AGP Executive Report

Sugar Tax Pushback (Nigeria): The Centre for Private Enterprise urged lawmakers to reject a Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Tax Bill, arguing it’s ill-timed and would raise costs, prices, and threaten jobs across Nigeria’s food and beverage value chain. World Food Safety Day (Oman): Oman marked June 7 with renewed focus on safe food systems, stressing traceability and faster market withdrawals when risks are found. Water & Land Conservation (Canada): Nature Conservancy of Canada expanded Buffalo Pound Lake conservation by securing 515 more acres, helping filter drinking water for about a quarter of Saskatchewan’s population. Chimaek Deal Signals AI Memory Demand (South Korea): Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang met SK Group and SK Hynix over fried chicken and beer, with a Monday cooperation plan expected as memory shortages are forecast to persist for “several years.” Deli Innovation (US): Dietz & Watson debuted two new sliced-to-order chicken breast flavors—Heritage Roast and Cantina—at IDDBA. Hospitality Policy (UK): England’s World Cup guidance would let pubs serve pavement pints and run beer gardens with match screenings, aiming to cut red tape for struggling venues. Energy & Water Pressure (UN/AI): A UN report warns AI could consume up to 3% of global electricity by 2030 and use more cooling water than the world’s annual drinking needs. Liquor Retail Margin Pressure (West Bengal): Foreign liquor retailers in Bengal asked for higher trade margins, removal of pandemic-era fees, and changes to distribution rules to keep shops viable.

Hospitality Tax Pressure: UK MPs are pushing back on an “overburden of taxes,” arguing VAT and related costs are squeezing hotels and restaurants and calling for relief. Liquor Revenue Crackdown: Tamil Nadu CM Joseph Vijay orders a crackdown on alleged leakages and “party fund” practices tied to TASMAC, directing officials to route liquor-sale revenue to the state treasury. VAT Relief Clarification: HMRC says the summer VAT cut on children’s meals applies to the meal’s marketing and pricing, not the buyer’s age—so adults can order kids’ menus without age checks. Coffee Chain Comeback: The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf plans a US resurgence after years of closures, targeting new formats and locations to challenge rivals like Starbucks. Tea Retail Expansion: Brook37 Tea Atelier launches across all 54 Costco warehouses in Texas, leaning into iced-tea-friendly blends. Public Health Funding Link: Zimbabwe says proceeds from a sugar-sweetened beverage tax are funding new cancer radiotherapy equipment, aiming to expand local treatment capacity. Food & Drink Innovation: Scientists report progress using ancient yeast to bake sourdough and are now exploring brewing beer with those strains. Sustainability & Water: Environmental groups sue to stop logging in Washington’s Elwha Watershed, warning of risks to drinking-water supplies.

AI Beverage Retail: RobotAnno used FAIR plus 2026 in Shenzhen to spotlight its “Drink Team” of five AI beverage kiosks (coffee, milk tea, cocktails, ice cream), pitching 24/7 unmanned service as a fix for labor shortages and rising operating costs. Hydration & Water Access: A new hydration station on the Hart-Montague Trail in Whitehall, Michigan was dedicated to local bicyclist Paul Kissel, adding a drinking fountain and bottle-filling point. Alcohol & Sports Demand: Jefferies says the 2026 FIFA World Cup could lift global beer consumption by about 1 billion pints, with more matches and more U.S. games boosting bar and pub occasions. Soju Expansion: Aldi’s first-ever soju rollout (Jinju Peach Soju) signals growing U.S. demand, with IWSR forecasting strong category growth. Functional Drinks: Hindustan Unilever launched Liquid I.V. Sugar-Free in India, targeting wellness-focused hydration shoppers. Tax Pressure on Drinks: England World Cup beer duty is set to hit 54p per pint, renewing calls to cut beer taxes to keep pints affordable. Automation in QSR: McDonald’s is testing ArchIQ AI ordering in U.S. drive-thrus, aiming to reduce order errors and speed service.

