AGP Executive Report

Salmonella Alert: ECDC reports 106 Salmonella cases across 14 European countries linked to flavoured instant noodles, with 49 hospitalised; authorities warn recalled products may still be in cupboards and could keep causing illness. Food Safety Systems: A new review urges countries to treat food safety as core health infrastructure, warning pandemics could disrupt supply chains and weaken preparedness. Novel Foods: The EU has authorised inulin propionate ester (IPE) for use in foods and supplements, aiming to help regulate appetite and prevent gradual weight gain. Packaging & Compliance: The EU moves to tighten recycled-content rules for plastic bottles, while separate coverage flags rising concern about hidden plastics in food packaging. Heat & Health: Europe’s extreme heat continues to hit public services and daily life, with reports of cancelled events due to cooling limits and mounting health strain. Agrifood Innovation: WFP seeks a women-led enterprise to run a food-processing facility producing fortified complementary foods under an EU-funded infant nutrition project. Wine & Dining: Bordeaux restaurants face pressure to serve more local wines, as the city tries to revive its wine image.

EU Antitrust: The EU’s top court has upheld Google’s €4.125bn Android antitrust fine, keeping pressure on how phone defaults steer consumer choices. Food Policy & Waste: California’s new law standardises “BEST if Used by” vs “USE by” date wording and bans consumer-facing “sell by” labels to cut waste. Retail Pricing: Aldi is trialling earlier store closing times in the UK to protect low prices. Food Safety: UK authorities warn of instant-noodle links to a salmonella outbreak, “mostly affecting children,” with dozens reported sick. Health & Nutrition: A large study links coffee drinking with lower liver disease and liver cancer risk, even for people drinking five-plus cups daily. Food Innovation: Nestlé confirms it’s changing the KitKat recipe across Europe, adding a “third level” for a more complex crunch and hazelnut taste. Packaging: Scanfill launches a food-contact plastic foil made with 30% post-consumer recycled PP, aiming to meet upcoming PPWR rules. Agriculture Support: Ireland’s potential €15.3m share of an EU fertiliser aid package is branded “derisory” by farmers’ groups. Heat & Endurance: Experts share guidance for endurance events in excessive heat as Europe’s summer temperatures keep climbing.

Eurozone Inflation Watch: Eurozone inflation cooled in June to 2.8% as energy prices stabilised, with food/alcohol/tobacco up 1.6% and services around 3%, keeping pressure on the ECB’s next moves. Heatwave Readiness in Hospitals: Paris-area hospitals used supermarket and restaurant ice to cool patients during a record heatwave, and are now ordering dedicated ice machines—another sign climate shocks are reshaping foodservice-adjacent emergency operations. Food Safety Labeling: Denmark’s DTU-backed proposal would add a voluntary “STABILIZED” label for ready-to-eat foods where Listeria can’t grow, aiming to help shoppers reduce risk. Grocery Budget Hacks: Too Good To Go’s “surprise bags” are spreading across Europe, offering steep discounts on mystery food categories to cut waste and help consumers stretch budgets. Functional Ingredients Push: Jungbunzlauer is promoting bioavailable chelated magnesium for gummies and functional drinks, while market reports flag fast growth in functional mushrooms. Retail Price Fight (France): French supermarkets and food brands are trading barbs over a proposed “emergency law” that could change supplier price negotiations, with shoppers caught in the middle. EU Import Rules: The EU is tightening duty-free and customs treatment for low-value parcels, affecting cheap imported goods.

Heat & health: Europe’s deadly heatwave is pushing hospitals into emergency mode, with Paris medics even sourcing ice to cool patients as the “new normal” of extreme temperatures takes hold. Regulation & safety: The EU starts charging a €3 customs fee on low-value parcels (up to €150) from outside the bloc, aiming to curb non-compliant imports after checks flagged widespread label and ingredient problems. Grocery affordability: Circana says the average European shopping basket hits €95.35, up 5.4% since 2023, with the UK seeing the biggest jump—keeping pressure on food budgets. Protein supply risk: A report warns EU soy dependence is “structural and severe,” arguing for protein diversification to cut imports by 20% by 2035. Food industry & marketing: Lay’s PepsiCo CMO discusses how the World Cup is reshaping snack marketing and fandom in the US. Sustainability & farming: Cocoa prices remain crushed after the 2024 spike, deepening poverty for West African smallholders. Food culture: Chefs are bringing back Roman garum as fermentation-driven flavour building spreads through fine dining.

