Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation Announces Third Cohort of Funded Innovation Projects
The Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation (AFDF) announced its third cohort of Joint Innovation Projects, allocating $377,775 to nine Alaska‑based initiatives. Funded by the Alaska Mariculture Cluster, which draws money from the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Build Back Better Regional Challenge, the projects focus on kelp‑derived foods, cosmetics, bio‑stimulants, and oyster broodstock. Since the program’s launch in August 2023, AFDF has supported 38 innovation projects aimed at accelerating the state’s emerging mariculture sector. The cohort reflects a growing partnership between public grants and private‑sector entrepreneurs in Alaska’s marine economy.
Norway Court Sides with Directorate of Fisheries on Escape Case, Fines Aller Aqua NOK 5 Million
A Norwegian court of appeals upheld the Directorate of Fisheries' ruling that Aller Aqua must pay a NOK 5 million fine (about $529,000) for a 2022 salmon escape at its Vadheim facility. Approximately 35,000 salmon fled through a 4‑by‑4‑meter net hole, prompting...
Ferrero Gets World Cup Fever as Confectionery Goes Big on Sport
Ferrero has launched a FIFA World Cup promotion running from June 11 to July 19, offering daily prizes and a $1 million grand prize (≈$1.25 million) to shoppers who buy any two Ferrero products. The campaign features seven‑time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady as its...
Italian Truffle Cheese Fails to Advance Past Taiwan Border over E. Coli
Taiwan's Food and Drug Administration rejected a 2.87‑kilogram shipment of Italian truffle cheese after five samples tested positive for Escherichia coli levels exceeding the island's strict limits. The importer now faces a 20‑50% increase in inspection frequency and the possibility...
‘Low Quality’: Report Finds Waste in $2.13 Billion Public Food Spend
A new Good Food Purchasing Australia report finds that Australia’s $2.13 bn AUD (≈$1.4 bn USD) annual public‑food budget is squandered on low‑quality ingredients due to a cost‑driven, poorly coordinated procurement system. The study recommends mandatory nutrition and sustainability standards, healthy‑procurement targets,...
Prolonged Hormuz Crisis Could Trigger Agrifood Catastrophe, UN Warns
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization warned that a prolonged crisis in the Strait of Hormuz could spark a global agrifood catastrophe. Disruptions to fertilizer and energy exports would drive up food prices and compress crop yields. FAO chief...
New Tank-to-Tap Brewery to Open at Resorts World Sentosa
Burnt Ends Hospitality Group will open People People Brewing Co. at Resorts World Sentosa on April 15, 2026. The 836 m² venue combines a working brewery, kitchen and social space, serving beer fresh from tank to tap. Five 1,500‑litre tanks will...
‘There Are No Bad Additives, only Bad Humans’: Experts Urge Fairer View of Processed Foods
Chinese food‑science experts warned that additives themselves are not harmful; misuse and poor discipline are the real risks. China currently authorises more than 2,300 additives, yet consumer distrust fueled by past scandals is driving a clean‑label push that clashes with...
Egg-Based Collagen: The Next Beauty-From-Within Superstar?
Singapore‑based Vicky en France has launched C’est La BERRY, a jelly‑stick supplement that delivers 500 mg of up‑cycled French eggshell membrane collagen (types I, V, X) along with antioxidants, prebiotics, biotin and glutathione. The company reports that 35 kg of membrane—equivalent to waste from...
Our Top 10 Most-Read F&B Industry News From March 2026
The March 2026 roundup highlights how geopolitical tension, regulatory changes, and shifting consumer health priorities are reshaping the global food and beverage sector. A tentative cease‑fire in the Iran conflict leaves commodity supply chains fragile, while Indonesia and South Korea...
Bluu Reaches Industrial Production of Cultivated Fish Cells for Personal Care & Seafood
German startup Bluu has achieved industrial‑scale cultivation of Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout cells in 1,000‑litre bioreactors, and has demonstrated harvests in 10,000‑litre reactors through a partnership with Dutch firm Cultivate at Scale. The joint platform aims to supply marine‑derived...
Cadbury Debuts ‘&MORE’, Its Most Significant Brand Debut In More Than A Decade
Cadbury has unveiled &MORE, its most significant brand debut in over ten years, targeting Australian chocolate lovers seeking heightened indulgence. The line introduces five premium flavors—Hazelnut Praline, Tiramisu Swirl, Caramel Crème Brûlée, Roasted Macadamia and Raspberry Cheesecake—each featuring larger pieces, richer...