Animal Welfare Policy: Denmark’s “pig election” campaign helped push systemic reforms to ultra-intensive pig farming, with activists saying pig farming is now a top political issue. US Labor & Foodservice: The US added 172,000 jobs in May and unemployment held at 4.3%, with leisure and hospitality leading gains; food services and drinking places added 48,000. Restaurant Experience Shift: With consumers still dining out despite costs, chains are leaning into “worth it” experiences—think towers and sauce flights—rather than competing on price alone. Brand & Retail Beverage Moves: Loblaw is bringing back frozen juice from concentrate under its No Name brand, while Starbucks China expands into apparel via its Bearista Town merchandise push. Functional & Trade Buzz: THAIFEX–Anuga Asia 2026 drew 3,590 exhibitors and nearly 95,000 trade visitors, spotlighting drinks and functional food trends. Health Policy Scrutiny: Sri Lanka’s sugar-sweetened beverage tax and traffic-light labeling face criticism over loopholes and informal-market workarounds. Water & PFAS Accountability: Wisconsin announced a $10M PFAS settlement tied to firefighting foam contamination, including long-term clean-water obligations. Beer & Culture: Old World Wisconsin will release a limited run of the original 1948 Schlitz recipe for its 50th anniversary.

Legal Heat on Beer Packaging: India’s Bira 91 faces a new ₹11.19 Cr dispute as glass supplier HNGIL alleges its parent B9 Beverages left 51.42 lakh customised bottles uncollected, warning of civil and criminal action and copying investors. Wholesale Data Push: UK wholesale group TWC launched “Channel Track,” a cross-channel tracker built from millions of card transactions and research to map consumer missions, decisions, occasions and spend across retail and foodservice. RTD Alcohol Spotlight: Brown-Forman flagged RTD alcohol as a key growth pocket, with Jack Daniel’s Country Cocktails and broader RTD/RTP expansion helping offset softer overall sales. World Cup Marketing & Spending: Analysts expect the 2026 FIFA World Cup to boost host-economy spending, with hospitality and travel among the biggest beneficiaries as brands ramp up campaigns. Functional Gummies Move: Nature Echo launched raspberry mushroom gummies with a 15-mushroom + Ashwagandha formula, leaning into the gummy supplement boom. Policy & Public Health: A guest commentary highlights Berkeley’s soda tax reinvestment model, while Caribbean health groups call for stronger rules on harmful food and beverage marketing near schools. Careers in Food & Drink: IGD relaunched “Feeding Britain’s Future,” aiming to engage every UK secondary school by 2030 and expand modern work experience with The Careers & Enterprise Company.

Ultra-Processed Food Scrutiny: A new study links tobacco-era product engineering tactics to the rise of Lunchables and other ultra-processed foods, renewing calls to rethink how “better-for-you” reformulations and marketing shaped child-focused diets. Pub Sector Pressure: A UK pub operator was struck off after a voluntary strike-off, even as the Muddy Duck plans to reopen June 19—while another mum-and-daughter pub team says burnout, cost pressures, and VAT are forcing a June 27 closure. Retail & Wholesale Alcohol Modernization: Ontario’s LCBO is rolling out a multi-year Future State Modernization overhaul aimed at updating listings, supplier communications, warehousing, forecasting, and wholesale ordering. Food & Beverage Manufacturing Expansion: Improvon broke ground on a purpose-built Cranbrook Flavours facility in South Africa, consolidating labs, R&D, warehousing, and production under a 10-year lease. Water & Health Policy: Denmark will lower nitrate limits in drinking water to 6 mg/L, with Greenpeace urging New Zealand to follow—highlighting growing regulatory pressure tied to rural water contamination. Craft Beer Community Moves: Australia’s Independent Brewers Association expands membership to welcome “True Indie Supporters,” and says the Indies Awards will return in 2027 with a people-first focus. World Cup Demand Watch: Deutsche Bank points to potential upside for lodging, advertising, and food & beverage names as World Cup crowds boost summer spending.

