AGP Executive Report

Costs & Pricing: Coca-Cola raised its annual profit outlook on strong global demand, but warned of higher logistics costs. Food and household brands are signaling further price hikes as energy, freight and raw-material costs rise. Livestock Risk: New Mexico confirmed two New World screwworm cases in Doña Ana County, prompting expanded surveillance to protect livestock. Farm Investment: MinDA is connecting Mindanao farmers with investors and buyers, prioritizing coconut, cacao, coffee and cattle for value-added growth. School Meals: Hawaiʻi is expanding local sourcing, with Parker Ranch beef now served in schools across Hawaiʻi Island and more regional partnerships in development. Packaging: Encirc is rebranding as Vidrala UK & Ireland, bringing its glassmaking, filling and logistics operations under the parent group’s name. Food Safety: Kuwait inspectors seized 60 sheep carcasses allegedly mislabeled as Georgian and found spoiled meat and other violations at the establishment.

Retail Prices: UK shop-price inflation rose to 2.1% in October, with food inflation accelerating to 2.9% and ambient groceries to 3.2%. The British Retail Consortium warned that rising energy and transport costs are becoming harder for retailers to absorb. Company Results: Simply Good Foods reported fourth-quarter sales of $333.3 million, down from $369 million, and expects fiscal 2027 sales to fall 13%–17%. Smithfield Foods’ third-quarter sales fell 8.3% and operating profit dropped to $127 million, although packaged-meat profit edged higher. Food Security: African Development Bank representatives urged governments and development lenders to build nutrition into existing investments as aid budgets tighten. An estimated 309 million people in Africa faced hunger in 2025. Trade and Supply: China approved imports of fresh raspberries, blackcurrants and blackberries from Kyrgyzstan, opening a new export market for the country’s growers.

Beverage Technology: AoFrio has launched Ask iQ, an AI feature that lets beverage companies query data from connected cooler fleets in plain language; 77% of respondents to its 2026 survey said they were interested in testing AI predictive maintenance. Protein Innovation: The protein market is projected to grow, but whey supply is tight and prices have reportedly jumped as much as 139%. Developers are exploring precision-fermented and plant-based ingredients as consumers look for protein paired with other nutrients, not just higher protein counts. Food Security: Malaysia is preparing for Super El Niño as low dam levels threaten rice cultivation. UN trade officials also warn that high fertilizer costs linked to the Middle East conflict could reduce African harvests and push up food prices. Farm Workforce: Temporary visa workers are vital to U.S. agriculture: about one in six hired farmworkers nationally are H-2A workers, according to a Mississippi State Extension economist. Skills Pipeline: Canada has awarded Lethbridge Polytechnic more than C$3 million to launch trades training aimed at filling skilled-labour gaps in the agri-food sector.

Price Stability: The Philippines says prices of 190 monitored essentials will stay unchanged through Dec. 31, with supplies sufficient despite El Niño concerns. Export Growth: Jordan’s new food-sector strategy targets JD1.61 billion ($2.27 billion) in exports by 2029, emphasizing higher-value processing and digital upgrades. Farm Innovation: Origin Agritech’s three corn varieties passed preliminary review after trial yields topped controls by 6% to 8.6%, advancing toward commercialization. Alternative Protein: Finland’s Volare opened an industrial-scale insect-protein plant and raised €7.1 million to turn food-industry by-products into protein and oil. Agri-Food Investment: The European Investment Bank is committing €150 million to help modernize Moldova’s farms, processing capacity and logistics. Farm Labor: More than 40 U.S. agricultural groups warn that immigration enforcement is disrupting production and could raise costs or leave crops unharvested.

Dairy Investment: US dairy companies plan more than $15 billion in new and upgraded processing capacity across 23 states, betting on demand for high-protein products and export growth. Seafood Processing: The Trump administration has proposed a voluntary “U.S. Caught Seafood” label and at least $5 billion in federal loans to expand domestic seafood and meat processing. Farm Costs: Camellia expects a £3 million–£5 million trading loss in 2026 as higher energy, fuel, fertilizer and transport costs, weaker crop prices and lower yields weigh on results. Supply Chain Disruption: A week-long truckers’ protest in southern Italy has interrupted fuel and food deliveries, leaving some supermarkets short of fresh goods. Food Security: A Bank of Agriculture programme has supported about 3,400 ginger farmers in Nigeria’s Kaduna State with planting materials and extension services, helping revive production after blight. Haiti’s agriculture minister also called for long-term investment in seeds, irrigation and farm technology to reduce reliance on imports and strengthen resilience. Food Labels: A new campaign in Bangladesh is pressing for clear front-of-package warnings on packaged foods and drinks high in sugar, salt and saturated fat.

