November 2026

Industry Watch Kenya considers lifting legal drinking age to 21 The proposed legislation also targets alcohol levies, advertising and distribution. Industry Watch Court pauses FSSAI order in energy drink label dispute PepsiCo faces interim restrictions on a contested product descriptor as proceedings continue. Industry Watch Kipchimchim opens speciality tea factory in Nandi The new facility can handle more than 70,000kg of green leaf each day. Daily Digest Jeff Carter named next Heartland Coca-Cola president The planned January 2027 appointment forms part of a leadership succession ahead of Chuck’s retirement. Industry Watch Five forces poised to reshape food by 2036 AI, personalised nutrition and food sovereignty are among the trends expected to transform the industry. Industry Watch Castel Group removes Romy Castel from beer boards The board changes deepen a governance dispute involving the chief executive and the founder’s family. Daily Digest PepsiCo and KFC renew drinks partnership in eight markets The international agreement includes the UK and follows the end of the companies’ US deal. Daily Digest Russian Assets of Coca-Cola HBC Face Control Bid A regional drinks producer has asked Vladimir Putin for temporary control of the operations. Industry Watch Izzio Adopts Shared Leadership Model Sara Kafadar adds the role of president to her commercial responsibilities. Daily Digest Bernard Matthews Reverses Derby Closure Plan The decision preserves a processing site employing around 600 people. Industry Watch Festive Flavours Drive Seasonal Menu Innovation Limited-time additions are bringing holiday tastes to foodservice menus. Industry Watch UPF labelling model puts reformulation decisions in focus A projected annual cost of $14.2bn highlights the need to assess products individually before a federal definition is approved. Industry Watch Opinion turns the romaine debate towards underlying problems A commentary argues that long-distance distribution is not the central issue and calls for attention elsewhere. Culture & Dining Snack price study highlights gaps across 30 markets Tax, pack sizes and promotions emerge as useful signals for producers setting overseas prices. Industry Watch Functional drinks and premium whisky drive new launches Brands are widening their drinks ranges with fresh flavours, collaborations and limited editions. Daily Digest Food brands extend familiar favourites into new formats New cereal collaborations, portable meals and a children-focused coconut drink show companies reaching for fresh occasions and audiences. Industry Watch USDA alert issued over undeclared sesame in frozen meat products Frozen Betterballen beef and chicken products are affected by a warning concerning misbranding and an allergen omitted from the label. Industry Watch Ghana sets sights on processing half its cocoa domestically The government plans to use existing grinding capacity to increase value-added exports as the sector faces weaker prices and production pressures. Industry Watch California pumpkin attraction reopens during E. coli investigation The owners said environmental testing found no trace of the pathogen, while the county investigation remained without a public update.

Features 13,800 Years, Three Metres Across: A Possible Alaskan Home Emerges A dark oval beside an ancient hearth invites us to pause on a small ridge above the Tanana River and consider how some of North America’s earliest inhabitants made a place for repeated return. Industry Watch Kraft Heinz investment begins to bear fruit The food group is starting to see results from its $700 million investment. Industry Watch Celsius reshapes business around three energy drink divisions Dedicated units will oversee Alani Nu, Rockstar Energy and Celsius as the company pursues growth amid investor pressure. Industry Watch Food manufacturing faces growing skills shortage Technical recruitment challenges and an ageing workforce threaten the industry’s ability to fill future roles. Industry Watch Kraft Heinz agrees $650m coffee business sale The disposal spans seven North American brands as the company seeks to cut debt and advance its transformation. Industry Watch Evergreen launches China-Maputo shipping service The AEF5 connection may offer Johannesburg-bound containers a shorter rail journey than routing through Durban. Daily Digest Moo Free faces trademark pressure from Mondelez The UK dairy-free chocolate maker is involved in a trademark disagreement with the confectionery group. Industry Watch General Mills and Dunkin’ introduce collaborative cereals The launches pair familiar cereal brands with flavours inspired by Dunkin’. Industry Watch Scoular and Grupo Trimex expand regenerative farming programme The regional initiative now spans 35,000 acres and involves 40 producers. Industry Watch Wayne-Sanderson Farms publishes responsibility update