US food and beverage giants face a new hurdle as 23 states now have waivers restricting SNAP benefits for certain processed and sugary products. This could reduce sales by $830 million this year, forcing companies to monitor shopper behavior and potentially reformulate product lines.
The India-UK Free Trade Agreement, effective July 15, is welcomed by alcoholic beverage makers for boosting trade and premiumization. While imported spirits may see reduced concessions in some Indian states, the pact aims to make premium international brands more accessible to Indian consumers.
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.
A doctor states that drinking beer in hot weather increases the risk of stroke, heatstroke, and dehydration due to alcohol inhibiting the vasopressin hormone. It is advised to drink water with alcohol and avoid sun exposure. Individuals with kidney and heart problems are warned about diuretic foods and drinks.
The Italian beverage market in 2026 sees declining volumes in spirits and wine, but a shift towards lighter, more selective consumption. Rinaldi 1957 highlights growth in ready-to-drink, low/no alcohol, and specific spirits like tequila and mezcal, while wine consumption becomes more occasional.
Chinese-founded beverage chains like Mixue and HeyTea are rapidly expanding in NYC, offering tea-based drinks and a distinct aesthetic, appealing to locals and leveraging technology for a modern experience.
Chinese-founded beverage chains like Mixue and HeyTea are rapidly expanding in NYC, offering unique tea flavors and distinct aesthetics, appealing to locals and leveraging technology.
The celebrity beverage trend is booming, with stars like Kim Kardashian and Blake Lively launching their own drinks. Now, Christian-themed energy drinks like Yahweh, Agape, and 4gvn are entering the market, aiming to blend evangelism with sales, though taste and branding effectiveness are debated.
Alibaba's Qwen app is opening its ecosystem to third-party agents, with KFC, Luckin Coffee, Mixue Group, and China Eastern Airlines among the first to test the feature. Users can interact with these agents for services like ordering food or planning travel.
The Ulsan Election Commission has filed a complaint against B, the accounting manager for candidate A's election campaign, for providing free beverages worth approximately 200,000 KRW to campaign workers, violating the Public Official Election Act.
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%.
Thapanee Techajareonvikul, CEO of Berli Jucker PCL, embraces leadership inspired by her parents, Wanna Sirivadhanabhakdi and Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi, who built the TCC Group empire. She leads with a focus on professionalism and a family-like atmosphere, integrating AI and expanding acquisitions like MM Mega Market.
Mainland Chinese retail brands are increasingly entering Hong Kong, with a notable shift from food and beverage to non-F&B sectors like fashion, beauty, and jewelry, according to JLL analysts. This trend is helping landlords fill vacant retail spaces.
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.
Beverage sales to Horeca grew in Q1 2026 (+6.0% value, +1.7% volume) vs Q1 2025, but remain below 2024 levels. Spirits, aperitifs, and energy drinks lead growth, while fruit juices decline.
Karnataka becomes India's first state to implement an Alcohol-in-Beverage (AIB) based excise duty structure, deregulating government-administered price fixation and allowing producers to set prices based on market factors and alcohol content.
Food & beverage e sostenibilità le leve su cui puntare per crescere nel settore. Non solo Roma, Milano, Venezia: l’attenzione si sposta anche verso piccoli borghi e località montane
Wall Street stocks surged on Friday, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq nearing record highs, buoyed by stronger-than-expected US jobs data. Despite ongoing Middle East tensions and oil price concerns, positive corporate earnings from companies like Monster Beverage and Akamai Technologies also fueled the rally, indicating economic resilience.
Il settore ha ancora una volta dimostrato la propria resilienza. Crescono Spagna e Polonia e soffrono gli Stati Uniti. Tutti i dati presentati al Food summit
Stansted passengers disagree that stopping airports serving alcohol before early flights will reduce bad behaviourFor most people, the idea of a pint with breakfast is pretty grim. But at the Wetherspoon’s in Stansted’s departure lounge on Thursday morning, it appeared to be the beverage of choice.“It’s a holiday ritual,” said Dee Wood, 60, a waste policy officer, who was enjoying a pint while waiting to board her Alicante-bound morning flight. “It’s like the start of holiday,” said her friend Rachel Almond, 59, a community planner, who was treating herself to a lager. “We don’t get drunk, we just have a pint, say cheers and off we go.” Continue reading...
The head honcho thinks splurging nearly $10 on a beverage during a cost-of-living crisis is fine for a ‘special experience’. It’s time to offer my own valuable adviceI don’t mean to vent, but what is up with Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol’s obscenely large compensation package? Niccol, who joined the company in 2024, is one of the best-paid executives in the US, raking in $96m (£70m) in just his first four months on the job. The man makes 6,666 times more than the company’s typical employee, according to a 2025 Executive Paywatch report. He also regularly commutes to work via private jet. Can’t expect a strategic genius to live next to the office like the rest of the hoi polloi.Still, while he might be good at flogging drinks, Niccol apparently has trouble reading a room. As the cost of living surges, and the federal minimum wage remains at $7.25, the CEO is getting roasted for calling a $9 coffee “a really affordable premium experience”. Speaking to the Wall Street Journal, Niccol noted that the K-shaped economy, in which higher-income households are thriving and splurging while the bottom half struggles, isn’t really affecting business. Continue reading...
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.
