AGP Executive Report

Food Safety: UK authorities urged shoppers and caterers to discard eggs stamped 3UA1012066 after products from Ukrainian supplier Yasensvit were linked to 36 salmonella cases. Farm Funding: Ireland’s EU budget proposal holds the next CAP at €293bn, 24% below the current period; farm groups warn the cut could squeeze support as Brussels confirms drought damage to 2026 crops. Trade Pressures: EU plans to limit Ukrainian farm access after accession are drawing criticism from Kyiv, while farmers in Paris rallied against the EU-Mercosur deal and import fears. Industry Rules: The EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation is now applicable, adding new requirements for food businesses. France has also proposed extending its sugar tax to high-sugar processed foods. Drinks Market: Europeans are drinking less beer, prompting Heineken’s Europe chief to outline a plan to counter the downturn.

Food Processing: Albanian businesses are urging the government to cut VAT on food processing and exempt manufacturing machinery and raw materials from taxes, arguing the measures could lower costs and help firms meet EU standards. Alcohol Policy: Poland is weighing new alcohol restrictions as the industry pushes back, while Scotland’s whisky sector is described as being at a “delicate” stage of recovery. Food Supply: Lithuania wants the EU to ban Russian grain transit through its ports, as Europe’s potato sector also weighs market and cultivation challenges. Food Waste: Spain has launched a “Nothing is thrown away here” campaign at a major food fair, putting waste reduction in the spotlight.

Food Waste: Spain launched its “Nothing is thrown away here” campaign at a record-breaking Fruit Attraction fair. The country produces more than 26 million tonnes of fruit and vegetables a year, with 44% destined for export. Dairy: Arla Sweden is ending contracts with 52 farms as demand for organic milk falls. Market Outlook: Südzucker expects sugar prices to recover, while Europe’s potato sector weighs market and growing challenges. Regulation: EFSA says it needs more expertise and clearer rules for novel foods; Poland is considering alcohol restrictions amid industry pushback. Farm Trade: EU plans for tighter limits on Ukrainian agricultural access are drawing objections from Kyiv, while Lithuania is proposing a ban on Russian grain transit through EU ports.

Product launches: Rude Health has introduced an organic coconut barista drink, while Freiberger’s Ernie’s frozen pizzas are rolling out across 375 Asda stores. Supply Resilience: Construction has begun on a new flour mill in Wexford, Ireland, designed to produce about 80,000 tonnes a year and reduce reliance on imports. Farm Trade: Hundreds of farmers rallied in Paris against the EU-Mercosur pact and import concerns, as Kyiv objected to proposed limits on Ukrainian farm access during EU accession talks. Foodservice: Travel caterer SSP says weaker passenger numbers linked to the Iran war will leave annual profit slightly below plan, despite like-for-like sales growth of 4% in the latest quarter.

Grain Trade: Lithuania is pushing for a ban on Russian grain transiting the EU and tighter checks on grain origin, citing concerns about stolen Ukrainian grain entering supply chains. Crop Protection: A fungus found inside wheat seeds suppressed Septoria tritici blotch in a study. The disease can halve yields in severe outbreaks and is a major threat in Northern Europe, where fungicide resistance is growing. EU Labelling: Plant-based food producers are urging the EU not to extend restrictions on plant-based product names, keeping labelling rules in focus for the sector. Beer Market: Europeans are drinking less beer, prompting Heineken’s Europe leadership to outline a plan to counter the decline. Climate Risks: Forecasts of a particularly strong El Niño are raising concerns about disrupted rainfall, food supplies and energy costs in Britain and beyond. Greek Dining: The MICHELIN Guide is expanding to Thessaloniki and Santorini, alongside its return to Athens, highlighting Greece’s ambitions as a year-round food destination.

Food-Tech Funding: French microalgae startup Edonia raised €15 million to scale its spirulina-based protein ingredient for food manufacturers and foodservice; it says pre-orders have reached €30 million. Alcohol-Free Drinks: ProWein is expanding its Zero+ section for 2027 with tastings, expert sessions and discussions on the fast-changing no-alcohol market. Restaurant Strategy: Subway’s new EMEA Blueprint will add breakfast, coffee, grab-and-go and evening options as it refreshes restaurants from January 2027; established-store sales rose 4.5% in the past year. Retail Pressures: Tesco narrowed its profit outlook amid consumer uncertainty, while UK experts warn the country lacks a clear plan to maintain food supplies in a crisis. Seafood Sourcing: At Spain’s Conxemar fair, Ecuadorian shrimp processors reported cost pressures as Spanish firms widened their squid sourcing.

European Food Business: Müller plans to close two factories in Germany, while Danish Crown is shifting its focus towards Europe in a wider revamp. Packaging Innovation: Tetra Pak is piloting a paper-based ice cream wrap, as food brands look for alternatives to conventional packaging. Food Security: More than 38 million Europeans could not afford meat, chicken or fish in 2025, sharpening concerns about food affordability and the future of EU farm funding. Ingredients & Regulation: French startup Edonia raised $16.8 million to expand production of ground spirulina protein; France has also proposed extending its sugar tax to high-sugar processed foods.