The 2026 report outlines progress spanning employees, sustainability, animal welfare and local communities. Industry Watch Egypt and IFAD agree US$65m agricultural package The agreements target irrigation modernisation and include grant support for the PEARL resilience initiative. Industry Watch Trust emerges as common ground for food producers Industry and advocacy groups appear aligned on the need for food that is affordable, safe and dependable. Industry Watch Online grocery sales rise as shops lose ground Circana data point to sharply different performances for digital and physical food retail channels. Industry Watch Supermarket attacks elevate operational technology risk Cyber incidents in European retail are pushing operational technology security into the boardroom. Industry Watch FDA Adds 21st Cinnamon Product to Lead Alert Wise Wife ground cinnamon has joined the regulator’s list of products found with dangerously high lead levels. Industry Watch Toddler Snack Recall Puts Safety Questions in Focus Once Upon a Farm’s Tractor Wheels recall is prompting scrutiny of its products, prospects and broader nutrition ambitions. Industry Watch Australian safety campaign highlights risks of raw fish Survey findings suggest raw seafood is widely consumed, prompting renewed attention during Australian Food Safety Week. Industry Watch Polish man charged over alleged food contamination threat Prosecutors say the suspect demanded a Bitcoin ransom while threatening to contaminate food. Industry Watch FDA steps up import controls for several food categories Recent alert changes affect shellfish, tamarind and canned products entering the United States. Industry Watch French officials investigate death after mushroom poisoning Dried morels sold by a retailer are being examined as a possible link to a fatal case reported in early November.

Daily Digest Kellogg’s reformulates two cereals without rice grains Rice Krispies and Coco Pops now use a recipe built around wheat gluten. Industry Watch Cargill launches reduced-sugar brand The new offering encompasses syrups and individual sugar packets. Industry Watch Dan-O’s expands into sweet seasonings The newly unveiled range includes two varieties. Daily Digest UK shoppers plan leaner festive spending Half intend to reduce Christmas food and drink budgets, while many expect to use loyalty points. Industry Watch Food leaders question system’s readiness Manufacturing, processing and packaging innovation are being presented as routes to a more resilient food supply. Daily Digest Ferrero unwraps festive sales push A Christmas campaign and limited-edition Cinnamon Spice Squares will support the confectionery group’s seasonal ambitions. Culture & Dining Chapel Down seeks £6m for sparkling wine growth The English winemaker plans to finance a major expansion of its Champagne-style wine production through new shares. Daily Digest Celsius faces lawsuit over health claims A consumer class action challenges claims about the energy drink’s effects on metabolism and body fat. Industry Watch Gut health gains influence across the food market Advances in digestive science are increasingly shaping ingredient choices and the wellness messages attached to products. Culture & Dining Lima’s Maido tops the 50 Best Restaurants ranking Asador Etxebarri in Spain and Mexico City’s Quintonil completed the leading trio for 2026. Industry Watch Kraft Heinz to sell North American coffee operation The proposed sale covers a portfolio that includes Maxwell House, Gevalia and Yuban. Culture & Dining Mexican seafood takes centre stage at new NYC restaurant El Camarón Peludo pairs vibrant seafood dishes with natural wines. Industry Watch Report highlights weaknesses in Serbian food safety system The analysis points to fragmented oversight, limited resources and ineffective penalties. Industry Watch US agencies declare sprout-linked Salmonella outbreak over Officials traced the infections to broccoli sprouts and microgreens grown from an imported contaminated seed lot. Industry Watch Kale snacks recalled over possible thallium contamination Snack Right Super Foods is withdrawing two Brad's kale products that may contain the naturally occurring metal. Daily Digest Barry Callebaut targets recovery after profit decline The chocolate producer is looking to strategy, partnerships and operational gains following weaker results. Daily Digest JJ Foodservice celebrates new Nottingham depot The recently opened branch gives local foodservice operators access to a broad range of supplies. Industry Watch FDA ends romaine outbreak inquiry without identifying supplier The agency reported tracing, inspections and testing but did not disclose the brand or producer involved. Industry Watch UN agencies seek food safety data on aflatoxins and Brucella FAO and WHO have appealed for information to support work concerning two food safety hazards.