Community Food Network Box Divvy Unveils Soft-Plastics Recycling Solution
Box Divvy, a community food network operating over 350 hubs in NSW, Victoria and the ACT, has built its own soft‑plastics collection and recycling pipeline. The program currently diverts about 2.5 tonnes of soft‑plastic waste per month, with volumes expected to...
Wicked Weed Brewing Vicious Nectar
Wicked Weed Brewing has launched Vicious Nectar, a 9.1% ABV fruit‑forward beer debuting with a Watermelon flavor. The beer is sold in 19.2‑ounce cans and 12‑ounce six‑packs, initially in North Carolina, South Carolina and select Coastal Georgia markets. The company...
AG1 Lands in Target as Its Year of Retail Expansion Continues
AG1, the greens‑powder supplement brand, announced its launch across all Target stores and the retailer’s e‑commerce site, effectively doubling the number of retail doors where its products are sold. The rollout also brings AG1’s nighttime sleep supplement, AGZ, to mass‑retail...
Fever-Tree Launches New Flavour Into Its Adult Soft Drink Category
Fever‑Tree has introduced a Lemon, Lime & Bitters adult soft drink in Australia, expanding its premium non‑alcoholic portfolio. The beverage uses natural Sicilian lemons and Mexican limes, contains 19 calories per 100 ml and no artificial flavours or sweeteners. It is...
Samarth Biorigins Expands Capabilities to Meet Demand for Better Bioavailable Ingredients
Samarth Biorigins, a Bangalore‑based specialist in liposomal and microencapsulation technologies, has opened a new GMP‑compliant manufacturing facility in Tumkur, Karnataka. The plant can produce up to one ton of bioavailable nutraceutical ingredients per day and includes an application lab for...
Ditch Bananas For This Hydrating Liquid Containing 600 Mg Of Potassium
Coconut water delivers up to 690 mg of potassium per cup, surpassing the roughly 450 mg found in a medium banana. The beverage is positioned as a convenient electrolyte source for post‑exercise recovery, offering a natural alternative to traditional sports drinks. Health...
Avia Announces Stellar Lineup for Next Season of Re:Purpose
Avia, the Darlinghurst restaurant, is launching the 2026 season of its sustainability‑focused dining series Re:Purpose, beginning with a long lunch on May 3 featuring Sakura House chef Nick Sherman. The monthly event pairs Avia co‑founder Stefano Marano with a rotating guest...
Morven BeefUp Forum: The Surprising Beef Products Appearing as the Protein Trend Gains Pace + PICS
The Morven BeefUp forum highlighted a surge in beef‑centric products, from collagen‑infused coffee to whole‑organ blends, as consumers chase protein‑rich, whole‑food options. MLA’s Sabina Kindler noted U.S. households will spend roughly US$1,000 more on meat in 2025, driven by a...
Growth Asia Summit 2026: Haleon, Siens by Dabur, Yili to Deiscuss Healthy Longevity
The Growth Asia Summit 2026 will be held July 8‑10 in Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands, gathering more than 40 senior executives, scientists and marketers from the health‑nutrition sector. The three‑day program spotlights healthy ageing, healthspan, infant nutrition, metabolic health and protein‑focused...
The Major Name Brand Behind Aldi's Winking Owl Wine
Aldi’s low‑priced Winking Owl wine line is actually produced by E.&J. Gallo Winery, one of the world’s largest wine producers. Gallo supplies both budget brands like Barefoot and premium labels such as Rombauer, leveraging its scale to fill Aldi’s shelves...
GLP-1 Medications Accelerate Frozen Food’s Shift Toward Nutrient-Dense Meals
GLP‑1 weight‑loss drugs are accelerating a shift toward nutrient‑dense, portion‑controlled frozen meals, prompting food manufacturers to rethink formulation. Nissin Foods has launched the Kanzen Meal line, offering frozen entrees with up to 24 g of protein and 10 g of fiber per serving,...
Maple Syrup Season Closes on a Sweet Note, Despite Tumultuous Weather
Canada’s 2025 maple‑syrup harvest produced 18.9 million gallons, a 5.1 % decline from the 2024 record, as erratic freeze‑thaw cycles hampered sap flow. Quebec remained the dominant supplier, accounting for roughly 90 % of national output, while southern regions lagged behind schedule. Export...
