AGP Executive Report

Beverage Deals: Champion Breweries will manufacture and distribute Bature Brewery’s three craft beers across Nigeria, with an option to acquire the brands if annual sales reach 40,000 hectolitres. In Ghana, Accra Brewery launched Wild Roots, a stimulant-free herbal alcoholic drink developed to meet regulatory requirements. Big Beverage Move: Coca-Cola’s Indian bottling parent, Hindustan Coca-Cola Holdings, filed draft IPO papers for an offer of up to 99.75 crore shares. The company will receive no proceeds; the sale is by its parent. Food Supply & Innovation: IFC’s financing for Kyrgyz poultry producer Adal Azyk totals up to $20 million, supporting a feed mill and broiler farm to expand local supply. In Senegal, IFC and agtech firm Tolbi aim to reach 2 million farmers and cooperatives by 2030 with digital crop advice and better access to finance and markets. Ingredients & Capacity: Univar expanded its North American partnership with Roquette to distribute plant proteins and soluble fibres. Wixon completed a $25.6 million Milwaukee plant expansion, tripling its footprint and adding 110 jobs.

Grain Supply Risks: Ukrainian grain faces mounting storage and shipping disruption as Black Sea attacks intensify, while Strait of Hormuz insecurity is also constraining food and farm-input deliveries to the Middle East. Farm Production: Malaysia is weighing a shift toward modernised agriculture and guaranteed purchases of unsold crops, drawing on Brazil’s model while retaining support for rice farmers. Food Safety: Nigerian regulators say tests found inadequate fortification in 12% of sampled vegetable oils and 2% of salt, raising pressure for stronger manufacturer oversight. Trade and Prices: The EU and UK have finalised a sanitary and phytosanitary deal aimed at easing food and agricultural trade from 2028; the FAO’s food price index, meanwhile, fell in October. Industry Moves: Kraft Heinz plans to sell its North American coffee business for $650 million, while food-delivery startup Wonder has confidentially filed for an IPO.

Trade & Investment: Malaysia and Australia are exploring expanded market access for Malaysian farm products, alongside deeper cooperation on food safety and biosecurity. Seafood Expansion: Malaysia’s Vivendi Asset Group is building a 13,000-square-metre seafood plant in Brunei, due to open in 2027 with capacity to process 60 tonnes daily. Access to Finance: India’s central bank has proposed priority-sector loans of up to ₹100 crore for eligible agriculture infrastructure and food-processing businesses. Global Demand: Samyang Foods posted record third-quarter revenue as overseas sales surged 29.4%, led by growth in the US, China and Europe. Food Safety: Nigeria’s competition regulator sealed manufacturers after tests found some vegetable oil and salt samples fell short of mandatory fortification levels. Manufacturing: Gulfood Manufacturing 2026 closed with major deals and a focus on automation, local production and more resilient supply chains. Farm Markets: Scottish pulse growers say stronger buyer demand, long-term commitments and more processing capacity are needed to expand production.

Restaurant Strategy: Benihana owner One Group is expanding Benihana Express, a faster counter-service format focused on bowls, handhelds and takeout, with new locations planned. Food-Tech Finance: Delivery startup Wonder confidentially filed for an IPO after a $650 million funding round valued it at about $9 billion. Supply-Chain Risk: Cyberattacks on French refrigeration controls spoiled thousands of tonnes of food, prompting warnings that automated cold chains need stronger defenses; a separate attack on blood-service sites was contained without product loss. Big Food Deals: Kraft Heinz plans to sell its North American coffee business for $650 million, while Monster Beverage reported third-quarter sales up 16.7% to $2.56 billion. Trade: The UK and EU are moving toward a deal to reduce food-trade checks, potentially easing friction for agri-food suppliers. Consumer Trends: New Euromonitor research finds drink buyers increasingly value brands that offer reliability, transparency and clear value.

Delivery & Retail: Amazon and Uber Eats are joining forces to offer Prime members free delivery on restaurant orders of $25 or more, intensifying competition for food delivery customers. Ingredients & Packaging: Univar Solutions expanded its North American partnership with Roquette to distribute pea protein, soluble fibre and other ingredients; Ball is investing in a new beverage-can plant in Germany, with production expected to ramp up in 2028. Trade & Traceability: The UK and EU reportedly reached an agreement to ease food-trade checks, potentially removing certification requirements from 2028. In Malaysia, allegations that imported palm oil is being blended with local supplies before re-export have raised concerns about product origin and food safety. Company Results: Americold reported year-over-year revenue and operating-income growth and cut debt by $1.15 billion. Ingredion, by contrast, reported a 19% drop in third-quarter operating income and lowered its full-year earnings outlook amid higher costs and softer demand. Food Security: Ghana is focusing on stronger markets, finance and processing links for local farmers, while Indonesia is pushing investment in sago processing to diversify food supplies.

