AGP Executive Report

Functional Drinks & Coffee Alternatives: Mushroom coffee and other low- or caffeine-free options (yerba mate, chai, matcha, chicory-based drinks) are being positioned as “morning tools” for steadier energy and added wellness benefits. Food Safety Tech: FoodChain ID launched an AI-powered risk intelligence platform that connects regulatory, food safety, and customer/supply-chain signals to help food and beverage firms act earlier on emerging risks. World Cup-Driven Eating Out: World Cup fever is boosting late-night dining and delivery demand in China, with fans flocking to barbecue, crayfish, burgers, fried chicken and match-watching meal bundles. Hospitality & Resort Dining Demand: Hilton and Fuerte Group will convert Amàre Cancun into a Curio by Hilton adults-only all-inclusive resort opening Oct. 31, 2026, with “exceptional gastronomy” and wellness at the core. Peru’s Culinary Spotlight: Peru will host The World’s 50 Best Restaurants in Lima in Nov. 2026 for the first time in South America, adding a week-long program of events and regional food experiences. Tourism & Food Culture: Pingtung’s cacao farms are fueling chocolate tourism, turning bean-to-bar production into visitor-led tastings and farm experiences.

Functional Drinks & Coffee Alternatives: A growing wave of “mushroom coffee” and caffeine-light herbal drinks is pitching stress support, immunity and smoother energy—while caffeine-free options like chicory, rooibos and golden milk are gaining fans. Food Culture in Mexico: Té de bugambilia (bougainvillea tea) is being spotlighted as a naturally caffeine-free, floral iced drink and folk remedy, with popular add-ins like cinnamon, honey and ginger. Local Food & Hospitality: Essenza Italian Eatery & Market opened in Fort Lauderdale with scratch-made regional Italian dishes and a food-market concept. Tourism Planning in the Caribbean: The Dominican Republic’s tourism ministry is setting up a permanent working group for Bayahíbe to coordinate long-term development, sustainability and destination management. Health Watch: The U.S. cyclosporiasis outbreak is now reported in 31 states, with fresh-produce contamination still under investigation. Public Safety: A shooting near Toronto’s Salsa on St. Clair festival killed two and injured four, with police saying gunfire between two people put crowds at risk.

Functional Drinks & Coffee Alternatives: A growing wave of “mushroom coffee” and caffeine-light herbal options is reframing morning beverages around stress support, immunity and steadier energy. Foodservice & Culture: An acai bowl explainer highlights the fruit’s Brazilian roots and why the “bowl” format is spreading beyond specialty shops. Corporate Beverages: PepsiCo reported Q2 growth, with international beverage volume up and India driving momentum, while Mexico saw a decline. Tourism Through Coffee: Panama is set to host the World of Coffee for the first time in Latin America, aiming to boost the country’s coffee brand and connect producers with global buyers. Peru’s Culinary Spotlight: Peru will host The World’s 50 Best Restaurants for the first time, with Lima positioned as a major gastronomic hub. LATAM Media/Tech: LATAM is investing $60M in next-gen connectivity with Viasat, aiming for a more personalized onboard digital experience beyond WiFi. Production Capacity in Colombia: TIS Studios expanded its Bogotá complex with a new 18,300-sq-ft soundstage to attract large international productions. Public Safety at Food Events: A shooting near Toronto’s Salsa on St. Clair festival killed two and injured others, underscoring risks around crowded food-and-music gatherings.

Functional Coffee Shift: Mushroom coffee and other low-caffeine herbal drinks are gaining traction as consumers look for steadier energy and added wellness benefits, from stress support to immunity-focused blends. Film & Production Capacity: TIS Studios expanded its Bogotá complex with a new 18,300-square-foot soundstage, boosting Colombia’s ability to host large international productions. Chile Winter Tourism Hit: Drought has forced Chilean ski resorts to suspend up to 90% of slopes, threatening a key winter draw and its foreign-spending impact. Cruise & Port Pressure: Royal Caribbean CEO Jason Liberty weighed how European cities are tightening cruise rules, including a proposed day-trip tax in Barcelona—an issue that can reshape onboard and shore spending. Food Tourism & Identity: Yucatán’s papadzules are spotlighted as Michelin Guide Mexico 2026 attention turns to ancestral maize-and-seed traditions. Sustainable Dining Spotlight: Baja California earned five Green Michelin Stars, signaling growing demand for fine dining tied to local sourcing and lower environmental impact.

