AGP Executive Report

Food Policy & Health: A new wave of research is putting food additives and drink choices under the microscope: a European Heart Journal study links several common preservatives to higher hypertension risk, while a separate analysis finds daily avocado intake can lower dietary glycemic load. Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Taxes: Public health groups say sugary-drink taxes are spreading fast—64 countries adopted them between 1990 and 2024—while other proposals target high-sugar dairy products like sweetened condensed milk. Restaurant & Fast-Food Economy: Campbell’s results hint consumers are cooking more at home and pulling back on meals out, and the UK hospitality sector is warning VAT and tax pressure could push more restaurants to close. Industry Growth & Markets: India’s beverage boom is outpacing broader FMCG growth, and global saffron and soft-serve machine markets keep expanding. Food Safety & Recalls: GO Raw expanded a freeze-dried chicken recall due to low thiamine levels. Disaster Impact: A 7.8 quake in the Philippines killed dozens and damaged businesses, including a Jollibee restaurant.

Food Policy & Nutrition: The UK Food and Drink Federation (FDF) urged the government to re-evaluate nutritional profiling rules, arguing reformulation is already cutting salt, sugar and calories versus 2021. Public Health Research: A European Heart Journal observational study linked higher intake of several common food preservatives to higher hypertension risk, calling for regulators to revisit safety assessments. Gut Health Drinks: Fermented beverage interest keeps rising, with coverage highlighting kefir, lassi and beet kvass as probiotic-friendly alternatives to kombucha. Food & Beverage Industry: PepsiCo is rolling out driverless trucks for Frito-Lay and beverage deliveries across parts of the US, signaling faster automation in distribution. Restaurant & Chain News: Wendy’s launches Minions & Monsters-themed Frosty and meals; Chick-fil-A plans a new Florida drive-thru; Culver’s opens a new Minnesota location. Food Safety/Disaster Impact: A 7.8 quake hit Mindanao, collapsing buildings including a fast-food site and triggering tsunami warnings; Indonesia ordered evacuations in northern areas. Cannabis Beverages: US congressional hemp crackdown could restrict or remove hemp-derived THC products, including drinks, from shelves. Local Food Community: Batavia’s mid-week farmers market returns for the season, and a Hendersonville “Rhythm & Brews” concert series brings food trucks and craft drinks.

Disaster & Food Retail Impact: A 7.8-magnitude earthquake hit southern Philippines near Sarangani, killing at least one and collapsing buildings including a Jollibee fast-food site in General Santos City; tsunami warnings were issued across the region and authorities urged coastal residents to move to higher ground. Food Inflation Watch: Central Visayas stayed the Philippines’ inflation hotspot in May, with food inflation at 5.7% nationally but 10.8% overall in the region, driven by steep jumps in vegetables, seafood, and corn. Market Growth (Drinking Yogurt): New forecasts project the global drinking yogurt market rising from $34.0B (2021) to $62.8B by 2031, fueled by demand for immunity-supporting, organic, low-processed options. Fast-Food Expansion: Subway plans a record 350 new China stores in 2026, building on 320 openings in 2025 and pushing deeper into major and lower-tier cities. Beverage Retail Trend: St Ali is rolling out its Italo Disco Espresso concentrate in Coles nationwide, betting on continued consumer shift toward chilled coffee. Policy & Health (Sugar Taxes): Nigeria’s CETA bill debate at third reading is framed as a potential tax burden on production and jobs, while separate coverage highlights growing pressure around sugar-sweetened beverage taxes. Hospitality & Taxes (UK): UK chefs back Andy Burnham’s push to cut VAT on hospitality from 20% to 10%, arguing it could help struggling restaurants and pubs. Alcohol Tax Risk (South Africa): South African Breweries warns a proposed 20% beer tax hike on higher-alcohol drinks could boost illicit beer sales and destabilize the legal market. New Product/Brand Moves: Larrikin Bourbon won multiple ASCOT Awards and named a new Director of Hospitality and Brand Engagement to grow consumer experiences.

Fast-Food & Retail Moves: Steak ’n Shake says it’s switching all beef to pasture-raised, grass-fed/grass-finished cattle starting June 1, part of a broader “cleaner” eating push. Tech in Dining: McDonald’s is testing an AI drive-thru order system (“ArchIQ”) at five U.S. locations, after earlier AI trials were scrapped. Pizza Market Shakeup: Bank of America says Domino’s and Casey’s are gaining share as delivery pressure eases, with Casey’s pizza a major driver of ready-to-eat sales. World Cup Food & Drink: FIFA reversed its water bottle ban, allowing one sealed 20-oz disposable bottle per fan; separate reporting also flags Hard Rock Stadium as among the priciest venues for beer and a basic meal. Food Safety & Regulation: Oman marked World Food Safety Day with a focus on traceability; in India, Maharashtra asked the FDA to tighten methanol monitoring after the Pune hooch tragedy. Local Food Business: Dietz & Watson debuted two new sliced-to-order chicken breast flavors at IDDBA. Consumer Budget Pressure: Retailers warn U.S. shoppers are starting to cut back as fuel and food costs mount.