Retail & Results: Food now accounts for more than 10% of in-store sales at Par Pacific’s convenience stores, while Coca-Cola Consolidated reported 5% year-over-year sales growth and a 10% rise in operating income in the third quarter. Restaurant Strategies: McDonald’s is reworking its value offers to attract customers, First Watch plans to ease its expansion pace slightly next year, and Taco Bell is pushing ahead with voice AI. Grocery & Trade: M&S food sales are lifting results despite rising costs, as the UK and EU move toward a deal that would remove most agri-food border checks. Supply Chain Risk: Cyberattacks targeting supermarket refrigeration systems across Europe have affected British food suppliers and raised concerns about food security. Global Markets: Spanish olive oil, wine and Iberian ham producers are seeking buyers at the China International Import Expo in Shanghai. Corporate Moves: Kraft Heinz agreed to sell its North American coffee business for $650 million.

Supply Chain Investment: Kelantan plans to develop food and agro-processing, warehousing and distribution around a new East Coast Rail Link station, aiming to process local crops before shipping them to wider markets. Ingredients & Innovation: Univar Solutions and Roquette expanded their North American partnership to include plant proteins and soluble fibers; Mane introduced 11 Costa Rica-inspired tropical fruit flavors for food and beverage makers. Retail & Waste: Morrisons and Too Good To Go are adding chilled surplus-food bags at 25 London stores, building on a partnership that has saved more than four million meals. Food Security: Cyberattacks on supermarket refrigeration systems across Europe have spoiled food and raised concerns about supply disruptions. Product Reformulation: Kellogg’s replaced whole rice with rice flour in UK Rice Krispies and Coco Pops amid weather-related supply problems; the revised recipes carry new wheat allergen warnings. Sustainable Food: The Food Planet Prize named 47 projects from 24 countries to its 2027 longlist, spotlighting ideas with potential to scale across the food system.

Supply-Chain Cybersecurity: Hackers tampered with supermarket refrigeration systems across Europe, spoiling food and disrupting stores; UK produce and meat suppliers were also affected, exposing risks in connected food infrastructure. Company Strategy: New Zealand meal-kit company My Food Bag will stay listed after a six-month search found no buyer. It plans to focus on its existing brands, sales channels and margins. Restaurant Growth: KFC passed 35,000 locations after opening 878 restaurants in the third quarter, with Yum Brands expecting a record year for expansion. Beverage Deals: Sazerac acquired Oregon craft brewer Full Sail Brewing, adding production capacity to its portfolio; the Hood River pub’s staff were laid off after the sale. Food Trade: The UK and EU agreed a draft deal to remove most post-Brexit checks on food and animal products, a potential easing for cross-border exporters.

Supply-Chain Cybersecurity: Refrigeration hacks have spoiled food at supermarkets across Europe, while the Pentagon probes freezer failures at at least six U.S. military commissaries as a possible cyberattack. Trade & Sourcing: The UK and EU have agreed draft terms to remove food-export checks, potentially restoring shipments of sausages, shellfish and seed potatoes. Lidl Ireland also signed a five-year, €90 million potato-supply deal with Meade Farm. Dairy Innovation: Arla Foods Ingredients and DMK’s wheyco will exhibit together at Fi Europe, showcasing high-protein products for people using GLP-1 drugs and new whey ingredients. Beverage Business: Champion Breweries’ nine-month revenue rose 140% to N51.4 billion, largely due to its enJOYbev acquisition, despite lower standalone sales volumes. Farm Pressure: Pivot Bio’s CEO says fertilizer costs have doubled while grain revenues have stagnated; the company plans a nonprofit to support farmers and rural communities. Food Aid: Nearly 125,000 refugees in Burundi could lose WFP food assistance from January unless $40 million in new funding is secured.

Supply-Chain Security: Cyberattacks disrupted supermarket refrigeration in at least seven European countries, forcing stores to discard chilled and frozen food. The incidents follow a similar attack in France and have prompted concern about vulnerabilities in food logistics systems. Agrifood Trade: Ukraine’s EU accession talks are advancing, but agriculture remains a sensitive hurdle. The sector generates 60% of the country’s exports, and both sides are weighing gradual integration to manage the impact on EU farm policy. Manufacturing Outlook: Food and beverage leaders see AI adoption, packaging-cost volatility and natural-colour reformulation as key challenges heading into 2027. Restaurant Watch: Popeyes’ same-store sales fell for a seventh straight quarter, while executives say Chili’s rising traffic is testing restaurant capacity and service speed. Dairy Markets: Fonterra raised its 2026–27 milk-price forecast, citing stronger global demand. Food Safety: Mumbai authorities suspended nine operators’ licences after inspections found contamination and serious hygiene breaches.

Food & Beverage Leadership: Tony Lim, founder of Malaysian chains Boat Noodle and BananaBro, has died at 47. His brands credited him with building their growth-minded cultures and championing Malaysian food. Investment: Chinese businesses have signalled plans for up to US$15 billion in Malaysian investment, including food processing and halal products; the figure follows preliminary discussions. Retail Disruption: Cyber incidents disrupted supermarket refrigeration in Belgium, Sweden and Luxembourg, with stores reporting food losses as they worked to restore systems. Food Safety: Chicago inspectors logged more than 160 violations at Taste of Chicago, with over half of listed vendors flagged and more than 800 pounds of food discarded. Market Trends: UK seafood spending growth reached 7.6% this year, outpacing the wider food market’s 3.7%, as shoppers seek healthful, convenient options. Sustainability: Refresco has begun a 21.5MW rooftop solar programme across four UK beverage plants; its largest installation is forecast to supply about 17% of the Bridgwater site’s annual electricity needs. Product Innovation: Del Monte has launched ranch-seasoned corn and Italian-inspired green beans in US stores, priced at $2.69 each.