Food & Drink Trends: Mushroom coffee and other functional morning drinks are gaining traction as consumers look for steadier energy and added benefits (stress, immunity, focus) while some shift to lower-caffeine or caffeine-free options like chicory, rooibos, and yerba mate. Public Health: Michigan’s cyclosporiasis outbreak is accelerating, with experts warning case counts likely understate the true spread and urging testing and prevention as infections rise rapidly. Disaster Response (Venezuela): A Venezuelan McDonald’s in Caraballeda has become a makeshift clinic for earthquake victims and a hub for treating and locating missing pets, showing how food-service spaces can pivot in emergencies. LATAM Tourism & Culture: Aruba is rolling out a digital roadside food tour guide to spotlight family-run local eats beyond resorts, while Colombia’s Nobsa is hosting a ruana festival to boost tourism and preserve an iconic wool garment tradition. Sports & Media: World Cup coverage is driving big audience shifts, including strong Spanish-language viewing in the U.S., and local match screenings are boosting hospitality demand.

Beef Price Shock: Beef prices keep climbing, with average ground beef up nearly 13% year over year and summer grilling demand expected to push costs higher, driven by drought, disease, labor and inflation pressures. Functional Drinks Trend: Mushroom coffee and herbal caffeine alternatives are gaining fans as “morning drinks” shift toward stress support, immunity and steadier energy (with options like reishi/lion’s mane blends and caffeine-free chicory, rooibos and matcha). Peru’s Culinary Spotlight: Lima will host The World’s 50 Best Restaurants on Nov. 4, the first South America edition, with a week of events and major tourism draw for Peru’s top dining scene. Retail & Membership Expansion: PriceSmart confirmed its first Chile club at Mallplaza Los Dominicos, targeting a first-half 2027 opening. Seafood Cost Relief: Supreme Crab debuted a “combo stack” blue crab product aimed at easing the cost burden as import rules and shipping issues lift crab prices. Foodservice Promotions: DoorDash’s “Summer of DashPass” is rolling out World Cup watch-party deals through July 22, with savings up to 50% at participating restaurants and retailers.

Functional Coffee Shift: A growing wave of “mushroom coffee” and caffeine-light drinks (reishi, lion’s mane, chicory, golden milk, rooibos, matcha) is reframing morning beverages as stress and immunity tools, not just caffeine hits. Food Safety Alert: A parasitic illness linked to contaminated food and water is surging in the U.S., with Florida nearly doubling cases year-to-date; health officials say pinpointing sources is hard because symptoms can take weeks to appear. Caribbean Cuisine Spotlight: Caribbean Flavaz rebrands a long-running sandwich shop with “swicy” sweet-and-spicy flavors like jerk, curry goat and oxtail stew, showing how diaspora food is finding new local audiences. Law Enforcement Crackdown: Police raided Worcester’s The Spot Caribbean restaurant, alleging cocaine and fentanyl trafficking and seizing cash and firearms. Beverage Business Signal: PepsiCo says international beverage growth in Q2 was supported by India, with its International Beverage Franchise posting volume gains. Tourism & Dining Demand: World Cup crowds are reshaping local food-and-drink traffic patterns, boosting some venues while leaving others flat.

Caribbean Culinary Push: St. Kitts and Nevis is rolling out a full July “Culinary Month,” spotlighting local carrot and passionfruit across menus, tastings, and chef collaborations as the islands build on momentum from major music festivals. Tourism + Food Demand: Lopesan Hotel Group opened three new all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana, adding 1,000+ rooms and a connected complex with restaurants and bars—an expansion likely to lift on-site food and beverage activity. Medical Cannabis Access (Panama): Tilray Medical launched its first medical cannabis product in Panama, shipping from EU-GMP facilities and distributing through Farmacias Arrocha under prescription. Hospitality Loyalty Meets Cruises: Hilton and Explora Journeys launched a joint venture letting Hilton Honors members earn and redeem points for luxury cruise sailings, potentially steering more Latin America-bound travelers toward cruise dining spend. World Cup Hospitality Boost (Boston): Early data from Meet Boston shows hotel spending up 20% during the first World Cup weeks, with occupancy steady—good news for regional food-and-drink outlets. Packaging for Big Events: Smurfit Westrock and Coca-Cola China developed paper-based World Cup can gift packs for retail and e-commerce, aiming to capture at-home snack and soft-drink spikes.

Food Safety & Public Health: Havana’s trash and sewage crisis is threatening the city’s food supply, with the Food Monitor Program citing uncollected waste, sewage leaks, and disease-carrying pests amid a major garbage-truck shortfall. Immigration & Labor Impact: A new report highlights six Mexican deaths tied to ICE custody, adding pressure on legal action and accountability efforts. Hospitality Risk Management: Willis’ 2026 risk survey says food safety and health fears jumped to 45% of companies’ top risks, alongside rising litigation exposure and eroding confidence in risk controls. LATAM Tourism & F&B Growth: Lopesan Hotel Group opened three new Punta Cana resorts in a $350m+ expansion, adding 1,000+ rooms and boosting the Dominican Republic portfolio. Restaurant & Street Food Spotlight: In Los Angeles, a taco stand owner and employees face murder conspiracy charges in an alleged plot involving a charred body found in a vehicle. Drinks & Brand Launch: An Indian tequila brand, Vivaano, is rolling out in Delhi-NCR with Blanco and Reposado expressions and a cocktail-led preview. World Cup Culture (F&B Angle): Boston’s FIFA fan zone was dismantled ahead of the France–Morocco quarterfinal, while fans continue to reshape local downtown dining and viewing habits.

