AGP Executive Report

Living Wage Push: Patagonia backs ACT to tackle living wages via national policy and industry-wide bargaining, arguing supplier factory action alone can’t fix pay gaps. Food Safety & Regulation: California signed a law enabling a non-ultra-processed food seal, while Maharashtra’s FDA tightened infant formula rules—banning influencer promos, samples and requiring prominent “Mother’s Milk is Best” notices. Cold-Chain Accountability: California also raised fines and emergency requirements for cold storage after a Boyle Heights fire left rotting meat/seafood and months of community stench. Retail Expansion: Food Lion is pursuing a second Moncks Corner store, filing permits for a new grocery at a high-traffic site. Supply Chain Under Stress: A UAE food chief warned shipping disruptions are a lasting shift, pushing the country’s food cluster to diversify corridors and link small makers to major retailers. Food Prices & Inputs: India cut edible oil import duties ahead of Diwali, with analysts expecting landed-cost relief that may protect snack pack pricing. Food Waste Focus: South Africa marks International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste, spotlighting tech and smallholder support to cut losses. Corporate Earnings: Cal-Maine Foods reported sharply weaker Q1 results amid mix shifts toward prepared foods and specialty shell eggs.

AI in Private Brands: FMI says private-brand firms are early AI adopters, using it most for research (64%), plus efficiency (50%), marketing (44%) and product development (36%), with retailers leading on price optimization and agentic commerce. Gulf Industrial Push: Qatar is joining Bahrain’s “Made in GCC 2026” forum, targeting joint ventures in areas including food products and pharma as Gulf states deepen value-chain cooperation. Food Safety Under Fire: California’s CRN blasts AB 2030 for broad dietary-supplement restrictions that could confuse consumers and chill lawful products, while Texas AG action has pushed Plum Organics to adopt tighter heavy-metals testing and publish results. EU Deforestation Rules: Ireland’s proposed EUDR framework would bring €10m fines and domestic criminal offences tied to due diligence and record-keeping for deforestation-linked commodities. Dairy Loss Low: New Zealand research finds only 1.8% milk loss at farms and 5.5% at processors, driven by better risk-sharing and excess-milk trading. Hunger Demand: Second Harvest in Wisconsin convenes partners and policy makers as food insecurity hits 1 in 5 children. Hospitality Pressure: Australia’s rate hikes are expected to hit restaurant traffic as consumers trade down and cut visits.

Agrifood Exports & Supply Chains: Egypt says sustainable food industries are driving growth, with food exports hitting about $6.9bn in 2025 (up from ~$4.1bn in 2021) and grain storage expanding under the National Silos Project. Trade Barriers: Sri Lanka’s exporters warn that processed-food health/phytosanitary certification delays are holding shipments back, including cases stuck for months due to documentation wording and approval differences. Fertilizer & Food Security: KBR selected for SABIC Agri-Nutrients’ 3,500 MTPD ammonia plant in Saudi Arabia, aiming to expand urea capacity and support global fertilizer supply. Food Safety & Labels: India’s Supreme Court is weighing challenges to FSSAI’s red warning label timeline, with food giants urging a rethink over confusion and labeling rules. Local Food Systems: Philippines’ DTI Iloilo launched Artesanias de Iloilo, bringing 96 MSMEs (including coffee, cacao and processed food) to connect producers with bigger markets. Climate Pressure on Food: South Africa reports low food inflation (0.7% in August) but flags El Niño drought risks ahead. Waste & Packaging: Cambodia’s Plastic Reboot Cambodia targets single-use plastic upstream, focusing on food, beverage and tourism sectors. Industry Finance: Australia’s RBA hiked rates to 4.6%, adding pressure to retail and food affordability.