Whiskey Expansion: Sazerac is launching its first Tennessee whiskey brand, AJ Bond, bottled at 95 proof and rolling out nationwide later this year, adding to its portfolio that includes Buffalo Trace and Fireball. Hospitality Tech & F&B: Mews Unfold 2026 polled 750 hoteliers in Amsterdam, finding strong excitement for new tech and AI, with operators pushing “connected” stays that bundle food, local experiences, and transport. Alcohol & Retail Demand: Brown-Forman beat forecasts in Q4 and guided for flat FY27 sales, while Eurostat data showed eurozone retail volumes down in April as fuel sales fell, with food/drinks/tobacco up. Kids Nutrition Trend: Frosh’s kids’ juice is positioning protein as the next functional frontier, using 5g protein per serving in a juice format. C-Store Beverage Play: PepsiCo execs say c-stores are key for beverage growth, but affordability pressure is forcing more creative promotions and value strategies. Travel Retail Confectionery: Mondelēz is rolling out Milka x Monopoly at airports across Europe and Latin America with “play to win” activations. Water Infrastructure for Agriculture: Armenia approved a €12m AFD grant to modernize water and irrigation systems, targeting drought resilience and farm productivity.

Coca-Cola Marketing Shake-Up: The soda giant has kicked off a global review of its media, data science and technology operations, with WPP Open X reportedly set to compete against Publicis Groupe for major markets. Craft Beer & Events: New Zealand’s Beervana 2026 opens ticket sales, promising cryogenic-hops and international brewer lineups for Aug. 21-22 in Wellington. Restaurant Tech & Scale Cooking: A private-dining operator says RATIONAL equipment helps cook for thousands with consistent rice and vegetable output. Coffee Experience Push: Luckin Coffee in NYC hosted a “coffee omakase” tasting led by World Barista Champion Anthony Douglas, spotlighting roast and flavor notes. Food Safety & Water Link: A new global study in Nature Food finds people without clean drinking water face higher food insecurity and food safety threats. Hospitality Survival Watch: Boston’s Clover Food Lab says it will reopen select locations after a sudden closure, citing a new investor deal. Wine Business Strategy: Treasury Wine Estates plans to streamline around “power brands” and lean into lighter, lower-alcohol styles as it reshapes its portfolio. Beer Competition & Education: Niagara College rebrands its School of Wine, Beer and Spirits under a unified “NC Craft” identity.

Ultra-Processed Foods Debate: A new American Journal of Public Health special issue argues ultra-processed foods are tied to chronic disease and may even have addictive properties, pushing the conversation beyond ingredients to how people actually buy and eat them. Food Policy & Access: A report warns new SNAP purchase restrictions in 19 states could cut 2026 sales of soda, candy and energy drinks by hundreds of millions, with convenience and grocery foot traffic taking the hit. Sugar Shock in Retail: Crumbl’s “dirty soda” craze is back in the spotlight after one 32-ounce drink hit 186 grams of sugar—sparking backlash over health impacts. Big Deal for Pizza: Yum Brands is reportedly in exclusive talks to sell Pizza Hut to private equity firm LongRange Capital, as the chain’s strategic review moves toward a conclusion. Coffee Expansion: Evolve Coffee + Matcha opened its first Northshore location in Mandeville, with ceremonial-grade matcha and a community-focused setup. Packaging Innovation: Michelman highlighted digital printing primers and PFAS-free, food-contact compliant coatings at Dscoop Edge Slovenia, aiming to help brands improve runnability and sustainability. Water & Health Infrastructure: Manila Water backed school reopening under Oplan Balik-Eskwela 2026, including sanitation rehab and refrigerated drinking fountains for hundreds of schools.

Coeliac Awareness Week: Coeliac New Zealand kicks off June 15–21, urging earlier diagnosis and better gluten-free support for the estimated 100,000 Kiwis living with coeliac disease, with many still undiagnosed. Menu Modernization: Mellow Mushroom is rolling out a refreshed, simplified menu, starting with revamped salads built around smaller romaine pieces for easier eating. Hospitality & Wages: Australia’s Fair Work Commission lifts the National Minimum Wage by 4.75%, with hotel and liquor retailers warning of added cost pressure. Beer & Brand Momentum: IWSR says beer volume is soft but value holds as consumers trade up; non-alcohol and flavour-led formats are driving growth. Wine Industry Pressure: OIV reports global wine consumption down 2.7% and vineyard area shrinking again, while South Africa’s wine exports fall 7% year-on-year. Industrial Safety Scrutiny: Washington lawmakers and federal investigators intensify focus on the Longview paper mill disaster after a white liquor tank failure, as budget cuts threaten the Chemical Safety Board’s probe capacity. Local Relief: Wyalusing, Pa. businesses get a boost as Rainbow Bridge reopens after a months-long closure.

