UK inflation remained at 2.8% in the year to May, unchanged from April. Transport costs saw the steepest rise, while food prices slightly decreased. Inflation is expected to continue climbing due to the Iran war's effects, with predictions of a peak between 3.5% and 4% in late 2026.
An unopened bottle from China's Warring States period (475–221 BC) has revealed the composition of an ancient alcoholic beverage. Made from broomcorn millet, wheat, and barley, the drink's recipe indicates sophisticated brewing techniques using a fermentation starter called qu.
Japan's government and ruling coalition are discussing a 2-year consumption tax reduction on food and beverages, potentially starting April 2027. Options range from 1% to 0%, with system updates for cash registers being a key factor. Public opinion is divided, with many favoring a quick 1% reduction over a delayed 0%.
Horchata, a traditional Spanish and Mexican drink, is gaining popularity in the UK, with Google searches rising and various establishments incorporating it into menus, from coffee and cocktails to desserts.
Varun Beverages Ltd. (VBL) has extended its exclusive bottling and trademark license with PepsiCo Inc. in India until April 30, 2049, replacing the prior 2039 expiry. Crucially, VBL is now free to pursue businesses outside PepsiCo operations.
Soaring temperatures across India have triggered a sharp 50% sales surge for air-conditioners, refrigerators, beverages, and ice cream in the past 10 days, prompting companies to boost production. AC and refrigerator sales jumped 40% year-on-year, with industry projections revised up 10-15% from earlier flat growth expectations. The rebound comes despite 8-15% price hikes and supply chain challenges tied to the West Asian conflict, including LPG shortages that disrupted manufacturing.
Varun Beverages Ltd (VBL), PepsiCo's largest franchise bottler, reported 16.3% sales volume growth in Q1 2026 with revenue rising 18.1% to Rs 6,574 crore. The company achieved 14.4% volume growth in India and 21.4% in international territories including Africa. VBL completed the acquisition of Twizza in South Africa and plans to acquire Crickley Dairy, betting on African market expansion and capacity investments to drive future growth.
Beijing is intensifying its enforcement against tax evasion, extending its reach into consumption taxes, which have been positioned as a critical source of stabilising local government finances that have been hit hard by the nation’s prolonged property crisis. Earlier this month, the State Taxation Administration (STA) released details of eight tax-violation cases involving sectors such as gold jewellery, alcoholic beverages and refined oil. The enforcement actions spanned multiple regions,...
Russian Security Council Deputy Secretary Alexey Shevtsov warned that Armenia's withdrawal from the Eurasian Economic Union would cause GDP to fall 15.1% ($3.65 billion), inflation to rise 14.3 percentage points, and unemployment to increase 6.5 percentage points. Industrial production would decline 26.3%, with metallurgy, beverages, tobacco, and food sectors most affected. Shevtsov cited President Putin's statement that profiting from both the EU and EAEU is impossible.
The CEO of Masi Agricola addresses the impact of tariffs and declining consumer spending, while also looking towards the future of non-alcoholic beverage options.