Forestry & Food Security: FAO’s COFO session urged governments to better integrate forests into food security and development policy, highlighting how forests underpin livelihoods, protein intake, and climate resilience. Halloween on Menus: Pizza Hut and Dave & Buster’s are rolling out early Halloween-themed food and drinks, betting on seasonal demand and brand collabs. Ag Inputs in Brazil: FMC submitted a regulatory dossier for rimisoxafen, its dual mode of action herbicide, targeting resistant weeds across Brazil’s corn and soybean belt. Wellness Retail Awards: Canada’s CHFA honored UNFI Canada and multiple natural retailers/brands at its 2026 Industry Achievement Awards. FTC Pricing Debate: The FTC’s personalized pricing proposal drew nearly 3,700 comments, with food/retail groups warning disclosures could sweep up loyalty and promotions while consumer advocates want stronger limits. Food Safety Labeling Pressure (India): India’s Supreme Court questioned FSSAI’s front-of-pack warning label timeline, as food giants push back on red label design and rollout. Agri-Finance Boost: The World Bank approved $750m to transform Turkey’s agri-food sector, aiming to strengthen value chains and market access. PFAS Research: EPA awarded $15m to study how “forever chemicals” move through crops and livestock, with results meant to guide future food-system mitigation. Livestock Push (Indonesia): Indonesia earmarked Rp 17tn for an integrated livestock ecosystem to expand chicken, eggs, and milk supply.

Food Safety & Labelling (India): India’s Supreme Court questioned why FSSAI is taking “so much time” on front-of-pack warning labels, as regulators also step up raids and junk-food curbs tied to hygiene and health concerns. Retail Pricing Pressure (UK): Aldi’s CEO accused rivals of driving growth by raising prices, while Aldi said it will keep cutting costs and expanding its UK footprint despite flatter profits. FMCG Demand (India): NielsenIQ reports FMCG growth moderated in the June quarter, with rural volumes down and weakness spreading across more categories. Biosecurity & Health (Global): Imperial showcased its Global Biosecurity Network at UNGA, focusing on faster surveillance and response to emerging human, animal and plant threats. Biosecurity & Food Supply (Africa): A summit warned Africa is losing value by importing more food than it can produce, calling for better processing, storage, transport and long-term financing. Trade & Exports (Egypt): Egypt’s food exports topped $5bn for Jan–Aug 2026, led by frozen strawberries, edible oils and soft drink concentrates. Sustainable Feed (Insect Protein): Innovafeed and Protix argue industrial-scale insect protein can cut carbon and push for better assessment of real-world benefits. Agrifood Policy (Belarus): Belarus appointed a new antimonopoly regulation and trade minister, signaling continued focus on market oversight. Food Industry Compliance (UK): A Birmingham supermarket boss was fined after hygiene improvement notices weren’t complied with, including staff training gaps and a contaminated display issue.

Food Trade & Exports: Egypt’s food exports hit a record $5.128B in Jan–Aug 2026, up 10.8% year-on-year, with growth spread across more markets and higher value-added products. Food Safety & Regulation: India’s FSSAI crackdown is putting food safety hiring and enforcement in the spotlight, while regulators also moved against misleading claims and prohibited items on major e-commerce platforms. Livestock Health & Supply Chains: Namibia’s FMD outbreak in a previously free zone triggered movement bans and import/export suspensions for cloven-hoofed animals and products, with Bank Windhoek reaffirming N$2M to the national FMD support effort. Market Stability: Bangladesh’s commerce minister urged egg traders to avoid unjustified price hikes and artificial shortages as feed costs rise. Innovation-to-Market: Ghana’s CSIR will host an Oct. research conference and innovation fair aimed at turning lab work in agriculture and food security into commercial solutions. Consumer & Business Trends: Bhutan’s first ramen shop celebrates a decade in Thimphu, showing how international food concepts can adapt to local conditions. Industry Policy & Compliance: Kuwait’s court struck down penalties in delivery regulations, challenging how far regulators can go without explicit legislative backing.