Public Health & Water Safety: South West Water was fined £1.85m after a cryptosporidiosis outbreak in Devon left hundreds sick and thousands boiling water, with the judge calling it a serious failure and citing inspection gaps. Heat & Food-Chain Vulnerability: A Pune report says street vendors face heat stress without basic protections like shade, water, toilets, or healthcare, and that official heat action plans don’t translate into real safeguards. Regulation Watch (PFAS): A new report highlights how “forever chemicals” are widespread in drinking water and everyday products, and why reducing exposure is hard but still worth pursuing. Food & Beverage Legal Pressure: San Francisco filed a landmark lawsuit targeting major manufacturers over “ultra-processed” foods, arguing they engineered a public health crisis. Spirits Supply Adjustment: Brown-Forman is pausing production at its Slane Irish Whiskey distillery to align output with demand, while noting it has maturing stock to cover global needs. Market Signals: Thailand’s business sentiment fell in May, with food and beverage hit by higher packaging costs and Middle East shipping delays. Non-Alc Growth: Tom Holland’s BERO is expanding with shandy-style non-alcoholic flavors aimed at broader appeal. Beverage Tax Policy: Pakistan’s food minister floated linking beverage excise duties to sugar and nutrition profiles instead of a flat tax.

Bottling IPO Watch: Coca-Cola is exploring a 2027 India listing for Hindustan Coca-Cola Holdings, with plans to list on BSE and NSE and potentially sell part of its stake; the bottler already has a 60% Coca-Cola stake after Jubilant Bhartia bought 40% in 2025. Energy Drink Liability: A Texas family has filed a wrongful-death lawsuit over an Alani Nu energy drink, alleging high caffeine contributed to a teen’s fatal enlarged heart; the distributor denies responsibility. Beer Industry Shakeup: Lion Australia says James Boag will stop brewing in Tasmania by November, citing long-term market decline and cost inflation, affecting 42 jobs. World Cup Late-Night Sales: States including Kansas, Missouri, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Washington are extending bar and restaurant hours during FIFA World Cup 2026 to boost fan spending. Wine Compliance: New Zealand’s Serious Fraud Office charged former Sacred Hill Vineyards director Richard Foddy with false accounting tied to overstated inventory values used to secure funding. Workplace Safety Focus: New reporting highlights how OSHA’s expanding rules are pushing employers to lean on centralized safety management systems and documentation.

Cruise Tourism Boost: Perak, Malaysia is pitching itself as a cruise hub after the Star Dream Cruise’s first visit, with about 3,000 tourists expected to lift local food and beverage, retail, crafts and transport around Lumut, Sitiawan and Ipoh. Heat-Work Rules: Qatar’s Labour Ministry launched a summer heat-stress awareness push ahead of rules limiting outdoor work from 10am to 3:30pm, with partners including major delivery and retail platforms. Farm Succession Crisis: Europe’s farm leadership is aging fast (only 11% of managers under 40), and a new Future Harvest program backed by EIT Food and the PepsiCo Foundation aims to support next-gen farmers across multiple countries. Retail Turnaround Watch: Asda says its “Formula for Growth” is on track, citing improved like-for-like sales and record product availability in Q1. Vaping Policy Pressure: Caribbean policymakers are being urged to address a youth vaping surge, including concerns about nicotine exposure and “nicotine-free” products. Beverage Industry Hiring: D2O names Terrell Jones VP of business development to drive retail growth and partnerships. Summer Drink Buzz: Aperol spritz remains the seasonal standout as bars chase viral cocktail trends ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Sugar Reformulation: UAE’s Al Ain Farms Group pledges to cut added sugars 10–20% across its brands in line with Abu Dhabi’s Healthy Living Strategy. Alcohol Regulation: Tennessee finalizes hemp-derived THC rules ahead of a June 30 ban, expected to hit most hemp product sales. Wine Trade Spotlight: Jerez’s Vinoble fair highlights strong export demand, with the UK leading at 25% of exports. Job-Saving Takeover: Kortijn takes over Lovers’ juice production in Willemstad, keeping 140+ jobs after Lovers’ bankruptcy.

