With retailers looking for differentiation and dependability, and a desire for premium apple programs that create excitement, drive traffic and deliver strong turns at shelf, Next Big Thing is seeing big numbers in 2026.

Instacart introduced “Immersive Feed,” a new short-form, vertical video feed that showcases meals and recipes, currently in pilot as part of Instacart’s suite of inspiration ads. Customers can now browse the video feed directly within their favorite retail storefronts on Instacart and seamlessly add items to their cart. The new experience gives consumers a familiar way to scroll, discover and shop meal ideas on Instacart, like finding the best appetizers to pair with rosé or planning a meal for seasonal occasions, such as a family summer picnic.

Brendan Burns has joined JOH as senior vice president, produce, Metro. Burns brings more than 25 years of consumer packaged goods experience across the beverage and produce categories, building high-performing teams and helping grow nationally recognized brands. Throughout his career, he has led sales initiatives across a wide range of retail channels, including club, mass, grocery, foodservice and hospitality.

Duda Farm Fresh Foods' Dandy eight-ounce Celery Snack Packs have been named a winner in Good Housekeeping’s 2026 Snack Awards. 

Selected by the Good Housekeeping Institute’s registered dietitians and culinary experts with validation by extensive consumer testing, the awards spotlight snacks that deliver on flavor, nutrition, ingredient quality, packaging and overall innovation.

Pretty Lady Vineyards is welcoming the start of the California table grape season earlier than normal, giving retailers the opportunity to bring fresh California-grown grapes to shoppers ahead of schedule.

The early start means retailers can capitalize on strong summer demand and build excitement around the season’s first premium varieties, including Sugar Drop, Ruby Rush and FlavorCrush grapes. Known for their exceptional sweetness, crunch and eye-catching appearance, these varieties help create impactful displays and drive impulse purchases throughout the produce department.

For decades, Kurt Zuhlke & Associates has supplied packaging solutions to the fresh produce industry, helping growers, packers and shippers protect products while meeting the changing demands of retailers and consumers.

In 2026, company founder Kurt Zuhlke believes the biggest factor influencing packaging decisions isn’t sustainability or innovation — it is the economic realities facing consumers and the produce industry.