Trade & pricing pressure: The US-Canada trade war is tightening the screws on protein supplies, with Canada hitting American whey with 50% tariffs and the US moving toward bans on many Canadian whey products—raising fears of higher prices for consumers and retailers. Food policy & retail rules: Scotland is set to restrict prominent placement and certain promotions for high fat, sugar and salt foods from Oct. 1, aiming to curb impulse buying and help tackle overweight and obesity. Agrifood investment & markets: Jeddah’s Saudifood Show and Saudifood Manufacturing 2026 opens this weekend, bringing 1,000+ exhibitors from 95 countries and 100,000 products across the full food value chain. Sustainability & circular economy: Jordan is pushing waste-to-energy and organic fertiliser projects to turn organic waste into power and soil inputs, linking waste management to food security. Local food & community: Ireland’s Boyne Valley Flavours group is urging more support for Irish organic produce, including a push to feature local organic food in school meals. Industry spotlight: KFC is testing a new late-opening “Open House” concept in Texas with breakfast and expanded drink options, signaling a bid to win back demand.

Tariff Pressure on Pork Imports (Philippines): The Department of Agriculture is seeking to restore higher tariff levels on imported pork to protect Filipino hog raisers, proposing staggered increases (from 25% toward 35%, then 40% by Jan. 1) as farmgate pork prices fall. It’s also pushing for a specific tariff line for frozen pork jowls, a growing import that’s undercutting local pork in retail and food service. Regenerative Agriculture Deal (Pakistan): University of Agriculture Faisalabad and Nestlé Pakistan signed an MoU to expand regenerative agriculture, food science and nutrition research, and workforce development, including setting up a Nestlé Learning Resource Center at UAF’s food science institute. Hospitality Cost Squeeze (UK): Insolvency experts warn hospitality firms face rising failure risk as wages, energy, food and business rates bite, urging directors to act early rather than hope margins recover. Diesel Hits Food Logistics (US): Michigan businesses reliant on diesel are adding surcharges as prices surge, raising the odds of higher costs across the food supply chain. Food Safety & Environment (Massachusetts): Oyster farmers say sewage-linked closures tied to heavy rain are repeatedly shutting shellfish beds, cutting sales for weeks and threatening farm survival. Consumer Spending Watch (US): Restaurants still lead discretionary spending, but diners are visiting less often and spending less per trip, pushing operators toward value and takeout.

Food Security & Climate: Bangladesh unveiled a five-year environmental and climate plan—25 crore trees, mangrove expansion, climate-resilient agriculture and tighter pollution monitoring—aimed at protecting livelihoods as heat and extreme weather worsen. Supply Chain Pressure: Kenya’s milk shortage is being blamed on inadequate rainfall cutting pasture and fodder, with formal deliveries down and some retailers rationing fresh milk. Cost Crunch for Distribution: UK wholesalers’ group FWD urged government action to keep food affordable, calling for depot protections, procurement support, waste reduction without added costs, and help for cleaner fleets. Hospitality Under Strain: A Durham restaurant, Notch Americano, announced it will close in November citing rising ingredients, energy bills and cost-of-living pressures. Food Industry Innovation/Marketing: Philips launched the “Airfryer matlab Philips” campaign with Chef Ranveer Brar, leaning on category familiarity to drive airfryer sales. Halal Ecosystem: MIHAS Awards 2026 expanded focus on future-ready practices, digitalisation and sustainability, adding Women in Export awards. Trade & Compliance: India’s MSMEs were told that EU tariff benefits won’t matter without readiness for ESG, CBAM and certification requirements.

