UNITED STATES - Pear markets in Washington’s Yakima Valley and Wenatchee District are showing mixed signals, with moderate demand overall and mostly steady pricing across varieties, according to the USDA’s National FOB Review on February 4, 2026. While most categories are holding firm, select sizes of D’Anjou pears are trending lower, particularly at the Washington Fancy grade.

Bartlett pear movement remains limited, with supplies reported in too few hands to establish a market across both U.S. One and Washington Fancy grades. As a result, pricing was not widely quoted across sizes, reflecting constrained availability rather than a shift in demand.

D’Anjou pears continue to anchor the pear market, though size and grade are playing a more significant role in pricing. At the U.S. One level, wrapped 40-pound cartons of 70s through 90s are mostly trading between $24.95–$26.95, while larger sizes show more pressure. 100s are largely ranging from $22.95–$24.95, with 110s mostly in the low-$20 range. Larger fruit, including 120s and 135s, is generally priced lower, with most sales reported between the high teens and low-$20s.

Washington Fancy D’Anjou pricing is softer overall, with most sizes trading in a narrower band. Sizes from 70s through 135s are largely ranging between $16.95–$18.95, reflecting increased price sensitivity at that grade level.

Bosc pears are showing a wider pricing range, with demand steady and markets holding across most sizes. At the U.S. One level, smaller sizes such as 70s and 80s are mostly trading in the mid- to upper-$20 range, while mid-sized fruit is generally priced in the low- to mid-$20s. Larger sizes, including 120s and 135s, are seeing more moderate pricing, largely in the high teens to low-$20 range. Washington Fancy Bosc pricing varies significantly by size, with most sizes trading between the mid-teens and just under $20.

Overall, pear markets remain balanced, with moderate demand supporting steady pricing across most categories. Downward pressure on select D’Anjou sizes is being offset by stable movement in Bosc pears and limited Bartlett availability, keeping the broader market from softening further.

ANUK will continue to track how size distribution shapes pear pricing as the season progresses.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL - Chiquita made its mark at X Games Aspen 2026 Driven by Jeep, bringing its signature natural energy to one of the world's most iconic winter sports events during a milestone year at Buttermilk. Participating in X Fest, the on-site fan festival surrounding the competitions, Chiquita connected with action sports fans through immersive experiences, product sampling, and share-worthy moments that celebrated the brand's love of sport, culture, and fun.

Marking 25 consecutive years in Aspen, the 2026 X Games welcomed the world's top snowboard, ski, and snowmobile athletes to Buttermilk, drawing thousands of fans to the heart of Colorado's Rocky Mountains for a weekend defined by creativity, competition, and community. With its unique blend of sport, music, and youth culture, X Games Aspen provided a natural setting for Chiquita to engage fans in an authentic and playful way.

Throughout the three-day event, Chiquita engaged attendees with interactive moments designed to spark connection both on-site in Aspen and across social platforms. From Banana Man appearances and a snowboard-inspired photo moment at X Fest to "man on the street" content captures around Buttermilk, the brand leaned into the personality and humor that resonate with the X Games community.

According to the recent release, Chiquita's presence came to life across X Fest through bold visual branding, a pop-up fan shop, and exclusive merch giveaways. As a surprise gesture of appreciation, Chiquita treated select early visitors each day to limited‑edition Chiquita snowboards, creating standout moments that heightened excitement and deepened fan connection throughout the weekend. A "tag us for a gift" social mechanic encouraged fans to share their experiences in real time, extending Chiquita's reach beyond Aspen, Colorado, and into the broader X Games digital conversation.

Across the event weekend, Chiquita distributed nearly 12,000 bananas alongside thousands of branded items, reinforcing the brand's role as a vibrant and memorable part of the X Games Aspen 2026 experience and one of the weekend's most recognizable fan activations.

UNITED STATES - The squash market is holding mostly steady, with moderate demand supported by light supplies in key growing regions, according to the USDA’s National FOB Review on February 4, 2026. Cold weather has curtailed harvest activity in Florida, tightening availability across several summer squash categories and helping maintain price levels.

In Central and South Florida, supplies of yellow straightneck and zucchini are light, with moderate demand and markets reported about steady. Harvest has been curtailed due to cold weather. Yellow straightneck squash in 1/2-bushel cartons are mostly ranging from $20.35–$20.95 for small and $18.35–$18.95 for medium, with occasional higher pricing noted. Zucchini pricing is similar, with small sizes largely trading between $20.35–$20.85 and medium sizes mostly at $18.35–$18.85, with a few higher quotes reported.