UK-EU Biosecurity: DEFRA warns travellers not to “smuggle” meat and dairy back from EU airports, with sandwiches, cheese, cured meats, raw meats or milk banned and fines up to £5,000. Brexit Trade Boost (Agri-food): Spain’s Murcia region says agri-food exports to the UK hit €566m in the first seven months of 2026, up 18.8% and a record, helped by London delaying a phytosanitary certificate requirement to Jan 2027. Food Security Under Strain: UNDP flags drone attacks on Black Sea grain ships as a direct threat to global food supplies and warns the fallout hits the world’s most vulnerable. Weather & Food Risks: A “Super El Niño” explainer looks at how Pacific warming drives extreme weather—relevant for crop and supply volatility. Public Health & Antibiotics: WHO coverage highlights antibiotic resistance risks and the need to curb misuse in people and farming. UK Food Culture: Glasgow’s McGhee’s and Brodies launch a nationwide search to revive the workplace tea break, after survey fears it’s disappearing. Food Industry Innovation: UAE’s Al Ain Farms plans to export camel milk products, aiming to scale Camelait via Germany as a Europe hub. Hospitality & Dining: London’s Spiritland listening-bar brand is opening at the Barbican with a European/Japanese-influenced menu and daily album play.

EU Food Safety: The European Commission says it’s “disappointed” with the EU Council’s Irish-presidency stance on the food and feed safety simplification “Omnibus X” package, warning that speed-ups for bio-control are being watered down and only low-risk plant protection products get truly unlimited authorisations. Ukraine-EU Trade: Brussels is considering caps on funding and market access for “sensitive” Ukrainian agricultural products after Ukraine joins the bloc, while Kyiv rejects any permanent limits. Beverage Dealmaking: Constellation Brands is buying spirit-based RTD brand SpikedAde for $75m upfront plus up to $278m contingent, betting on fast growth in “Ade” sports-drink-inspired drinks. Functional Drinks Growth: Portugal-based kombucha brand GUTsy Captain opens Crowdcube early access, touting 70m bottles sold in 38 countries and pushing into electrolytes. Food Law & Labels: A US class action targets Starbucks’ “sugar-free” protein drinks, alleging they contain 13–21g sugar per serving despite labels. Food & Travel: Michelin Guide Dubai’s 5th edition adds 19 new restaurants and promotes Orfali Bros to Two Stars.

Coffee & Retail Expansion: Dutch Bros Coffee is set to open two drive-thru sites in Springfield, Ohio by year-end, as the chain keeps expanding across the US. Spanish Produce Exports: Spain’s Region of Murcia is driving growth in fresh fruit and veg exports, accounting for 42% of the country’s increase to July, with exports up 10% to €2.689bn. Sustainability in Food Waste: Italy’s CONOE is scaling up collection of used cooking oils and pushing regenerated inputs for biofuels, biolubricants and other materials. Sparkling Water Premiumisation: Coca-Cola’s Topo Chico Colección launches in slim 8-packs, aiming to move sparkling water beyond a basic zero-calorie option. Food & Drink Culture: Iranian-inspired restaurant Pardeh is preparing to open in East London, blending Iranian home-cooking influences with an “East London twist.” EU Policy & Food Security: The European Commission says food security and cohesion funding remain protected in the next EU budget talks, as negotiations intensify. Trade & Events: Africa Food Show Morocco returns in November with 200+ exhibitors and 12,000+ trade visitors focused on farm-to-fridge sourcing.

Smart Agriculture Push: Moldova’s agriculture minister says the country needs a science-based smart farming rollout nationwide, using digital tools, AI and satellite/soil data, with a comprehensive modernization study planned for 2027. EU Budget Stakes: Ireland will present a draft seven-year EU budget to leaders, with a hard fight between “frugal” states seeking more competitiveness/defence focus and others pushing to protect farm and cohesion spending. Food Security & Jobs: Nigeria and Germany-backed talks with states aim to strengthen food security and resilient livelihoods, stressing aligned agrifood policies, reliable data and clearer delivery roles. Energy Pressure on Groceries: Reports warn costly energy and inflation are squeezing European household spending and investment, with emergency diesel releases seen as a short-term fix. Climate on the Menu: Switzerland’s glaciers reportedly lost 5.5% of ice volume this year, underlining how heat and low snowfall are reshaping Europe’s water and farming outlook. Food & Drink Market Watch: A new forecast puts the global fast-food market on track to hit $2.57tn by 2031, driven by digital ordering and convenience.