Industry Watch Safety and Trust Questions Shadow Cultivated Meat Evidence, halal compliance and public confidence remain important obstacles as cultivated meat approaches consumers. Culture & Dining Recipe Rethink Offers Lessons for Food Brands A snack reformulation shows how reducing salt and fat can support taste and commercial goals. Industry Watch Cheese and Yoghurt Lead UK Dairy Growth Protein, health appeal and convenience are strengthening consumer demand for cow dairy products. Industry Watch Cyberattacks Disrupt Supermarket Refrigeration Across Europe A fresh wave of attacks on refrigeration systems has affected retailers in several European countries. Daily Digest Mondelēz challenges Moo Free over ‘snow balls’ term The dispute has renewed discussion about trade marks and brand enforcement in confectionery. Industry Watch Cargill launches reduced-sugar Craftiva range The range combines flavoured syrups and sweetener packets with lower sugar content. Industry Watch 7 Brew launches its first bakery range The company is expanding its menu with a new line of pastries. Industry Watch Knorr introduces microwavable cup meals The new range includes pasta- and rice-based options. Industry Watch Lasso gives gelatin cups a protein and fibre update The start-up is positioning a familiar format around two sought-after nutritional attributes. Daily Digest Booker unveils broad Chicken Kitchen foodservice range The nearly 50-item own-label selection covers dishes including burgers, wraps, loaded fries and salads. Industry Watch US dairy partnerships delivered over 30 launches in 2025 The Dairy Checkoff Program worked with foodservice, retail and dairy businesses to bring new dairy-focused products to market. Daily Digest Tilray seeks $20m savings in beverage overhaul The Shock Top owner is cutting products and facilities as it responds to changes across the drinks market. Industry Watch Tesco schedules winter food-bank collection The retailer’s annual donation drive will return to large stores from 26 to 28 November. Industry Watch Diesel surge added to food input-cost index A 71% annual rise puts fuel firmly among the cost pressures facing the food sector. Daily Digest Nestlé sharpens its brand-building playbook The food group is concentrating investment while pairing innovation with AI-supported marketing and workforce development. Industry Watch Fermentation advances sweet protein supply The production method promises greater availability and lower ingredient costs. Industry Watch Degreaser mistaken for margarita glass salt A separate lawsuit alleges that a pupil was injured by oven cleaner on a pretzel. Industry Watch Planned infant formula deal draws congressional concern ByHeart’s co-founders intend to acquire Dublin-based Perrigo through their new company, MeridianMade. Industry Watch UK records two outbreaks linked to raw milk Cryptosporidium was implicated in one incident and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli in the other.