Winter squash categories in Florida are showing more variation by size. Acorn squash demand is moderate, with large sizes slightly higher and medium sizes about steady. Medium 1 1/9-bushel cartons are mostly ranging from $10.95–$12.95, while large sizes are generally trading between $12.95–$13.95. Butternut squash markets are about steady, with medium sizes mostly at $9.95–$10.95 and large sizes largely ranging from $10.95–$12.95, with a few higher quotes reported.

Grey squash supplies are fairly light with fairly good demand. Markets are about steady, with 4/7-bushel carton small sizes mostly around $20.95 and medium sizes generally trading near $16.95. Kabocha squash demand remains moderate, with large sizes slightly lower and other sizes about steady. Medium cartons are mostly ranging from $12.00–$13.00, while large sizes are generally trading between $14.00–$15.00. Spaghetti squash demand is fairly good, with markets reported slightly higher. Medium sizes are mostly at $12.95, and large sizes are largely ranging from $13.95–$14.95.

Market participants note that recent heavy rainfall and prolonged cloudy conditions in parts of Western Mexico have pressured yields, with growers reporting pollination challenges and increased virus incidence tied to whitefly activity. As a result, supplies are tightening and pricing is firming on select squash items, with zucchini now trading in the mid- to upper-teens and wirebound packs reported between $10 and $14. Grey squash is also seeing firmer markets, with most trades in the mid-teens and smaller fruit reaching into the low-$20s. Growers do not anticipate meaningful production relief until coastal growing regions come online later this month or into early March.

Quality variation is also influencing market ranges, particularly in yellow squash, where lower-grade fruit is trading at a discount while higher-quality lots are commanding significantly stronger pricing.

Overall, the squash market remains generally balanced, though weather-related production challenges in Florida and Western Mexico are tightening supplies and creating upward pressure in select categories.

ANUK will continue to monitor availability and pricing in the weeks ahead.

WATSONVILLE, CA - Blueberries continue to remain a staple in the produce department. This is due in large part to the newest innovations being introduced to the category, such as California Giant Berry Farms’ recently announced Belli Berries, which were introduced at the International Fresh Produce Association’s Global Produce & Floral Show in 2025.

“Belli Berries are the same fresh blueberries consumers know and love from California Giant—now boosted with probiotics,” Tim Youmans, Vice President of Sales, told me. “This innovative, new, fresh berry product gives shoppers even more reasons to love blueberries. With Belli Berries, you get the same blueberry goodness, now with probiotics.”

Here are some quick facts about Belli Berries:

• Fresh Blueberries, Boosted with Probiotics: A simple way to add functional benefits to consumers’ daily diets
• Dairy-Free: Plant-based and vegan-friendly
• Nothing Artificial: Non-GMO and free of artificial flavors
• Rinse and Enjoy: Snack, bake, freeze—probiotics stay inside

According to Tim, demand for blueberries remains high, characterized by a shift in consumer behavior rather than a seasonal trend. Despite lighter organic volumes currently seen due to an early Peru start, consumer pull has not softened. The health halo of blueberries continues to drive growth in dollar sales year-over-year.

“Blueberry consumption is strong as consumers increasingly consider the fruit a year-round dietary staple. As per-capita consumption continues to climb, the market is also seeing a distinct trend toward premiumization. Consumers are increasingly willing to pay a premium for products that consistently deliver superior flavor and eating experience,” Tim explained. “Looking ahead, this demand is expected to intensify as the health halo surrounding blueberries attracts new household demographics.”

California Giant anticipates Belli Berries to be available to consumers in June 2026. Retailers interested in this item should contact their California Giant sales representative.

As we continue to keep an eye on the top produce categories, keep coming back to ANUK.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA & ISELIN, NJ - Instacart, the leading grocery technology company in North America, announced an expanded partnership with Allegiance Retail Services, a leading retailer owned co-op, which supports more than 125 independently owned supermarkets across the Northeast. The expansion includes the introduction of Instacart's Caper Carts at select Foodtown stores, alongside new omnichannel capabilities designed to unify Allegiance's digital, loyalty, and in-store experiences.

