BATAVIA, IL - As ALDI enters its 50th year in the United States, the low-price leader is doubling down on its nationwide expansion, announcing plans to open more than 180 stores by the end of 2026. ALDI is also sharing a deeper outlook into its growth plans over the next five years, including entering Colorado for the first time, continued growth in Southeast and West markets, and plans to open three new distribution centers across the country.

With its increased footprint, by the end of 2026, ALDI will operate a total store count of nearly 2,800, pushing it closer to its goal of 3,200 stores by the end of 2028. The growth plans are the company's answer to sustained demand for its simple, affordable shopping experience, with 17 million new customers visiting stores in 2025.i ALDI is also sharing plans to make shopping online even more seamless for U.S. customers in 2026 with a new digital experience.

"One in three U.S. households shopped at ALDI this past year,ⁱⁱ and in 2026 we're focused on making it even easier for customers to shop our aisles first," said Atty McGrath, CEO, ALDI U.S., in the recent release "That means bringing ALDI to even more neighborhoods, upgrading our website and planning additional distribution centers to keep our shelves stocked with the products our shoppers love."

The next wave of ALDI growth is powered by its customers. In recent years, millions have turned to ALDI for relief from rising cost of living—but stay for the quality, simplicity, and savings. The loyalty built in the first 50 years in the U.S. has helped transform ALDI into more than just a grocery store and instead into a movement. Customers line up hours before grand openings, fans proudly wear head-to-toe ALDI gear, and loyal shoppers share product recommendations in dedicated Facebook groups, some with more than 3.8 million members.

Bringing ALDI to More U.S. Neighborhoods

ALDI is building on its momentum with expansion in key U.S. markets, including:

• Maine: In 2026, ALDI will enter Maine as its 40th state in the U.S., opening in the city of Portland to bring unbeatable value to Maine shoppers
• Colorado: ALDI is announcing expansion plans into the state of Colorado within the next five years, with more than 50 stores planned for Denver and Colorado Springs markets supported by an accompanying distribution center
• Phoenix: As ALDI continues its westward expansion, the grocer will open 10 new stores in the Phoenix market in 2026, with plans to add a total of 40 new stores in the market by the end of 2030
• Las Vegas: After debuting four incredibly successful stores in 2025, the grocer will continue to deepen its presence in the growing market with plans to double its current store count by 2030
• The Southeast: ALDI plans to continue its Southeast expansion in 2026 by converting close to 80 Southeastern Grocers locations to the ALDI format. Since acquiring Southeastern Grocers in 2024, ALDI has converted and opened nearly 90 stores, with plans to convert more than 200 in total by the end of 2027

Increasing Distribution Networks to Support Demand

To keep shelves stocked with the products customers love, ALDI is increasing operational capacity with plans to open three new distribution centers in the next three years:

• Baldwin, Florida (projected 2027)
• Goodyear, Arizona (projected 2028)
• Aurora, Colorado (projected 2029)

These new ALDI distribution centers will bring hundreds of new jobs to each of the regions and positively impact the local economies. ALDI is also expanding its distribution center in Haines City, Fla. to include a new chilled center for perishable foods – allowing ALDI to deliver even more of the fresh meats and produce shoppers want across the Southeast.

By 2028, ALDI will have invested $9 billion over five years to expand its store footprint, strengthen its supply chain, and upgrade its online shopping experience. These investments position ALDI to meet rising demand while staying true to what customers count on most – quality products, an easy way to shop, and the lowest prices of any national grocerⁱⁱⁱ.

"These strategic investments are all about making sure customers can continue to count on us for the quality, affordable groceries and enjoyable shopping experience they love," added McGrath. "As we look ahead to our next 50 years in the U.S., we'll continue to earn shopper loyalty by staying true to what's made ALDI successful: keeping things simple and delivering real value."

See the full release here.

CALIFORNIA, US - California has reached a rare milestone this winter, with the U.S. Drought Monitor reporting no areas of dryness anywhere in the state—the first time that has occurred in 25 years.

The shift follows a series of powerful late-2025 storms that delivered widespread rainfall across the Central Valley and other regions, significantly improving short-term water conditions and refilling key reservoirs. State Climatologist Dr. Michael Anderson said the state is off to a strong start for Water Year 2026, noting that reservoir storage has recovered from last year’s drawdowns.

According to KFSN / ABC30 Action News, the drought-free classification reflects an “exceptionally wet period,” though officials stress that the designation does not eliminate long-standing concerns about water reliability.

While rainfall has been plentiful, snowfall — a critical component of California’s long-term water system — remains below average. The season’s first statewide snow survey measured snowpack at 71% of normal, and forecasters expect a drier pattern in the coming weeks.

Water managers cautioned that snowmelt plays a key role in replenishing rivers, canals, and agricultural supplies as temperatures rise. Without additional accumulation, spring runoff could underperform even as reservoirs currently appear healthy.