Seafood Supply: Malaysia plans to expand special fishing licences from 17,000 to 20,000, extending fuel subsidies and monthly support to more small-scale fishers and aiming to attract younger workers. Poultry Biosecurity: Northern Ireland producers are urged to stay vigilant after H5N5 and H5N1 outbreaks in Great Britain; Northern Ireland remains free of avian influenza. Beverage Competition: KFC will switch its 3,700 U.S. restaurants from Pepsi to Coca-Cola in January, a symbolic setback as Pepsi trails Coke and Dr Pepper in U.S. cola sales. Food-System Resilience: At IGD’s UK food conference, industry and government leaders called for practical action on food security, public health, workforce challenges and sustainability. Agri-Food Investment: Northern Ireland has opened a consultation on a biomethane framework, weighing rural jobs and opportunities to use farm waste against environmental safeguards. Culinary Community: Chef Damu, the Padma Shri-winning chef and mentor who brought traditional Tamil cooking to television audiences, has died at 72.

Food Security: Venezuela’s new Alimenta plan aims to link community producers, science and logistics to expand affordable food supplies and reduce nutritional vulnerability. Sabah, Malaysia, meanwhile, is targeting a rise in rice self-sufficiency from 22% to 40% by 2030, backed by better infrastructure, technology and climate resilience. Beverage Supply: India has extended aluminium-can certification deadlines as shortages squeeze beer and soft-drink makers; domestic production has delivered only about half of an anticipated 600 million additional cans. Food Safety: HACCP remains central to GFSI-recognized certification schemes, underscoring its role in food businesses’ safety systems. Worker Welfare: Nearly 240 migrant workers in Singapore’s process sector reportedly face up to two months without wages; emergency agencies are providing meals to about 90. Industry Incident: A fire engulfed several food shops in Noida, killing one person and destroying more than four outlets.

Food-Sector Safety: A fire engulfed several food shops in Noida, killing one person; a gas-cylinder explosion is suspected, and authorities are investigating. Farm & Food Security: Sabah plans to strengthen support, infrastructure, technology and market links for farmers and fishers, while aiming to raise rice self-sufficiency from 22% to 40% by 2030. Rice Exports: Indian industry representatives say pesticide residues caused 69% of rice shipment rejections in European markets, calling for stronger farm-level controls, testing and traceability. Global Trade: Vietnamese producers are seeking more direct access to Italy as pepper shipments and other agricultural exports face competition from indirect suppliers. Food Regulation: The FDA has proposed cadmium action levels for baby foods, a move that could give manufacturers clearer targets and shape future scrutiny. Packaging & Brands: Sonoco reported weaker consumer-packaging sales amid cost pressures and softer food-can demand, while Taco Bell and PepsiCo extended their partnership through 2036.

Processing Investment: The U.S. is making at least $5 billion in guaranteed loans available to expand meat, poultry and seafood processing. Moldova will receive €150 million from the European Investment Bank to modernize farming, processing and distribution and help producers reach EU markets. Market Pressure: Spain’s household consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables fell 2.4% in January–July, while spending slipped 0.8%, adding to concerns about weaker demand. Company Moves: Nestlé reported 4% organic sales growth in the third quarter as snacks and frozen foods rebounded in the U.S.; its turnaround includes plans to cut 16,000 jobs. Qatar’s Widam Food will cut capital by QR130 million to cover losses, then convert QR30 million in bonds to shares. Supply Risks: New Mexico confirmed a New World screwworm case in a calf and imposed inspection and treatment requirements in the affected area. Fiji farmers also face prolonged drought, with one grower warning the sector could lose two years of progress. Regulation: The U.S. effort to define “ultraprocessed” foods has reportedly stalled, leaving manufacturers and retailers without a clear federal standard.

Poultry Investment: Ghana has secured a $270 million financing agreement to develop domestic poultry production, targeting 12,000 jobs and lower chicken imports. Supply-Chain Risks: A new BSI-CIPS report says 97% of surveyed food and drink firms identified modern slavery or serious labour-rights risks in their supply chains, while many lack visibility beyond direct suppliers. Manufacturing: Nestlé will close its Solon, Ohio, pouch factory by the end of 2027 and shift production to South Carolina, citing changing demand; its local research and corporate operations will remain. Food Delivery: Swiggy’s second-quarter revenue rose 36% year over year to Rs 7,571 crore, while its net loss narrowed to Rs 922 crore; its food-delivery business was profitable, but newer ventures weighed on results. Food Affordability: Nigeria approved a 90-day plan to improve food affordability, while UAE retailers say they will hold prices on staples and absorb some cost increases amid supply-chain disruption.

Restaurant Growth: Teriyaki Madness posted a 10.3% same-store sales gain and 5.5% traffic growth in the third quarter, opening nine locations and entering three new markets as rivals’ traffic fell. Sustainability: Danone is turning yogurt-production waste at its Ohio plant into biogas for factory use, part of efforts to cut emissions as output expands. Beverage Results: Boston Beer’s third-quarter revenue slipped 3.2% to $520.1 million and shipments fell 4.9%, though gross margin improved. Manufacturing: Nestlé plans to close its Solon, Ohio, factory by the end of 2027, eliminating about 370 manufacturing jobs while retaining corporate and R&D operations locally. Food Policy: MAHA adviser Calley Means resigned amid reported frustration over delays to reforms, including defining ultra-processed foods. Farm Economics: The American Farm Bureau says farmers receive about 5.8 cents of each food dollar, underscoring why higher grocery prices do not necessarily mean higher farm profits.

