 9.1 percent, to $68.24 billion, from $62.53 billion last year. Net sales for the first 24 weeks increased 8.7 percent, to $134.22 billion, from $123.52 billion last year.

Net income for the quarter was $2,035 million, $4.58 per diluted share, compared to $1,788 million, $4.02 per diluted share, last year. Net income for the first 24 weeks was $4.04 billion, $9.08 per diluted share, compared to $3.59 billion, $8.06 per diluted share, last year.

For the four-week reporting month of February, ended March 1, 2026, the Company reported net sales of
$21.69 billion, an increase of 9.5 percent from $19.81 billion last year. Net sales for the first 26 weeks were $144.85 billion, an increase of 8.6 percent from $133.36 billion last year.

Lunar and Chinese New Years occurred on February 17, 19 days later this year. The shift positively impacted February Other International and Total Company sales by approximately 4.0% and 0.5%, respectively.

Costco currently operates 924 warehouses, including 634 in the United States and Puerto Rico, 114 in Canada, 42 in Mexico, 37 in Japan, 29 in the United Kingdom, 20 in Korea, 15 in Australia, 14 in Taiwan, seven in China, five in Spain, three in France, two in Sweden, and one each in Iceland, and New Zealand. Costco also operates e-commerce sites in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Mexico, Korea, Taiwan, Japan and Australia.

See the full release here.

MURRIETA, CA - Continuously drawing consumers to the category with the promise of quality, consistency, and flavor, West Pak Avocado is taking yet another strategic step to boost the demand for avocados. Jennifer Zendejas, Director of Sales, recently took a moment to discuss the brand’s latest packaging strategy and how its new nutrition bags are attracting more shoppers.

“The purpose of the bags is to highlight all of the research done by the Hass Avocado Board over the last 15 years about the health benefits of avocados,” Jennifer shares in our exclusive video. “When we turn over the bag, we can see a QR code that shoppers can scan, which will take them to the website to learn all about the nutrition research, facts, and what it’s good for.”

Nutritional benefits are one of the avocado category’s key strengths in the product department, supporting heart health, lower blood sugar, weight management, and more.

With these nutritional callouts directly on its colorful packaging—and the direct access to more information via QR code—West Pak Avocado is effectively tapping into the health and wellness trend through the lens of consumer education.

Has your curiosity been sparked by this advantageous packaging play? Find out more in our exclusive video above!

CHELAN, WA - Promotable volumes and great eating quality are hallmarks of Chelan Fresh’s pear program this season, presenting opportunities for retailers to uplift the category with an abundant supply of domestic pears.

“We have strong promotable volumes of Anjous and Bosc pears this season. This year’s Bosc crop was very good, with a lot of big sizes,” says Mac Riggan, Vice President of Sales and Business Development, before explaining how retailers can harness this as an opportunity in the produce department. “Retailers can build large Bosc pear displays right up front for shoppers to immediately gravitate to.”

As more consumers center their focus on health and nutrition, retailers have an opportunity to elevate the category with strategic messaging that highlights the benefits of this powerhouse fruit.

“Today’s consumers are increasingly focused on health and well-being; however, even though pears are a powerhouse of nutritional benefits, they’re not top of mind,” explains Barbara Ruhs, MS, RDN, Director of Nutrition Affairs and Communications, USA Pears - Pear Bureau Northwest. “While there’s great hunger for health and nutrition information among consumers, we’re using data insights to craft a marketing strategy that drives consumption. We plan to expand nutrition research to uncover additional health and nutrition benefits that are meaningful to consumers. In addition, we are building an influential network of media dietitians who can speak as credentialed health experts to a diverse audience of pear consumers in a variety of ways—popular magazines, TV segments, podcasts, webinars, health events, and more. Pear awareness is growing, and we’re excited to bring the underrated fruit to more consumers than ever before.”

One of the produce department’s biggest strengths is the promise of high-fiber offerings. Pears are an excellent source of fiber, providing 6 grams per fruit, or 21 percent of the Daily Value. High-fiber diets have consistently been linked to heart health and lower risk of cancer, playing a key role in managing blood sugar, reducing cholesterol levels, and supporting healthy bowel movements.

“Unlike protein, fiber is not top of mind for consumers. Protein is pushed, but fiber is forgotten,” Barbara adds, weighing in on recent trends. “Retailers that highlight natural sources of fiber-rich foods like pears and communicate the health benefits are helping shoppers live healthier lives. One of the ways the pear industry is taking advantage of the protein craze is by promoting how protein and fiber are ‘better together.’ Our consumer data tells us that smoothies are an opportunity to engage the next generation, so we have 3-4 ingredient smoothie recipes that combine the natural fiber in pears with a variety of protein ingredients in smoothies.”

Supporting retailers looking to tap into this promising strategy, Chelan Fresh will continue shipping domestic Bosc pears until late June or early July, and domestic Anjou pears through August. This means several months ahead are already primed for strong traffic to the pear category.

While category pricing for pears remains lower than last year, buyers can take hold of the opportunity to center Bosc pears in their promotions—a variety that may have been priced higher in the past, Mac tells me.

As consumers place a heightened focus on their nutritional needs and their wallets, pears are emerging as a category ripe for growth. For more insights right from the produce department, keep reading AndNowUKnow.