Features For Meghalaya’s Cooks, the Table Is Getting Longer A four-month journey is inviting diners across India to meet Meghalaya through the ingredients, knowledge and communities that give its food meaning. Industry Watch Little Spoon makes cereal debut The company has launched dolphin-shaped cereal in three varieties. Industry Watch Coca-Cola adds three prebiotic soda varieties The company is extending its drinks portfolio with a trio of canned prebiotic sodas. Industry Watch Bachan’s expands into Japanese-inspired mayonnaise The condiment maker’s new mayo range has arrived at Whole Foods Market. Culture & Dining Nespresso revives loyalty scheme for a new era The coffee brand has modernised a programme first launched in the 2000s, focusing on community and personalisation. Culture & Dining A direct message sparked New York wine bar El Camarón Peludo The team behind the new venue explains how an online approach helped begin its story. Daily Digest Oatly turns to fibre drinks in plant-based push The company is positioning itself as a functional-drinks player as it pursues a US turnaround. Industry Watch Anheuser-Busch chief to leave North American business Brendan Whitworth is departing as AB InBev seeks to reverse falling volumes and expand beyond beer. Industry Watch UK links illnesses to eggs imported from Ukraine Updated Cyclospora figures identify 135 cases across 2025 and 2026. Industry Watch Opinion highlights health risks in autumn family traditions Familiar seasonal activities may carry overlooked health considerations for families. Industry Watch IFT FIRST adapts to food industry decision-making The event is presented as a bridge between scientific expertise, practical solutions and industry needs. Industry Watch Mondelez moves to acquire Undercover Snacks The proposed deal adds chocolate-covered quinoa snacks positioned as a more permissible indulgence. Industry Watch Food spending diverges after GLP-1 treatment ends Numerator data indicate different post-treatment patterns for grocery and fast-food purchases. Culture & Dining Chefs in Schools opens national membership The programme will connect school kitchen teams and provide continuing chef-led training. Industry Watch Second Washington resident dies from bird flu The Yakima County resident had been exposed to avian flu at a dairy with infected cattle. Industry Watch Mushroom poisoning murder appeal rejected Erin Patterson challenged her conviction on seven grounds after serving relatives a fatal meal containing death cap mushrooms. Industry Watch Nestlé and BirdLife begin European farm biodiversity study The three-and-a-half-year programme will examine how regenerative agriculture affects nature across agricultural supply chains. Industry Watch Kenya looks to new coffee varieties to lift output Industry leaders say research, seedlings and farm water systems must improve to raise plantation yields. Industry Watch Mondelēz launches legal action over chocolate-bar shape The confectionery group alleges that a British vegan chocolate maker has infringed a protected shape trademark. Industry Watch Court doubles damages over contaminated beer poisoning A Brazilian court has increased the compensation owed to a consumer poisoned by beer in 2020.

Features Jane Poole Sees the Queue Growing At a North Hollywood pantry born from one small act of kindness, a rising number of neighbours are arriving for help as new CalFresh rules meet the everyday pressure of higher living costs. Daily Digest Ebro Foods acquires Best Rice in $47m US deal The Spanish listed food group has expanded its rice interests through the purchase of the American specialist. Daily Digest Danone appoints new US president amid turnaround Francois Lacombe will lead efforts to improve regional performance following demand growth and customer-service difficulties. Daily Digest Financial pressure threatens Halloween confectionery sales Hershey says the final run-up to Halloween will be crucial as household budgets remain strained. Industry Watch DeepMind explores AI for food innovation Work spanning AlphaFold, resilient crops and virtual cells could help accelerate agricultural and food research. Culture & Dining Shepherd Neame plans £15m brewery The Kent brewer will end third-party contract production to concentrate on its own beer portfolio. Industry Watch Drinks producers face preparations for UK deposit scheme Packaging, labelling, fees and compliance are among the issues manufacturers must address before 2027. Daily Digest Yakult confirms data leak after website breach Personal information linked to about 40,000 people was exposed following unauthorised access. Industry Watch Mondelez takes majority stake in Undercover Snacks The gluten-free snack business has joined the food group’s expanding portfolio. Industry Watch Nanning group weighs US$63m Cameroon agriculture project The proposed investment would combine sugarcane and rice cultivation with a new production facility. Industry Watch Perrigo leaves infant formula through asset sale The Dublin-based company is selling the business assets to US contract manufacturer MeridianMade. Industry Watch Grocers face a longer-term GLP-1 challenge Retailers may need to support changing shopping habits after customers stop taking weight-loss medication. Industry Watch Bacardi revises US distribution network New agreements will span 47 markets, with Reyes assuming responsibility across 11 states. Industry Watch Mondelēz posts US$9.97bn revenue and agrees snack deal The proposed Undercover acquisition would broaden the group’s better-for-you range as its 2026 outlook remains unchanged. Industry Watch Mozambique plans private role in national rail network The proposal comes as freight volumes on the country’s railways continue to grow. Industry Watch Côte d’Ivoire potato imports rise 45% Egypt is gaining ground as the country’s potato import spending approaches the total recorded across 2025. Industry Watch Festive delivery mix-up reunites friends in Tesco campaign Roisin Conaty and Anna Maxwell Martin play former school friends brought together by an unexpected grocery delivery. Daily Digest Nongfu Spring gains as beverage leaders lose brand value Coca-Cola and Pepsi remain the two most valuable beverage brands despite declines in their valuations. Industry Watch Rice noodle producer warned over sanitation failings The US Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning letter as part of its enforcement work. Industry Watch Counterfeit THC gummy packs discovered in Europe European investigators report that sweets from the United States used imitation packaging from a familiar European brand.