Retail: Sainsbury’s lifted its full-year profit guidance after grocery sales grew 2.9%, but warned of a tough Christmas for squeezed households and rising producer costs. Waitrose, meanwhile, opened its first full-line supermarket in eight years and announced four more sites as part of a £1 billion investment plan. Ingredients: Kerry reported 3.6% sales-volume growth for the first nine months and launched a €300 million share buyback, citing strong food-service innovation and retail product renovation. Beverages: Sri Lanka’s Samagi Spice Exports has launched SPICEUP, a cinnamon-based drink range, while UK firms Prism and The First Round are offering an end-to-end development service to help brands test and launch new drinks. Food Security: Malaysia’s planned agro-bio zone aims to boost grain-corn production and reduce imported animal-feed reliance. In India, shrinking farms, rising input costs and climate threats are intensifying pressure to build stronger agricultural value chains; Lagos is also targeting transport, storage and distribution gaps that drive food prices.

Trade & Costs: Irish pigmeat export value fell 24% in August, even as beef and dairy exports rose 8% and 8.5%. U.S. importer Gellert Global is suing over 50% tariffs on Canadian goods, citing pressure on food costs. New Zealand’s annual inflation hit 3.7%, driven largely by fuel. Restaurant Outlook: U.S. quick-service traffic fell 2.6% last quarter, with major chains facing sluggish sales and a tough earnings season. Wendy’s is turning to a new meal deal to bring customers back. Beverage Finance: Westrock Coffee secured $600 million in five-year credit facilities, increasing liquidity and reducing required loan payments over the next year. Agriculture & Aquaculture: Uganda plans to provide 10,000 tractors over five years to expand mechanised farming. The EU’s 2040 fisheries and aquaculture vision is drawing criticism over plans that could increase pressure from carnivorous fish farming. New Food Opportunity: In New Zealand, a Māori community is turning invasive undaria seaweed into an export product, creating eight local jobs.

New Entrants: Flipkart is testing its Eat-In by Minutes food-delivery service with more than 8,000 employees in Bengaluru and reportedly aims for a public launch by month-end, challenging Zomato and Swiggy. Beverage Expansion: Coopers Brewery is adding ginger beer to its range ahead of summer, using contract production in Sydney because its Adelaide brewery is at capacity. Restaurant Deals: KFC will replace Pepsi with Coca-Cola at roughly 3,700 US locations from 2027, ending a nearly 40-year partnership. Supply Resilience: Malaysia’s poultry sector is expected to stay steady on demand and domestic production, but imported feed leaves producers exposed to global grain and freight costs. In the Philippines, El Niño damage to agriculture has reached ₱6.8 billion, prompting calls for a long-term contingency plan. Costs and Compliance: The UK Food and Drink Federation warns that price pressures persist, while Bangladesh will require registration or licences for food businesses from November 1. Product Innovation: Matcha is moving beyond drinks and desserts into savoury dishes, as brands tap consumer appetite for eye-catching, social-media-friendly foods.

Trade and Market Access: Canada’s agriculture minister used G7 talks in Paris and meetings in Brussels to pursue stronger market access and investment for the country’s agri-food sector. Separately, Canadian cheese importer Gellert Global sued over U.S. tariffs, saying it has paid more than $520,000 in duties and faces disrupted supplier relationships. Food Supply Costs: Shipping disruption and drought are raising fresh concerns about food prices into 2027, while risks to fertilizer supplies threaten harvests. Food Safety: The USDA issued its highest-risk recall for 1.58 million pounds of hot dogs, bacon and deli meats. Aquaculture Investment: New York added $6.5 million to a Long Island shellfish hatchery project, bringing state funding to $16.5 million to expand support for oyster and clam farmers. Digital Delivery: Flipkart is testing a food-delivery service that could challenge India’s established platforms. Beverage Deals: KFC has chosen Coca-Cola as its U.S. beverage partner, ending its longstanding PepsiCo deal.

Supply & Policy: Malaysia is considering new measures to curb a glut of imported vegetables and protect local growers; imports currently do not need farm-practice certification equivalent to Malaysia’s myGAP. Digital Commerce: Danone is aligning teams around AI-powered retail, aiming to be “trusted by machines and desired by humans.” Flipkart is piloting food delivery with a dedicated Ekart fleet, positioning itself to challenge Zomato and Swiggy. Dairy: MilkPEP’s new Milkscape platform gives processors and retailers access to market data to spot trends and win shelf space as milk sales show signs of growth. Packaging: Cirkla, Belmark and Ossid have launched resealable lidding for fibre trays, targeting fresh protein, produce and ready meals. Beverages: KFC has named Coca-Cola its U.S. beverage partner, ending its longstanding PepsiCo deal. Market Pressures: Shipping disruption and drought are expected to add to food-price pressure into 2027.