Storefront Pro - Instacart's enterprise commerce platform - is now powering modern e-commerce capabilities across all Allegiance retailers, and bringing Carrot Ads retail media tools to these businesses. In stores, Instacart's AI-powered Caper Carts are already live at Foodtown of Mt. Vernon (NY), Red Bank (NJ), and East Stroudsburg (PA), with additional deployments planned for 2026. Allegiance is also expanding its use of FoodStorm - Instacart's order management system for catering and prepared foods - with more store launches set for early this year. Carrot Tags, Instacart's electronic shelf label software, will follow in upcoming phases.

"Independent grocers play a vital role in their communities, and we're proud to work alongside Allegiance to equip their members with the tools they need to succeed and grow," said Merrick Rosner, Head of Revenue and Solution Sales Independent Grocery at Instacart, in the recent release. "Across the U.S., independent retailers using Instacart's technology are achieving meaningful results - from substantial e-commerce growth to significant increases in profitability through retail media revenue. By expanding their partnership with Instacart, Allegiance is giving its members even more ways to grow by meeting customers wherever and however they shop."

As part of the expansion, Instacart is partnering with AppCard, Allegiance's loyalty provider, to deliver a robust unified loyalty rewards, digital promotions, and coupons across online and in-store shopping. Through integrations with Instacart's Storefront Pro and Caper Carts, customers will now receive the same personalized deals and savings whether they're ordering online or shopping in person.

By bringing these technologies together across its banners, Allegiance is equipping its independent retailers with modern, enterprise-grade tools that help them compete more effectively, streamline operations, and offer customers a more personalized shopping experience across every channel.

Partner quotes supporting the expanded omnichannel partnership:

"Our expanded partnership with Instacart reflects Allegiance's commitment to innovation that enhances both the shopper and retailer experience," said Donna Zambo, EVP, CMO, Allegiance Retail Services. "By aligning e-commerce, loyalty, and in-store innovation, we're helping independent grocers meet evolving customer expectations while strengthening their competitive position."

"Adopting Instacart's suite of online technology solutions is an important milestone for our stores as we look to deliver a seamless omnichannel experience for our customers," said Noah Katz, President, PSK Supermarkets. "We're excited to strengthen our online presence with Instacart's white-label e-commerce solution, so our customers receive the same exceptional service whether they shop online or in-store."

"We're thrilled to partner with Instacart to bring a new standard of loyalty and savings to independent grocers," said Eran Harel, SVP Corporate Development and Strategic Partnerships at AppCard. "By combining AppCard's personalized rewards and digital coupon capabilities with Instacart's Storefront Pro platforms and Caper Carts, we're helping retailers connect with their customers in more meaningful ways - bridging in-store and online experiences like never before."

LAS VEGAS, NV - Syngenta Vegetable Seeds proudly sponsored the 2026 Western Watermelon Association (WWA) Convention as lunch sponsor, supporting the organization's mission to advance grower education, industry collaboration, and innovation across the watermelon industry.

The gathering marked a milestone as the watermelon industry celebrated Tashi Zouras of Gardikas Produce, who retired after nearly two decades as WWA president and founding member. Zouras established the WWA convention and his visionary leadership was instrumental in shaping the watermelon industry, creating a collaborative environment for networking and education while advancing critical food safety initiatives and farm research that help growers optimize crop quality through disease management education.

Christian Murillo, who served as Vice President of WWA and Vice President of the National Watermelon Promotion Board, stepped into the role of President. Murillo, who leads as Director of Sales and Operations for Cactus Melon Distributing, pledged to build upon the strong foundation established by his predecessor.

"Tashi's legacy of bringing the industry together mirrors our own commitment to collaboration and grower partnerships," said Nick Barnes, Commercial Unit Head of West US for Syngenta, in the recent release. "Our commitment to the watermelon industry extends beyond providing high-performing varieties. Through extensive field trials and grower partnerships, we're supporting sustainable success that spans generations."

Syngenta's support of WWA reflects the company's dedication to the watermelon industry and the growers who have built lasting legacies in the business. Through the Grown for Generations campaign, Syngenta celebrates multigenerational watermelon farms across the United States. The campaign highlights the company's ongoing field trials and grower partnerships that support the kind of lasting success that is truly grown for generations.

The company's watermelon portfolio features diverse varieties from early-maturing Valor to specialized pollenizers, offering growers access to industry-leading genetics that help family farms thrive from one generation to the next. Syngenta's Full Count® Plant Program provides growers with the flexibility to choose with confidence and grow with ease, accessing watermelon genetics that embody the same grit and resilience as the growers themselves.