Beverage Business: Nestlé Nigeria plans to move its water, Milo and premium-beverage operations into a new company, while Carlsberg, Pernod Ricard and Coca-Cola advance India IPO plans. Investment: Varun Beverages will invest $221 million in a Maharashtra plant for beverages and snacks. Waste & Reuse: End Food Waste Australia has expanded its membership network to more than 250 organisations. In Hilo, a returnable-container system launches Nov. 9, giving participating food businesses an alternative to single-use packaging. Trade & Skills: A Japan–South Africa tasting event introduced sake and whisky from 11 Japanese companies to local hospitality buyers. Business Resilience: Guam food and beverage operators say typhoon-related power and water outages can keep customers away for months.

Food Security: South Africa’s national food plan lapsed in 2023, and its replacement remains an unfunded draft. A recent webinar cited 9.4 million people going hungry in 2025 and inadequate food access in 22% of households. Trade & Halal: Malaysia has recognized a Palestinian halal certification body, potentially easing market access for eligible Palestinian food and beverage products; the two countries are also exploring farm rehabilitation and agricultural cooperation. Sustainable Production: A new Welsh facility will expand production of affordable meals made with surplus food, aiming to cut waste and strengthen local supply chains. Grocery Spending: UK shoppers are bracing for a cautious Christmas: 42% expect to spend more on basic groceries, while 38% plan to cut premium purchases. Beverage & Investment: U.S. alcohol spending has fallen to a record-low share of household budgets as younger adults drink less. In contrast, Varun Beverages plans a $221 million beverage and snacks plant in Maharashtra, India.

Food Safety: Hyderabad authorities suspended 14 eatery licences after finding pest infestations, spoiled food and unhygienic kitchens. Farm Support: Guyana will provide 10 beehive boxes to each registered beekeeper, aiming to lift honey production and create income opportunities. Prices: Kenya’s annual inflation rose to 7.3% in October, with food and non-alcoholic drink prices up 10.2% year over year. Investment: Varun Beverages plans to invest US$221.1 million in a Maharashtra plant for beverages and snacks. Canada, meanwhile, committed $750 million to expand year-round domestic fruit and vegetable production. Agriculture: Sri Lanka’s AgriConnect plan targets 900,000 farmers by 2030, backed by $665 million in institutional investment and plans to mobilize private capital. Tunisia and Senegal are also exploring cooperation in food processing, agriculture and fertilizer production. Innovation: Innocent Drinks is piloting edible seaweed pods, while SIG plans to unveil six drink concepts at Gulfood Manufacturing.

Manufacturing Investment: Varun Beverages plans a ₹2,100 crore ($221 million) plant in Maharashtra, making soft drinks, water, dairy products, snacks and bottles. The project is expected to create 550 jobs. Farm & Food Security: Sri Lanka’s new AgriConnect plan aims to link 900,000 farmers to finance, technology and markets by 2030, backed by $665 million in development funding and efforts to attract private investment. Trade & Exports: Fifteen Jordanian food, cosmetics and packaging firms will showcase products at three trade fairs in Dubai, seeking new buyers and export markets. Food Safety: PepsiCo recalled Walkers Variety Snacks Sharing Boxes in the UK because the outer packaging fails to declare wheat in one included product. Alcohol Trade: India will meet liquor companies over a dispute on whether bulk Scotch imports qualify for lower tariffs under its trade pact with the UK. Food Integrity: Ghana’s University of Cape Coast launched a centre to develop tools and partnerships to detect food fraud and strengthen consumer confidence.

Food Delivery: DoorDash’s proposed $17 billion acquisition of Instacart would create a giant spanning restaurant and grocery delivery, with potential implications for restaurants and competition. Food Industry Growth: Canada’s food and beverage manufacturers say the sector could grow its GDP contribution from $35.1 billion to $56.2 billion by 2035 with government support, after years of flat growth. Market Moves: Tesco plans to leave the Czech and Slovak food markets, while Nestlé Nigeria seeks approval to transfer its water business to a joint venture. Varun Beverages reported quarterly profit growth of about 14%, driven by higher volumes, though packaging costs pressured margins. Food Costs and Waste: Flashfood’s new partnership with Buy-Low Foods expands access to discounted surplus groceries; the company says shoppers saved more than $55 million this year. Rising food costs are also driving supermarket holiday meal deals and straining food pantries. Safety and Supply: Karnataka shut 12 packaged-water units over serious violations. FAO and IGAD warn that El Niño-related flooding raises Rift Valley fever risks for livestock across Eastern Africa, urging stronger surveillance and preparedness. Beverage Trends: Earlier nights and fewer after-work drinking sessions in South Korea are contributing to a decline in domestic alcohol shipments.