The Right to Food
World Central Kitchen (WCK) has delivered more than 313 million meals in Gaza, operating over 60 community kitchens, field kitchens and mobile bakeries. The organization has invested roughly $500 million locally, generating a multiplier effect for the Gaza economy. However, the war...
A New Fruit Wash Removes Pesticides and Extends Shelf Life
University of British Columbia researchers have created a biodegradable fruit wash that eliminates up to 96% of pesticide residues and forms an edible coating that slows browning and moisture loss. Tests showed apples retained acidity and sugars longer, while grapes...
Oxide-Based Sensor Opens Door to Greener, Faster, More Accurate Quality Testing of Food
Researchers at Oregon State University have created an oxide‑based electrochemical sensor that combines strontium oxide, functionalized carbon black and reduced graphene oxide into a nanocomposite. The material provides a highly conductive interface that accelerates electron transfer and enables precise detection...
Costco's New Bread Bowls Are Seriously Dividing Shoppers
Costco has added a four‑pack of sourdough bread bowls to its Kirkland line, priced at $7.99 for roughly two pounds. The product arrives as sourdough’s pandemic‑driven popularity expands into convenient formats. Shoppers are split: some praise the ready‑to‑use bowls for...
The Only Type Of Wood You'll Find In Jack Daniel's Barrels
Jack Daniel's Tennessee whiskey is aged exclusively in brand‑new charred white oak barrels, a legal mandate for both Tennessee whiskey and bourbon. The barrels are handcrafted, toasted inside, and used for only one batch before being retired to other culinary...
Starbucks' Summer Menu Has Left Some Fans Wanting More (These 3 Drinks To Be Exact)
Starbucks will roll out its 2026 summer menu on May 12, featuring a new Tropical Butterfly Refresher, a returning Iced Horchata Shaken Espresso, a new Horchata Frappuccino, and a Unicorn Cake Pop. Loyal customers quickly voiced disappointment that fan‑favorite items such...
Chick-Fil-A’s Crazy Sales, Chili’s Big Milestone, and Taco Bell’s New Flavor Enhancer
Chick‑fil‑A reported a 5.2% sales increase for 2025, a slower pace than 2024 but still strong enough to keep its average unit volumes on par with upscale chains. Chili’s leveraged that momentum to climb to the No. 2 spot among U.S....
Vibe Twisted Sips Steps Up To The Plate As Minor League Baseball Sponsor
Vibe Twisted Sips, a 12% ABV wine‑based ready‑to‑drink brand owned by Gallo Wine & Spirits, has been named the official wine sponsor for Minor League Baseball’s 2026 season. The partnership will see Vibe featured across more than 100 MiLB teams,...
Grillo's Fans Will Finally Be Able To Drink The Cult-Favorite Pickles (And Get Buzzed Doing It)
Grillo's Pickles has partnered with Pabst Blue Ribbon to launch a 4.7% ABV pickle‑flavored lager, hitting shelves nationwide on May 4. The limited‑time beer will be stocked at major supermarkets, convenience outlets and liquor chains, and is being promoted with a...
One Piece Fans Are Already Reselling Popeye’s Bento Boxes on eBay for Hundreds
Popeyes launched a One Piece themed meal on April 13, featuring a Luffy‑styled Bento Box available at select U.S. and Canadian locations until May 10. The limited‑edition boxes sparked massive lines and immediate resale activity, with eBay listings ranging from $150 to $499....
Chicken Salad Chick Appoints Brian Lindley As Chief Development Officer
Chicken Salad Chick announced Brian Lindley as its new Chief Development Officer, tasked with steering franchise growth across the Midwest, Northeast, and Western United States. Lindley, a veteran of Chick‑fil‑A, BP and Restaurant Brands International, will revamp site‑selection processes and...
Basil Hayden Just Dropped an Unusual New Rye That’s Perfect for Cocktails
Basil Hayden has launched Golden Rye, a 100% malted rye whiskey bottled at 80 proof, aimed at cocktail‑friendly consumers. The expression follows a 2023 malted rye release and is positioned as the entry‑level offering in a newly announced three‑tier pricing...
Some Dairy Queen Customers Are Tired Of How Blizzard Flavors Have Changed
Dairy Queen’s Blizzard menu has shifted dramatically toward candy and cookie flavors, leaving only two fruit‑based options—Strawberry Angel Food Cake and Royal New York Cheesecake—as of April 2026. A 2024 Statista poll shows just 36% of respondents still dine at DQ...