World Cup food culture: Bosnian fans in Northern California are turning Euro Grill into a home-away-from-home ahead of Bosnia vs the U.S., with cevapi and burek drawing crowds and long-distance supporters. London dining spotlight: Tresind lands in London’s Mayfair, bringing its theatrical modern Indian menu and “extraordinary diversity” message to a new European audience. UK retail sweet spot: Vanilla Coca-Cola returns to UK shelves after eight years, but only via Iceland stores and online. Farm supply-chain pressure (UK): The government’s Farming Roadmap promises fairer contracts and new protections for egg and fresh produce growers, as farmers push back on cancelled deals. EU food safety: The European Commission tightens tahini and halva Salmonella checks from Syria, adjusting control rates for other foods. Heatwave reality check (Europe): Record-breaking European heat is linked to major health strain and deaths, with guidance focused on staying safe as extreme temperatures persist. Agri-food investment (Africa): Kenya unveils a Sh1.081trn agri-food systems investment plan for 2026–2030 to boost food security and agro-processing. Heritage & food venues (UK): SAVE Britain’s Heritage adds 14 Welsh buildings to its at-risk register, including an old Leeds pub tied to 1760s-era trade.

Heatwave & food supply strain: Europe’s record heat is pushing health, rail and power systems, with warnings that fresh food availability could take a hit as temperatures soar. EU farming policy: Ireland’s MEP Ciaran Mullooly says the post-2027 CAP must commit real money to young farmers, arguing for 10% of the budget. Beverage M&A: Refresco has agreed to acquire insolvent German mineral water and soft drinks producer Rhenser Mineralbrunnen, boosting mineral water capacity. Alcohol taxes: Germany proposes a 20% spirits tax rise from 2027, with knock-on pricing concerns for spirits and sparkling wines. Brewing growth: Spain’s Damm targets doubling revenue by 2030 via international expansion, acquisitions and manufacturing investment. Retail & product buzz: Protein is everywhere at the Summer Fancy Food Show, from protein ice cream to protein-boosted jam. Hospitality & dining: A Glasgow pizzeria, Paesano Pizza, was named Scotland’s top pizzeria at 50 Top Pizza Europa 2026. Travel with food focus: Celebrity River Cruises is adding “before and after” city stays for 2027, with culinary hosts and cooking-led experiences.

EU trade & food supply chains: The European Commission has submitted proposals to sign and conclude CEPA and an Investment Protection Agreement with Indonesia, cutting tariffs on 98.5% of tariff lines and simplifying exports including agri-food. Climate pressure on food systems: Europe’s record heatwave is driving health and infrastructure strain, with knock-on risks for agriculture, energy and daily life. Plant-based reality check: A new comparison of plant-based vs animal foods found plant-based products carry about twice as many additives, especially in meat, fish and dairy substitutes. UK grocery affordability: UK households are spending nearly £119 a week on food, with many families cutting back as costs bite. Animal welfare policy delay: Campaigners mark five years since the EU’s “End the Cage Age” push, arguing Brussels has dragged its feet on cage phase-outs. Food safety & recalls: Multiple urgent snack recalls in the UK and EU cite potential contamination concerns, keeping regulators and retailers on alert. KFC supply watch: Collins Foods says it’s prepared for bird flu disruption, noting heightened biosecurity at its European chicken supply.

Heatwave & Food Supply: Europe’s deadly heatwave is pushing temperatures toward 40C in the Balkans, with authorities urging people to avoid peak sun and drink more—while France reports major knock-on impacts for food and work, including chicken deaths spiking and some boulangeries shutting due to oven heat and lack of air conditioning. Household Budgets: Spain’s latest figures show housing and food now swallow nearly half of household spending, with food costs rising sharply—raising pressure on supermarket baskets. Plant-based Meat Labeling: Spain’s Barcelona court backs Heura’s right to use meat-linked terms like “burgers” and “sausages” for its plant-based products, provided “100% plant-based” is clearly shown. Aquaculture & Invasives: Greece will pay professional fishers to catch invasive pufferfish in Crete and the South Aegean, aiming to protect nets and equipment while using EU funds. EU Trade & Retail: From July 1, the EU will add a customs charge on low-value parcels, targeting cheap imports that have surged via platforms like Temu and Shein. Food & Drink Retail Deals: UK chain ASK Italian launches a £3 “Aperol Hydration Break” during the World Cup period, alongside new summer menu items. Wellness & Food Anxiety: A report highlights growing fear-based eating trends, with experts warning that obsession with “healthy” diets can tip into harmful behaviour.

