Scroll through social media lately and you’ve probably seen it: “2026 is the new 2016.” A throwback mindset with a modern twist — simpler times, feel-good food and everyday indulgences that don’t break the bank.

Back in 2016, avocados were at the center of that moment, a symbol of feel-good eating that balanced taste, nutrition and a little everyday indulgence. Fast forward to today and avocados have evolved from a cultural trend into a category powerhouse.

Dollar General plans to roll out an enhanced, AI-enabled in-store audio network across approximately 6,000 stores in 48 states. Through a new partnership with QSIC, Dollar General will deliver more relevant, localized and measurable audio experiences to customers while providing brand partners with accountable, data-driven advertising across one of the nation’s most expansive retail footprints. 

Ambassador Darci Vetter has joined Driscoll’s as vice president of public affairs. Based in the Washington, DC, area, Vetter will report to CEO Soren Bjorn and join the office of the CEO, supporting enterprise-wide alignment on governmental affairs across Driscoll’s global regions.

An overwhelming majority of America’s farmers who responded to a nationwide survey say they cannot afford to purchase enough fertilizer to get them through the year, according to American Farm Bureau Federation, which conducted the survey and published results today.

More than 5,700 farmers, from all 50 states and Puerto Rico — both Farm Bureau members and non-members — took the survey. Conducted April 3-11, the survey shows 70 percent of respondents say fertilizer is so expensive that they will not be able to buy all the fertilizer they need.

For Ventura Fresh Produce LLC, the goal is not simply to sell product, it is to build a brand rooted in legacy, values and long-term relationships.

Launched in early 2026, Ventura Fresh Produce LLC was founded by partners Javier Torres, Salvador Macías and Rob Ybarra, each bringing deep, generational ties to the produce industry. Together, they have aligned around a shared philosophy that guides every aspect of the business.

This April marks the seventh season of Continental Fresh’s Water For All branded mango program, a milestone that reflects the company’s long-standing commitment to pairing high-quality produce with meaningful impact. Inspired by the vision of CEO Albert Perez, the corporate social responsibility initiative donates a percentage of proceeds from every branded box of mango sold to support clean water projects in Latin America, communities that are often closely connected to the agricultural supply chain that makes the program possible.