Officials also emphasized that demand continues to place pressure on available resources. California briefly achieved drought-free status in 2023 but still contained abnormally dry areas, making the current map update notable—though potentially short-lived.

ANUK will continue tracking weather patterns and water conditions as the season unfolds.

BAKERSFIELD, CA - As 2026 begins, Sun World International is celebrating its 50th anniversary, marking a half-century of growth and transformation that has helped reshape the global fruit industry and set new standards for flavor, quality, and commercialization.

Founded in 1976 as a California-based produce marketing firm, Sun World has evolved through multiple reinventions — emerging today as a worldwide engine of genetics, licensing, and brand development. Over five decades, the company has introduced category-defining fruit, expanded into new geographies, built one of the industry’s most influential licensing businesses and supply networks, and helped advance the role of branding in produce.

“Fifty years ago, Sun World was built on a bold idea — that better fruit could create better outcomes for growers, retailers and consumers,” said David Marguleas, executive chair of Sun World, in the recent release. “What began as an exploration of ‘what’s next’ for fruit has become a global force for innovation. Our evolution is a testament to the people, partners, and growers who believed in what was possible and worked tirelessly to make it happen.”

Sun World’s legacy is defined by category-shaping breakthroughs. From introducing the first seedless watermelon, to elevating stone fruit with more flavorful plums and peaches, to transforming the global table grape sector through seedless innovations and premium brands that redefined consumer expectations for flavor and consistency, the company has consistently pushed the boundaries of what fruit can deliver. Today, flagship grape brands such as AUTUMNCRISP® and RUBY RUSH® continue that tradition, driving excitement and value across international markets.

The company also has expanded well beyond grapes. Through strategic acquisitions, Sun World gained a citrus portfolio and the world’s largest private collection of mango genetics, accelerating its ability to bring new eating experiences to consumers. Its global network now spans more than 4,000 licensed producers and marketers across 18 countries, with fruit available in leading retail chains worldwide.

While the anniversary celebrates Sun World’s past, CEO Bernardo Calvo emphasized that the next chapter may be the most ambitious yet.

“Sun World is entering an era of innovation that our founders could only dream of,” Calvo said. “From AI-assisted breeding to deeper global trial networks, to partnerships that give us new reach and capability, we are positioned to deliver breakthroughs at a pace the industry has never seen. The opportunities ahead across our entire portfolio of fruit are extraordinary, and we’re just getting started.”

Throughout 2026, Sun World will commemorate its anniversary by honoring the people and partners who helped shape the business, while sharing new stories and milestones that signal where the company is headed next. The half century anniversary milestone will be recognized at various events throughout the year, complemented by a series of storytelling initiatives that reflect Sun World’s values, evolution, and future trajectory.

“Anniversaries remind us of where we began, but they matter most when they sharpen our focus on what comes next,” Marguleas said. “During our first 50 years, we established an extraordinary foundation. The next 50 will shape how we continue to advance the industry.”

LOS ANGELES, CA - Berry Fresh is excited to announce the launch of the 2026 Sweet Karoline® blackberry season. This year’s program is expected to be the strongest yet, fueled by expanded acreage, improved yields, and rising consumer enthusiasm.

Stronger Volume & Enhanced Supply

Driven by strategic plantings and continued advances in agronomy, Berry Fresh has significantly increased Sweet Karoline® production.

“Over the past several years, we’ve gained key insights into what Sweet Karoline® needs to thrive,” said Darren Sinn, VP of Operations & Supply Chain, in the recent release. “As we expand into new growing regions, we can apply these insights to consistently deliver the vibrant flavor that defines the Sweet Karoline® experience.”

Consumer - Loved Flavor Continues to Lead

Now entering its fourth commercial season, Sweet Karoline® has earned a passionate following. Known for its reliably sweet flavor, low seed profile, and excellent shelf life, it continues to shine with both consumers and retail partners.

Season after season, Berry Fresh continues to build on its experience, enhancing the consistency and performance of Sweet Karoline®. This steady refinement has strengthened the program’s position as a trusted premium blackberry.

Expanding Production & Strengthening the Future

To support long-term growth, Berry Fresh has expanded Sweet Karoline® acreage into Oregon, extending the season and enhancing national availability. The first harvest is expected this summer. Additional U.S. plantings are being planned to support scale and reach in the coming years.

“Our expansion reflects our ongoing commitment to innovation and delivering exceptional flavor,” said Jyoti Bhogal, VP of Sales & Marketing. “With Sweet Karoline® now thriving in new regions—and with consumer excitement continuing to grow—the program is building a longer, stronger, and even more flavorful season each year.”

Sweet Karoline® is a proprietary blackberry co-owned by Berry Fresh known for its exceptional sweetness, resistance to red cells, and superior eating experience. Berry Fresh is a leading year-round grower and marketer of premium blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries to customers in the Americas.