Sugar Tax Ring-Fence: Zimbabwe says it will ring-fence sugar and fast-food tax money for health programmes, aiming to curb sugary drinks and takeaways while protecting funding for service delivery. Juice Tax Backlash: Pakistan’s packaged fruit juice sector is pushing back on higher FED rates, arguing the policy is hitting affordability, shrinking formal sales, and boosting informal competition—an argument framed as a “Laffer Curve” effect. Beverage Policy in B.C.: Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, British Columbia launches a three-year trial letting bars, pubs and restaurants restock by buying alcohol from private and public liquor stores, improving speed during demand spikes. Local Market Push (Nigeria): Benue’s BIPC targets 50% of the state’s beverage market, promoting Zeva Beer and Zeva Malt as locally made alternatives. Wine & Premium Shift: South Africa’s wine industry is leaning into premiumisation as global consumption falls, with producers focusing on provenance and differentiation to stay competitive. Hospitality & Sips (NZ/US/Global): Queenstown’s Snow Fest spotlights winter tourism with snowmaking tech; Spokane Cocktail Week spotlights local bars; and Vinexpo Asia 2026 in Hong Kong draws major trade interest in wine.

Industrial Safety: A 900,000-gallon “white liquor” tank rupture at Nippon Dynawave Packaging in Longview, Washington killed 11 after all missing workers were recovered, with contamination confirmed in the Columbia River but no detected harm to air quality or city drinking water. Regulatory Gaps: Experts say above-ground chemical tank inspections often fall to site operators, not a single state agency—raising questions after the Longview disaster. Spirits & RTD Innovation: Global Spirits Masters named top Añejo Tequilas, while All Día launched a 2.5% ABV, 50–60 calorie canned tequila cocktail aimed at the mindful drinking wave. Non-Alcohol Trend: Netherlands data shows non-alcoholic beer up sharply in 2025 as lager sales fall, with breweries and venues adding alcohol-free options. Policy & Taxes: New York State moved to simplify liquor-license rules affecting pre-mixed drinks like jello shots, and Ladakh approved a major excise overhaul to expand legal liquor access. Water Stress: Sindh accused IRSA of violating the 1991 water accord amid worsening shortages, while Nepal’s lawmakers flagged a deepening Tarai drinking-water crisis. Food & Drink Culture: A Florida man’s TikTok mystery about a dent in reduced-fat milk jugs went viral—highlighting how packaging details can confuse shoppers.

Spirits Accolades: The Global Spirits Masters crowned Augusto Tequila Joven and El Tequileño Still Strength as top Blanco Tequilas, while the International Spirits Challenge named just 11 Double Gold whiskies, including Japan’s Yamazaki 25 Year. Whiskey Supply Watch: Brown-Forman is temporarily pausing production at its Slane Irish Whiskey distillery as it adjusts to softer spirits demand, while Michter’s announced the return of its highly allocated 10 Year Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Rye. Hospitality Pressure: Pub and hospitality operators warn of a “perfect storm” of higher energy, labor and taxes, with CAMRA pointing to pub closures in Essex and industry groups pushing for tax relief. Food & Drink Trade: China lifted HPAI-related poultry import restrictions for 17 US states, potentially reopening export flows for US chicken. Health & Policy: WHO marked World No Tobacco Day with a focus on how modern marketing targets younger people, including e-cigarettes and heated tobacco. Wine Industry Moves: Hope Family Wines appointed Matt Dusi to expand business operations at its Paso Robles winery. Sustainability & Packaging: Tetra Pak highlighted how brands are adapting to rapid global change as packaging and supply chains evolve.