Features For Michigan’s School Cooks, a Fresh Start Is on the Menu A new pilot invites school kitchens to make more meals from scratch, bringing local ingredients closer to the everyday ritual of feeding children. Daily Digest GNT to Showcase Plant-Based Colours in Dubai The company will demonstrate its EXBERRY range of natural colours at Gulfood Manufacturing 2026. Daily Digest Prinova Focuses on Personalised Nutrition The company is unveiling new functional beverage concepts at Fi Europe to meet the rising demand for tailored health solutions. Culture & Dining The Return of Chocolate Crisps Major snack brands are revisiting the sweet and salty combination to attract premium buyers. Industry Watch P&B Foods ramps up sauce output A new high-speed packaging line has increased production capacity to 200 bottles per minute. Industry Watch Processing Levels Drive Food Choices New research indicates that additives and processing methods are now key factors in consumer purchasing decisions. Industry Watch Muntons Expands Thailand Operations The company has doubled its production capacity at its Chonburi facility. Daily Digest Enzymes as Clean-Label Solutions Food manufacturers may use enzymes to achieve functional results without adding chemicals to ingredient lists. Industry Watch Biospringer Acquires ModuMax Technology Biospringer by Lesaffre has expanded its taste portfolio through the acquisition of natural taste modulation technology. Culture & Dining Thanksgiving Flavours Hit the Snack Aisle New research suggests comfort-driven holiday tastes are expanding into the snacking market. Industry Watch Doehler Expands Natural Colour Capacity German ingredients supplier Doehler is investing in production sites across Europe and the Americas. Industry Watch Oatly expands into wellness The oat milk brand is launching a new range of fibre beverages in the US. Industry Watch Hershey CEO Praises New Market Model The confectionery giant reports positive results from its updated go-to-market strategy. Industry Watch Regulator Probes ABP and Dovecote Deal The UK antitrust authority is investigating ABP Food Group's acquisition of a minority stake in Dovecote Park. Industry Watch Nigeria Cocoa Exports to US Skyrocket American demand has driven a massive increase in cocoa shipments from Nigeria in 2025. Industry Watch Varun Beverages Plans Major Maharashtra Expansion A new 125-acre facility in India will produce a diverse range of drinks and snacks. Industry Watch Potato Sector Growth in Taita Taveta The Taita Taveta region is aiming for a 4.3 million US dollar expansion in its potato industry. Industry Watch BGG Debuts Swicy Drinks and Wellness Bars New concepts focusing on weight management and mental wellbeing are coming to SupplySide Global. Industry Watch Calls for FDA Transparency New petitions urge the FDA to adopt a more open approach to food safety data. Industry Watch Uganda Eyes Coffee Export Growth A new African Union strategy aims to boost earnings for Ugandan coffee producers through increased processing.