UK Food Supply: Britain is bracing for a possible chicken shortage as a new heatwave could push temperatures above 40C, with warnings that heat stress can disrupt livestock transport and farming output. Europe Heat Impact: Record-breaking temperatures across Europe are already damaging crops and livestock, adding fresh pressure to food supplies as extreme weather becomes more frequent. Food Safety & Retail: Urgent recall alerts have been issued for products sold at major UK supermarkets, including Morrisons, Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Asda, highlighting ongoing risks in the supply chain. Packaging & Convenience: A disposable food container maker is expanding sustainable packaging options, pointing to growing demand for greener takeaway materials amid tighter plastic rules. Trade & Food Policy: EU-Thai free trade talks are entering a sensitive phase, with sticking points including agriculture and sanitary/phytosanitary measures. Market Infrastructure: Demand for mezzanine floors is rising on the back of e-commerce and warehouse expansion, supporting logistics capacity for food distribution.

Heatwave hits UK food supply: Britain’s biggest supermarkets shut chilled and frozen sections as fridges failed in record June heat, leaving shoppers unable to buy meat and dairy. Extreme heat across Europe: Germany, Czechia, Poland and Hungary sweltered past 40C, with WHO reporting 1,300+ excess deaths since June 21 and more disruption from storms and fires. Food safety watch: EU authorities exchanged 10,000+ food-violation alerts in 2025, with listeria-linked cheese outbreaks underscoring the need for fast recalls. Retail pressure in the UK: Sainsbury’s faces a consumer-confidence test in its trading update as food inflation risks return. Food & drink culture: Asti’s DOCG pushes back on the “sugary dessert” myth, stressing natural sweetness and balance. Aquaculture expansion: Oman’s NSA shrimp farm plans 3,200 tonnes of white shrimp in 2026, targeting new export markets. Cooking basics: A guide on how to boil eggs perfectly.

Extreme Heatwave: Europe is baking again, with record temperatures pushing health and infrastructure to the limit across Germany, Denmark and beyond, as heatwaves intensify and recovery gets harder with warmer nights. Food Safety Crackdown: Bulgaria’s Food Safety Agency seized nearly five tonnes of food in Sofia, Plovdiv and Burgas over expired shelf life, bad labelling, missing traceability and storage/production non-compliance. EU Emergency Response: The European Commission is sending rescue teams and activating Copernicus emergency mapping after deadly earthquakes hit Venezuela, with EU funding earmarked for relief partners including the World Food Programme. Trade & Animal Welfare: UK Labour has reportedly backed away from a foie gras import ban carve-out after EU rules blocked cherry-picking, meaning imports continue while domestic production remains banned. Heat on Farms: Italy’s Po River is running low under the heatwave, letting seawater push inland and threatening irrigation and farmland in the Po Delta. Food Culture & Learning: A viral “olive oil” how-to video highlights how consumers are hunting for cooking confidence as prices rise, while a wine training piece focuses on building aroma recognition.

Heatwave hits food & daily life: Britain’s extreme heat has triggered school closures, ambulance surges and even motorway/transport problems, with authorities urging people to plan for heat risks and food safety concerns. EU operations in the spotlight: The European Commission shut air-con in parts of its Brussels HQ while staff elsewhere still faced sweltering conditions, underlining how the heat is straining public services. Travel disruption: Storms after record temperatures caused more than 1,000 flight delays/cancellations in the UK, while Germany’s A2 motorway suffered heat-related road damage and closures. Public health rules in France/Spain: Paris temporarily banned public alcohol consumption and takeaway liquor during the heatwave; the UK also issued holiday guidance for Britons in Spain, stressing child supervision and beach safety. Food industry & policy: An Irish MEP warned CAP cuts could undermine food security and rural economies. Market moves: Maspex bought an 80% stake in Ukraine’s Karpatski Mineralni Vody to expand juices and bottled drinks production. Functional confectionery: BENEO launched sugar-free hard-boiled candy concepts using Isomalt. Agriculture innovation: A new UK/Europe project is testing millets as a climate-resilient crop. Labeling & welfare: Switzerland’s new law requires disclosure of certain animal welfare practices for meat, dairy, eggs and foie gras.

Heatwave Health & Hospitality: Europe’s record-breaking heat is driving emergency surges and forcing behaviour changes, including warnings to drink responsibly and avoid outdoor exertion; in Paris, public alcohol bans are being imposed as hospitals feel the strain. Food & Drink Culture in the Spotlight: Bastille Day is inspiring French-style dining at a Leeds bistro, with seasonal recipes shared for home entertaining. Brexit After 10 Years (Food & Trade Angle): New polling and local accounts keep pointing to Brexit’s lingering economic drag, with knock-on effects for jobs and cross-border business—relevant for food importers and hospitality operators. Sustainable Food Innovation: UK vegetable growers are partnering with Upcycled Plant Power to turn broccoli crop residues into plant-based protein and fibre ingredients. Local Food Systems & Produce: Serbia’s Arilje region is highlighted as a raspberry export hub, with chemical-free, hand-picked fruit facing uncertainty from weather swings and unstable prices. Travel for Food: A ranking of Europe’s best cities for eating like locals puts Italy at the top, with Rome, Venice and Naples leading.