Dairy Thrives in Wellness Age
The dairy category is repositioning itself as a wellness staple, emphasizing its natural protein, probiotics and vitamin content. High‑protein milks, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese and kefir are seeing double‑digit sales growth as shoppers seek low‑sugar, functional options. Retailers such as...
With Freeze-Dried Caramel, Mars Finds New Torment for M&M's
Mars introduced M&M's Pop'd Caramel, the brand's first freeze‑dried candy, capitalizing on a TikTok‑driven demand for novel textures among Gen Z and millennial snackers. The airy, light‑as‑air bite contrasts with the classic crunch‑then‑cream experience, delivering a surprising sensory twist. Mars...
The Restaurant Industry Is Handing Grocery Retailers A Gift
Toast’s Menu Price Monitor shows restaurant prices climbing, with the median burger now $14.63, a 2.5% year‑over‑year rise. While coffee and other items also see double‑digit inflation, sales of basic drip coffee are falling as consumers trade down on routine...
Reclassifying Wellness: Navigating the New Era of Scrutiny in the Soft Drinks Market
The soft‑drink sector is entering a new scrutiny era as consumers move beyond sugar cuts toward concerns about ultra‑processing and the impact of GLP‑1 weight‑loss drugs. Nearly half of global shoppers now recognize ultra‑processed beverages, while 17% are actively using...
Field to Fry: What Sustainability Actually Looks Like in the Potato Supply Chain
Lamb Weston, a leading North American frozen‑potato processor, is preparing its next sustainability report amid growing consumer demand for eco‑friendly food. The company reports cutting 800 million gallons of water, reducing 1,800 tons of waste and avoiding 12,000 metric tons of CO₂ through...
DEN Unveils New Food Court
Denver International Airport has opened a new food court in Concourse A, operated by Skyport Hospitality and ACDBE partner Concessions of a Gladman. The venue features Denver‑based Fat Sully’s Pizza alongside national chains QDOBA, Chick‑fil‑A and Shake Shack. DEN CEO Phil Washington...
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Papa Murphy’s Challenges Continued in Q1
MTY Food Group reported a 2.5% same‑store sales decline for Papa Murphy’s in Q1, with system sales slipping to $1.3 billion versus $1.36 billion a year earlier. The take‑and‑bake pizza chain, MTY’s largest concept, has seen sales fall 11.4% since 2020 and...
Walker Art Center Restaurant Cuts Front-of-House Staff as QR Codes Take Over
The Walker Art Center’s in‑house restaurant, Cardamom, is moving to a fully QR‑code ordering system, eliminating its front‑of‑house staff. Sixteen hosts and servers will be laid off while kitchen staff and bartenders remain. Management cites uneven visitor traffic and rising...
FDA Finds Adulteration in 4 Percent of Honey Samples
The FDA’s 2025 honey sampling program found that 4 percent of the 102 samples tested were adulterated, with two domestic and two imported batches failing carbon isotope analysis. The agency’s stable carbon isotope ratio method flags honey that contains cheaper...
Fever-Tree Appoints GHF as Exclusive London on Trade Partner
Fever‑Tree, the UK’s leading premium mixer brand, has named GHF its exclusive on‑trade partner for London. The deal embeds GHF as a dedicated resource within Fever‑Tree’s UK commercial structure, reporting to the central team. GHF will drive distribution, account management...
Heart of England Co-Operative Installs Cybake ISB Software to Manage In-Store Bakery and Food to Go Production
Heart of England Co-operative rolled out Cybake ISB software across its 38 stores to manage in‑store bakery and food‑to‑go production. The platform uses forecasting and real‑time sales data to schedule multi‑wave baking, delivering tablet‑based instructions to staff and KPI dashboards...
Sysco Bets Big on Cash-and-Carry With $29 Billion Restaurant Depot Acquisition
Sysco announced a $29 billion acquisition of Restaurant Depot, the nation’s leading cash‑and‑carry warehouse for independent restaurants. The deal combines Sysco’s delivery‑centric distribution network with Depot’s 160‑plus warehouse locations, expanding Sysco’s reach to operators who prefer in‑person buying. Sysco estimates the...
The Las Vegas Steakhouse Where You Can Get Steak Topped With Animal-Style Fries
High Steaks, a 50th‑floor steakhouse at the Rio Hotel & Casino, opened in 2025. It lets diners crown premium cuts with $18 animal‑style fries, a homage to In‑NOut’s secret menu. The menu spans USDA‑Prime and Wagyu steaks, a $245 bone‑in...