PDO/PGI Training in London: The EU Fab 6 returned to The Chef Academy of London with two days of professional sessions on Mortadella Bologna PGI, Salamini Italiani alla Cacciatora PDO and Cotechino/Zampone Modena PGI, blending product theory with live cooking demos for ~150 participants. Retail Price War Impact: Lidl GB reported sales up 10% to £13bn and operating profit up 30%, driven by £315m in price cuts and a 12% jump in its Deluxe range as shoppers trade down and then “treat at home.” UK Food Security Alarm: More than 150 experts warn Britain has “no plan” for food shortages, urging action on storage and resilience ahead of potential shocks. Climate Pressure on Food Systems: Pacific Island leaders are pushing COP31 talks in Fiji to spotlight sea-level rise threats to food and livelihoods. Food & Farming Health Watch: Northern Ireland farmers were urged to stay alert after Shamonda virus was detected in Co Cork; no vaccine or treatment is available. Energy Costs Still Bite: ECB chief economist Philip Lane said high energy costs and weaker fiscal support may limit how much the ECB can tighten. Food Innovation Funding: Horizon Europe launched a €230m call targeting biodiversity and nature research, including work on PFAS impacts and ecosystem restoration.

Intercultural & Food Culture: Austria’s Bruno Kreisky Forum and partners are hosting the 2026 Intercultural Achievement Award event in Vienna (Oct 13), spotlighting civil society projects from Colombia to Nigeria that use media, education and community work to build dialogue. Weight-loss Supplements: A UK consumer story puts glucomannan in the spotlight as a natural appetite/weight aid, noting European regulators recognise it as effective—while also claiming cholesterol benefits. Coffee Market Shift (Greece): Greece’s coffee sector is staying resilient but transforming: consumers are buying differently (espresso, capsules, home machines) as energy, rents, wages and a coffee tax squeeze operators. Fuel & Food Costs (Bulgaria/UK/EU): Consumer watchdogs in Bulgaria are probing suspected LPG overpricing; meanwhile eurozone inflation is driven heavily by energy (18.8% energy inflation), raising food-price worries. Product Recalls (UK): Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Amazon and eBay issued urgent recalls, including Lucky Saint beer cans that may over-pressurise and explode, plus other food and non-food hazards. Livestock Prices (UK): Tight cattle supplies are pushing UK beef prices up, with AHDB reporting higher deadweight all-prime cattle prices into late September.

Food Security & Weather: Londoners are being urged to stockpile food for up to three days as a “super El Niño” could disrupt the polar vortex and bring wet storms and a colder, riskier winter. Global Food Prices: Analysts warn global food prices could rise more than 9% this year as Russia-Ukraine tensions threaten Black Sea grain flows. Energy Pressure on Food: Europe’s inflation and household costs are being squeezed by energy shocks, with diesel and fuel price spikes feeding through to food bills. Food Supply Chain & Geopolitics: Coverage highlights how conflict and sanctions are turning food into a geopolitical tool, while UN-linked reporting points to near four-year highs in September food price measures. UK Delivery Tech: Deliveroo plans to trial food delivery robots in several UK cities, while insisting human riders won’t be replaced. EU Food Policy Watch: EU leaders are pushing to protect farm funding and cohesion policy, as agriculture and food affordability stay central to the next budget fight. Food Culture & Travel: A quick-transfer city-break guide spotlights easy airport-to-centre routes (including Malaga) for food-focused autumn trips.

Climate & Food Supply: Europe’s grain losses hit €3.2bn after extreme summer weather cut wheat and maize yields, with France the hardest hit (5.8m tonnes). EU Policy & Farming: EU leaders push to protect Cohesion Policy and the CAP from cuts, while Ireland’s presidency faces pressure to safeguard farm funding in the next budget. Food Security & Trade: UN data points to global food prices near a four-year high, as weather and supply disruptions tighten markets. UK Food & Energy Costs: Britain faces a diesel/energy shock that could feed through to higher food bills, as fuel prices surge. Food Industry & Retail: Haribo cancels a planned Germany factory investment worth US$336.8m. Food Culture & Community: The World Porridge Making Championship crowns the Netherlands’ Gina Saarberg in Scotland, spotlighting simple ingredients and regional porridge traditions. Regional Food Scene: Pardes Hanna-Karkur in Israel is pitching itself as a growing food destination, with dozens of restaurants and a bagel truck importing New York-style bagels.

Energy & Food Prices: The G7 has agreed to release 100 million barrels of crude oil and diesel from emergency reserves, including a “frontloaded” diesel release in the first 20 days, as wars and supply risks keep energy costs high. Central Bank Watch: Eurozone inflation jumped to 3.8% in September, with energy up 18.8% year-on-year and food/alcohol/tobacco also rising, adding pressure on the ECB’s rate path. UK Food Security: The UK Green Party backs a package to tackle rising food prices, including fair farmgate prices, stronger grocery oversight, possible temporary price caps, and a strategic food reserve. EU Food Policy: Ireland is entering a higher-risk period for avian influenza as winter approaches, with DAFM urging strict biosecurity for poultry and backyard keepers. Regional Food Culture: The Balearic Islands submitted a bid to become European Region of Gastronomy 2030, aiming to spotlight local producers and protect Mediterranean food identity. Trade & IP Tensions: Malaysia’s civil groups warn an EU push for “TRIPS-plus” rules could raise medicine costs and weaken farmers’ rights during ongoing EU-Malaysia trade talks. Hospitality & Drinks: At Oktoberfest, non-alcoholic beer is becoming socially acceptable, signalling a broader shift in European drinking habits.