AI in Fast Food: McDonald’s says it will roll out ArchIQ, an AI-powered restaurant system for drive-thru voice, inventory tracking and order accuracy, aiming to cut complexity and free labor for customer experience. Food Safety & Pet Health: UK and other reports tied to Years dog food are being scrutinized after the company said its testing found no food-safety issues, while noting buckwheat appears in a higher share of affected dogs’ diets than expected. Cattle Supply Chain Disruption: Cattle groups accuse ICE operations in Kansas, Texas and Oklahoma of delaying shipments and “chilling” work across feedyards and meat supply chains, warning of higher beef prices. Checkoff Funding: The Cattlemen’s Beef Board approved about $39.5m for beef promotion and research for fiscal 2027, pending USDA approval. Food Insecurity Data: A new Virginia study finds 42% of households faced food insecurity, with Southwest Virginia highest at 55% (70% with children). Halal Trade Push: Uzbekistan looks to Malaysia as a “good teacher” to strengthen its halal certification system, working with JAKIM to build a certification body. EU Industrial Decarbonisation: The European Commission set terms for a €1bn auction to cut industrial process-heat emissions, supporting electrification, renewables and even nuclear tech. Labor Compliance Support: California Farm Bureau’s FELS expands help for farmers on workplace safety, pesticide rules and wage-hour compliance. Foodservice Leadership: Sodexo Campus U.S. names a new president/COO focused on listening and meeting rising student dining expectations.

Food Safety Crackdown: Kenya is tightening enforcement against fake, unregistered pesticides entering via porous borders, warning the illicit trade could harm crops, livestock and food safety. Plant Health Rules: Israel’s Agriculture ministry warns travelers not to bring the “Four Species” into the country without authorization ahead of Sukkot, offering locally produced replacements to avoid confiscations. Digital Finance for Food Systems: VEON and Square Group won Bangladesh Bank approval for a digital bank license, aiming to expand mobile-linked financial tools that can support payments and connectivity for consumers and businesses. Rice Market Integrity: Indonesia says illegal rice trade has siphoned about Rp90tn and is targeting “rice mafias” with recalls, license actions and prosecutions while using national reserves to stabilize prices. Cold-Chain Investment: Absa, UNCDF and UNDP launched a portfolio guarantee to help close Kenya’s US$2.1bn cold storage gap with solar-powered storage financing. Halal Expansion: Indonesia is ramping halal-certification support for small firms, targeting 12,171 recipients in 2026 to boost access to domestic and global markets. Seafood Exports Watch: Vietnam’s seafood exports are still up, but Q4 growth is slowing as tariffs and softer demand tighten conditions. Homegrown Produce Push (UK): British Food Fortnight marks 25 years, urging supply-chain support for home-grown produce amid cost and uncertainty pressures.

Food Safety Alerts: A North Carolina wholesaler recalled nearly 168,000 pounds (80+ tons) of raw beef, pork and goat after the meat bore a “false USDA mark” and wasn’t federally inspected, with no illnesses reported. Climate & Supply Chain: Hurricane Lowell battered Kauaʻi and Maui, knocking out power and damaging oceanfront resorts and infrastructure, prompting visitor postponements. Retail & Pricing Pressure: Britain’s retail sales worsened in September as consumer confidence weakened and costs rose, with online sales falling fastest in nearly three years. Industry Consolidation & Antitrust: An opinion piece calls for ending Canada’s grocery “cartel,” citing claims of price-fixing in bagged bread and broader consolidation concerns. Sustainability Innovation: Researchers say intertidal red seaweeds can rapidly clean shrimp-farm wastewater by stripping key nutrients. Halal Tech: Indonesia’s trade attaché says AI can speed parts of halal certification, but human inspection remains essential for ingredient-by-ingredient verification. M&A Watch: A roundup highlights major food-and-beverage deals, including Mars’ Kellanova acquisition and McCormick’s Unilever integration. Organic Spotlight: Ireland’s National Organic Awards named winners as the organic market grows.