World Food Safety Day Push: Pakistan’s President urged stakeholders to promote safe food practices and strengthen compliance across the food chain, tying food safety to public health and food security. Restaurant Expansion: Portillo’s announced a new flagship in Chicago’s Loop on Michigan Ave, adding dine-in, pickup and delivery. Fast-Food Tech Shake-Up: McDonald’s is testing an AI drive-thru system, ArchIQ, at five locations, drawing both operational interest and customer pushback. Food Safety & Health Funding: Zimbabwe says sugar-tax proceeds are funding new cancer equipment at Mpilo Central Hospital, aiming to expand local diagnosis and treatment. Microplastics Study: Researchers at the University of Cincinnati launched a $3.3M project to study whether ingested microplastics can harm the heart. Consumer Value Moves: With budgets tight, 7-Eleven is promoting a $3 meal deal for loyalty members, while retailers report shoppers rethinking spending. Food Access Efforts: Richmond and East Oakland communities are tackling food deserts with fridges, gardens and mobile markets, despite funding and regulatory hurdles. Food Industry Operations: Japan’s restaurant sector is feeling strain after a pause on new foreign worker admissions for food service roles.

Retail Pricing Law: New York lawmakers moved to ban “surveillance pricing” that uses personal data to set different prices, though a separate plan to restrict digital shelf labels stalled—leaving grocery tech and delivery services still in the spotlight. World Cup Food & Drink Rules: FIFA clarified stadium entry rules, including limits on what fans can bring (with a partial backtrack on water bottle restrictions), while pubs and chains roll out World Cup promos and freebies. Fast-Food Closures: Applebee’s confirmed a permanent California closure on June 16, citing financial strain and lease issues, adding to a broader wave of restaurant shutdowns. Automation in Beverages: China’s RobotAnno showcased AI drink kiosks at FAIR plus 2026, pitching 24/7 unmanned coffee, milk tea, cocktails and ice cream for labor-squeezed operators. Community & Culture: San Leandro hosted “Bersama in the Bay,” an Indonesian/Malaysian/Singaporean food-and-music event drawing 200 guests. Health Policy Watch: Quebec is set to table a bill targeting energy drinks’ impact on teens, with debate over timing and election politics.

Food Safety Watch: Hawaiʻi DOH cleared Ohana Sub & Deli, Inc. to reopen after critical violations—like a nonfunctional handwashing sink and insufficient hot water—were fixed. Restaurant Openings: Fairway Tavern opened at ʻEwa Villages Golf Course with pupus, plate lunches, local favorites and beverages for dine-in, takeout and catering. Craft Beer Meets Dining: Ore Dock Brewing is partnering with Focus Restaurant Concepts to add a new elevated food program to its Marquette taproom. World Cup Food Buzz: Toronto is gearing up for FIFA World Cup crowds with themed snacks and match-ready restaurant picks, including global cuisines and limited-time promotions. Retail & Beverages: Loblaw’s No Name frozen juice from concentrate is returning to Canadian shelves with flavors like lemonade, limeade and berry punch. Convenience Groceries: Amazon UK plans to bring its fast online “one basket” grocery service to Birmingham. Brand Merch Trend: Starbucks China is launching an apparel line, expanding beyond drinks into lifestyle merchandise. Community Food Events: Pride in the CLE returns with food trucks and a drink garden, plus games and vendors.

Convenience-store growth: Yesway says it will “go very hard” into Arizona after breaking ground on its first location, with much of its 2027–2028 pipeline in the state, while Q1 2026 showed inside merchandise sales up 9.5% and fuel sales up 16%. Courtroom food safety fallout: A Massachusetts McDonald’s manager accused of spitting into a customer’s fries appeared in court; the franchise owners say there were no health violations. PFAS cleanup costs: Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers and the DNR announced a major PFAS settlement with Tyco, requiring clean drinking water and a $10M payment into a PFAS trust fund for Marinette-area contamination. Beverage brand/legal pressure: India’s HNGIL issued a fresh legal notice to Bira 91 maker B9 Beverages over alleged unpaid dues and unlifted customized bottle inventory. Energy drink scrutiny: Texas AG Ken Paxton opened an investigation into Celsius/Alani Nu marketing to minors over high caffeine levels. New drinks on shelves: Saratoga Water plans a flavored sparkling water “Collection,” while Chopin Vodka becomes official vodka of the Belmont Stakes with a new 375ml format.