EU Food Safety: EU Listeria rules kick in from 1 July, but industry says the core requirements for ready-to-eat foods stay largely the same—despite misinformation about shelf-life responsibility. Heatwave Pressure: A deadly Europe-wide heatwave is pushing health systems to the limit, with 150m+ people forecast above 35°C and dehydration/heatstroke risks rising. UK Weather & Food Service: The UK smashed another June heat record (37.3°C in Suffolk) as emergency calls hit new highs; heat is also reshaping everyday food routines. Restaurant Deals: France’s 50th & France neighbourhood in Edina runs Summer Restaurant Week (June 22-28) with multi-day dining offers across local eateries. Ukraine Agri-EU Integration: Poland’s agriculture ministry says Ukraine’s EU accession must be structured so it doesn’t harm farmers in other member states, given big differences in farm sizes and costs. Food Security: WFP warns Sudan’s El Obeid faces a new hunger crisis wave if paramilitary activity escalates, with aid stocks being repositioned. Plant-Based Confectionery: IFF launches DuoGel stabiliser for plant-based gummies in EMEA, aiming to deliver a gelatin-like elastic bite. Food Safety Incident: A Turkish court convicted hotel staff and pest control workers over insecticide deaths of a German family in Istanbul.

Brexit & Food Trade: A new look at Ireland’s decade since Brexit says the dire forecasts missed the mark, with Republic-to-UK goods exports more than doubling and food & drink exports to the UK hitting a record €6.7bn. Heatwave Fallout: Record-breaking European heat is driving school closures, hosepipe bans and hospital critical incidents, while France’s extreme weather is also feeding “climate inflation” fears via higher cooling, logistics and food costs. UK Water & Safety: UK ambulance chiefs urge people to drink responsibly and avoid outdoor exertion as temperatures soar, with drownings and heat-related emergencies rising. Food & Drink Transparency: PepsiCo and Coca-Cola are rolling out QR codes to help consumers access ingredient information, expanding the “Good to Know” transparency push. EU Food Security Diplomacy: The EU and Qatar held a breakfast dialogue focused on food security, sustainable trade and food-safety standards. Agri-Policy Pressure: The EU is set to push immediate pesticide bans on British farmers under the Brexit reset, with industry warning of major financial hits. Local Dairy Spotlight: Ireland’s best ice-cream makers are highlighted for using Irish milk. Innovation & Networking: Bridge2Food Europe 2026 in Copenhagen brought brands and investors together around next-gen food innovation and consumer behaviour. Seafood Governance: Spain backs tighter rules to improve control and transparency in maritime fishing to curb illegal activity. Hospitality & Cruises: Celebrity Cruises’ wine programme racks up Wine Spectator awards, underscoring how beverage strategy is becoming a premium travel differentiator.

Heat & food security: Europe’s record-breaking heatwave is pushing power grids and public health systems, with UK scientists warning people may struggle to put food on the table as harvests fail and prices rise. Labelling transparency: A UK consultation highlights strong consumer support for mandatory animal-welfare method-of-production labelling, arguing shoppers are still “shopping blind” with vague claims on packs. Food safety recalls: Britain’s Food Standards Agency ordered a recall of pre-packaged fruit pots and snack packs after Salmonella was found in apples and kiwi used by PrepWorld, pulling items from major supermarkets including Tesco, Morrisons, Asda, M&S, Sainsbury’s and Waitrose. Competition watchdog: Bulgaria’s competition authority opened a probe into potentially unjustifiably high food and drink prices at Sofia Airport after complaints about coffee, bottled water, soft drinks and snacks. Supply chain innovation: University of Copenhagen researchers say ordinary clay could help trap ethylene gas to slow ripening and cut fruit and veg spoilage in shipping. Agriculture cooperation: Kenya secured German support for smallholder irrigation expansion across seven western counties, aiming to lift farmer incomes. Rare disease biotech: Chiesi and Arbor said the European Commission granted orphan drug designation for ABO-101 gene editing therapy for primary hyperoxaluria type 1. Retail & brand moves: Slim Chickens opened its first airport outlet in Germany at Düsseldorf Airport, expanding the “better chicken” fast-casual push.