Halal Industry Push: Malaysia’s halal minister says the country must shift from halal certification to “halal competitiveness,” scaling firms for export-ready growth, while KUSKOP backs MSMEs with halal certification support and digital marketing help. Trade & Supply Chains: China’s halal pavilion at MIHAS is pitching processed food, packaging and food-processing machinery links with Malaysia, aiming to strengthen cross-border halal supply chains. Agri-Food Access: Malaysia’s Agro MADANI Sales in Perlis says it has reached nearly 320,000 households with savings via fresh produce and grocery essentials. Palm Oil Productivity: Sabah highlights its near-24% share of Malaysia’s CPO output and renews focus on smallholder replanting, training, tech and market access. Competition Law (Pet Food): Czech regulator fined Plaček Pet Products CZK 36.438m for long-running minimum resale price arrangements for dog and cat food and supplies. Food Safety/Weather Readiness: Nepal’s health and food safety ministry orders high alert for heavy rainfall and disaster-related emergencies. UK Consumer Mood: BRC-Opinium shows UK consumer confidence slipping, with food and grocery spending still relatively resilient. Ukraine Exports: Ukraine reports 1.6m tonnes of agricultural exports (43% of plan) in Sept so far, with higher-value products gaining share. Food Tech & Verification: Find In Food expands verified profiles for food and agricultural equipment makers to help overseas buyers vet suppliers before trade shows. AI & Food Operations: Shinshot Tech raises RMB 35m for task-specific robotics aimed at commercial lawn care and food preparation.

Pet & animal health investment: Nestlé Purina opened a $550M pet food plant in Batavia, Ohio, aiming to feed about 8M pets a year with robotics and automation, while also funding local animal-welfare grants. Fast-food menu strategy: McDonald’s says it will invest about $8.5B through 2036 to help franchisees remodel and add tech, as it targets GLP-1 households with more protein-forward options. Food safety alerts: Walmart-linked frozen lemon Alfredo fettuccine was recalled nationwide over listeria risk, and a federal consent decree halted a Minnesota warehouse’s distribution of FDA-regulated products due to persistent insanitary conditions. Regulation & labeling: India toughened its front-of-pack warning labels for packaged foods, moving to red symbols even when only one nutrient limit is exceeded, with a single-phase rollout and a one-year industry transition. Agriculture pressure: Saskatchewan’s NDP urged emergency relief for farmers facing harvest delays, quality issues, and higher diesel and drying costs. Industry expansion: Givaudan will build a $215M liquids production facility in Indiana, creating 250+ jobs by 2031.

Food Safety & Regulation: Nepal’s new Food Hygiene and Quality Act 2081 aims to close the gap between promised and real-world food safety, with licensing, inspection and enforcement moved under the Ministry of Health and Food Hygiene. Public Health & Marketing: A study using AI to scan World Cup broadcasts found “junk food” and drink ads appeared 65,722 times and were visible for 28.1 hours during live play, with brands like Coca-Cola and McDonald’s leading exposure. Agriculture Policy: Malaysia’s agriculture ministry denied claims of a flat 20% padi deduction, saying grading deductions reflect moisture, damaged grains and foreign matter; nationwide monitoring began Sept. 14. Industry & Investment: Butterfly Equity agreed to acquire food packaging maker Sabert, expanding into plastic, paper and moulded fibre packaging for food and beverage. Market Trends: A report projects the functional foods and beverages market to reach $591.7B by 2030, driven by preventive health and premiumization.

Competition & Retail: Canada’s Competition Bureau struck a consent deal with Empire (Sobeys and other banners) to curb grocery “property controls,” aiming to reduce barriers for new store openings and competition. Food Prices & Inputs: Rising diesel costs are squeezing Pittsburgh-area farmers and transit agencies, with fuel bills forcing difficult choices on routes and budgets. Food Safety & Regulators: The SEC and FDA signed an MOU to share nonpublic information on FDA-regulated products, signaling tighter coordination for market oversight. Food Waste & Cities: World Cleanup Day 2026 in Shaoxing put “clean plates” and food-waste prevention at the center of cleaner-city planning. Agri-Food Research: FAO renewed Mississippi State University as a Reference Centre on antimicrobial resistance and aquaculture biosecurity through 2031. Trade & Supply Chains: California avocado growers warned that cartel influence and Mexico-linked supply pressure are distorting the U.S. market, pushing for seasonal import tariff-rate quotas. Local Food Business Support: Norfolk, Virginia launched a new eight-week “Bon Appetit” program with training and $7,500 grants to grow local catering vendors.