Restaurant Tech & Guest Experience: Dave’s Hot Chicken is rolling out “Dave’s of the Future” but says it pulled back on drive-thru voice AI after guests didn’t like talking to a robot. Fast-Food Expansion: McDonald’s is pushing ahead with a 24-hour push at a former Pizza Hut site in Swindon after submitting a new noise assessment, while another UK McDonald’s branch reopens drive-thru after a weeklong “Convenience of the Future” revamp. Food Policy: Portland City Council passed an ordinance banning the sale of force-fed foie gras, joining other US cities. Health & Food Safety: A Kenosha County McDonald’s faces a class-action alleging drinks were contaminated with live worms and raw sewage. Food & Drink Markets: Goldman flags soft Memorial Day beer sales tied to cold weather and higher gas prices, with energy drink growth also slowing. Consumer Deals & Dining: Happy Lamb Las Vegas expands its hot pot menu with à la carte items, and Someburros adds limited-time Mini Burros for summer. Wellness & Lifestyle: Smile+ launches its “16-Hour Gap” oral wellness concept aimed at the hours between brushing.

Retail & Supply Chain: Target opened its largest food distribution center in Thornton, Colorado, a 529,000-square-foot, temperature-controlled hub serving 129 stores across 11 states and aiming to speed fresh and frozen deliveries by up to two days. Fast-Food & Promotions: McDonald’s launched its FIFA World Cup 26 Meal and Happy Meal with collectible cups and Squishmallows at participating locations worldwide. Franchise Expansion: Chick-fil-A’s Ammon, Montana and Butte, Montana openings/renovations signal continued growth, with the Butte store set to open June 11 and donate $25,000 to the Montana Food Bank. Food Safety & Compliance: Texas AG Ken Paxton opened an investigation into Celsius/Alani Nu after a wrongful-death lawsuit alleges energy-drink marketing to teens and insufficient heart-health warnings. Food Industry Recognition: Texas Iberico’s Mesa Salami won a 2026 Good Food Award in the charcuterie category. Community Food Events: Milwaukee Public Market brings back the free Riverwalk Commons Concert Series with rotating food trucks and a full bar.

Winery & Food Events: Shale Oak Winery grabbed five medals at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, including two Double Golds for its 2023 Syrah and 2023 Albarino, as Vermont’s Burlington Wine & Food festival gears up for its June 27 waterfront return with 75+ exhibitors, seminars, and two tasting sessions. Community Food Access: Spokane’s Scale House Market is expanding its mission with Four Roots, aiming to keep local farmers connected to local shoppers while turning surplus into items like salsas, jams, and jellies. Fast-Food & Chain Moves: Clover Food Lab, after closing all Boston-area spots, says it will reopen select Cambridge and Boston locations for lunch on June 9. Beverage & Packaging: Health advocates are pressing FIFA to end its Coca-Cola partnership by 2030, while Australia’s Unpackit Awards call out a “franken-can” takeaway drink design as the worst packaging offender. Market & Policy Watch: ANZ reports May card spending rose 1.8% month-on-month, with hospitality and fast food up, and Japan’s economy ministry says a cut to the food consumption tax to 1% from April 2027 is feasible.

Slip-and-Fall Lawsuit: A Virginia woman is suing Outback Steakhouse for $1.5M after alleging she fell on mashed potatoes at a Sterling location in May 2023, claiming the chain failed to warn customers and remove the hazard. Food Prices & Competition: A new antitrust settlement involving agricultural data firm Agri Stats bars sharing sensitive info among competing meat processors, as officials argue consolidation helps drive higher grocery costs. Wellness in Hospitality: The Westin Manila is running a three-day “Reset at Westin” wellness program for Global Wellness Day, blending fitness, mindfulness, nutrition, recovery, and sustainable living. Home Beverage Innovation: Drinkmate launched an enhanced loyalty rewards program with new tiers and more ways to earn points. Fast-Casual Expansion: Fork to Fit Kitchen signed its first multi-unit franchise deal for four San Antonio-area locations, aiming to scale its calorie-conscious, macro-balanced menu. Retail & Foodservice Growth: DIAL Ventures Fund II is underway after building a $30M+ agrifood portfolio through venture studio cycles. World Cup Food & Drink: Adega Gaucha will host Brazil match viewing events in Orlando and Kissimmee, with ticketed food-and-drink packages.

Halal Compliance in Public Feeding: Indonesia’s BPJPH says halal certification for SPPG units is key to meeting standards under the Free Nutritious Meals program, urging all kitchens to apply and maintain halal processes. Tax Policy for Beverages: Pakistan’s national food security minister calls for “smart taxation” on beverages and juice, arguing current excise duty rules don’t reflect sugar and nutrition differences and should better balance public health, rural jobs, and industry competitiveness. Fast-Food Tech & Value Wars: McDonald’s is testing drive-thru voice AI again (“Archy”) as it rolls out a hospitality- and tech-focused growth strategy, while investors weigh McDonald’s vs Wendy’s on 2026 value and recovery prospects. Plant-Based Manufacturing Push: Rockwell Automation is partnering with Spain’s Liquats Vegetals to digitize plant-based beverage production for better visibility, consistency, and energy transparency. Coffee & Beverage Events: Singapore’s National Coffee Championship 2026 returns July 15–17 alongside major F&B trade shows, and Labatt Canada previews a summer 2026 lineup built for convenience-store shoppers. Market Growth Watch: New reports project strong expansion for manuka honey, sourdough, and red rice markets through 2032, driven by wellness and clean-label demand.

Retail & Food Safety: Abilene, Texas posted inspection scores for restaurants and stores, including priority issues tied to improper holding temperatures and cross-contamination risks. Fast-Casual Footprint: Which Wich appears set to close its last Tallahassee location, following earlier chain exits. New Openings & Expansion: White Castle broke ground in The Colony, Texas—its first Texas site in 105 years—while Ziggi’s Coffee added a third southern Minnesota location in Redwood Falls. Beverage Innovation: Aroma Joe’s rolled out “Dirty Soda” across 135 locations with multiple base options and four signature flavors. Menu Updates: Surcheros expanded with new burrito and bowl offerings plus Loaded Queso and a Chocolate Chunk Cookie. Brand Moves in Ice Cream: General Mills agreed to sell Häagen-Dazs shops in mainland China to an investor group, keeping retail/foodservice supply. Legal & Public Health: San Francisco filed a landmark lawsuit targeting major food and beverage makers over claims about ultra-processed foods and public health harm. Consumer Health Trends: NIQ says Canadians are leaning more on fiber and front-of-pack label warnings, even as healthier options can feel too expensive. Food Industry & Climate: WMO warned a strong El Niño is likely, with climate change expected to amplify extreme weather impacts on global food systems. Community & Hospitality: Downtown Indy Alliance launched summer programming with Hangar Coffee serving rotating food and beverage options.

Food Retail & Franchises: White Castle brings back a permanent veggie option, replacing its discontinued Impossible Slider with a Southwest Veggie Slider made with Dr Praeger’s meat-free patty. Corporate Strategy: McDonald’s rolls out “McDonald’s > NEXT,” aiming to make stores easier to run via more automation, higher hospitality standards, and menu taste upgrades. Beverage Industry Moves: Coca-Cola is exploring a potential India IPO for Hindustan Coca-Cola Holdings, with a possible 2027 listing and stake sale talks. Packaging & Supply Chains: Japan’s Calbee and FamilyMart are shifting to simpler black-and-white packaging to stabilize ink supply amid Middle East-driven shocks. Policy & Taxes: Japan’s government is coordinating a two-year food and beverage consumption tax cut starting April 2027, targeting a 1% rate. Consumer Safety & Health: A Union Township (Michigan) water main repair triggers a boil-water advisory for residents and guidance for food businesses. Inflation Watch: Netherlands flash estimate puts May inflation at 3.5%, with energy driving the jump. Community & Hospitality: States extend bar and restaurant hours for the World Cup, with late-night alcohol sales approvals in several U.S. cities.

Plant-based push in dining: WRI’s Food Service Playbook says small changes—more protein variety, plant-rich menu placement, and taste-forward naming—can nudge diners toward plant-based choices, with WRI’s Coolfood initiative helping operators apply the tactics. Non-alcoholic drinks trend: Tom Holland’s Bero brand is launching limited-edition non-alcoholic shandies (lemon lime, grapefruit, elderflower, blackberry yuzu) made with 30% Kingston Golden Pils and 70% lemonade, rolling out in June at Target. Better-for-you snacks expansion: SunOpta (Refresco) is investing $25M to expand its Omak, Washington fruit snack production line, boosting capacity by 25% to meet rising demand for real-fruit, no-artificial-color snacks. Restaurant and QSR growth moves: Chick-fil-A is opening in South Portland, Maine’s Maine Mall parking lot, while Godfather’s Pizza in Omaha announced a new “Godfather” titleholder as part of its family-led brand tradition. Food safety and public health: A norovirus outbreak is reported in multiple U.S. cities, including hikers on California’s Pacific Crest Trail, and local advisories continue as heat and water safety concerns affect communities. Hospitality during the World Cup: Several U.S. states are extending bar and restaurant hours for the tournament, aiming to boost fan experiences and sales. New product for bakers: Leaven Foods launched Instant Sourdough on Amazon, a shelf-stable starter replacement that claims real sourdough fermentation without needing a live starter.