New Restaurant Openings: Brazil-based Attivo Group debuts its first U.S. concept, Mottai, in Coral Gables, blending Japanese sushi technique with Miami’s multicultural vibe. Colombian Food Expansion: Que Chimba opens in Iowa City and leans on fresh, daily-made sauces and fillings for arepas and bold flavor without heavy condiments. Plant-Based Retail Push: Beyond Meat launches Beyond Steak Filet at Wegmans and H-E-B, moving beyond select restaurants and its website into mainstream grocery shelves. Food Prices & Value: CoBank reports food inflation is squeezing budgets, pushing shoppers toward private label, discount retailers, and fewer grocery trips. Venezuela Earthquake Health Watch: After the June 24 quakes, WHO/PAHO warn outbreaks could spread in shelters due to low vaccination rates and water/sanitation gaps. Sustainability Reporting: ANSA McAL releases its 2025 Sustainability & ESG disclosure and IFRS S1 progress updates across sectors including beverage and packaging. Tourism With a Food Angle: Aruba posts strong Q1 stayover growth, with more hotel openings expected to keep filling restaurants and bars.

Food Safety Recall: Publix is recalling GreenWise Organic frozen blueberries in 8 states after an E. coli O145 outbreak investigation linked to the product, raising concern because frozen berries are often eaten without cooking. Public Health (Latin America-linked): San Diego County confirmed its first locally acquired Chagas disease case, highlighting how the “kissing bug” can pose risk even outside traditional Latin American settings. Hospitality Workforce: Florida’s restaurant and lodging groups are urging federal guidance and an “orderly runway” for Haitian and Syrian workers after a Supreme Court decision ended Temporary Protected Status, warning of sudden staffing gaps. Trade & Food Security: Qatar Chamber met Brazil’s Arab-Brazilian Chamber to expand private-sector cooperation, with food security and the food industry on the agenda. LATAM Dining & Travel: Marriott announced a new Autograph Collection hotel in Buenos Aires with a culinary concept focused on traditional Argentine cuisine. World Cup Spillover: FIFA fever is boosting sales and foot traffic for Houston cafés and hotels, with themed drinks and menu demand tied to match crowds.

Hospitality Training Boost: SVH and Teamwork Caribbean launched the Teamwork Hospitality Academy, adding 50+ online courses (Dutch/English) and SVH-recognized certifications across Curaçao, Aruba, Sint Maarten and the BES islands. Beverage Market Watch: The World Bank’s beverage price index eased in 2026Q2 as cocoa and coffee supply prospects improved, with coffee and cocoa expected to soften further through 2026. Coffee Volatility: Coffee futures surged sharply amid El Niño fears, pushing prices toward “meme-stock territory” before easing—raising near-term cost uncertainty for beverage makers. Restaurant/Brand Moves: Denny’s named Aaron Howard COO to tighten execution across its franchise system, while Northshore Mall’s summer expansion includes Fogo de Chão (Brazilian churrascaria), Dave’s Hot Chicken, and Shake Shack. Colombia Politics & Food Trade Context: Colombia’s president-elect suspended the transition after Petro alleged fraud—an instability risk for business planning, including food and beverage supply chains. Venezuela Relief Pressure: After northern Venezuela’s deadly earthquakes, Venezuelan-owned businesses in Los Angeles are acting as donation hubs as aid logistics and on-the-ground needs remain strained.

Mexico Market-Entry Compliance: Mexico-based MLA Legal and Consulting Boutique says companies eyeing regulated sectors (including food, beverages, alcohol, pharma and chemicals) should plan early for product classification, permitted claims, distribution structure, consumer-protection rules and contract alignment to avoid compliance missteps. World Cup Boost for LATAM-Linked Hospitality: From Aiken’s Lanky’s on Laurens to Naples’ Legends B&G Sports Bar, World Cup matchdays are driving big demand for food and drinks as fans pack bars and restaurants—turning slower stretches into standout revenue months. Puerto Rico Dairy Queen Expansion: International Dairy Queen will open 20 DQ Grill & Chill locations in Puerto Rico by 2036, with the first planned for San Juan in Q1 2027, bringing hot food plus soft-serve treats. Chile’s Labeling Impact: Chile’s mandatory warning labels for unhealthy foods and limits on kids’ advertising are linked to a sharp drop in sugar-sweetened drink consumption, reinforcing how regulation is reshaping beverage choices. US–Canada Alcohol Trade Fight: A US lawmaker introduced a bill to investigate Canada’s provincial alcohol bans as “discriminatory,” aiming for a Section 301 probe that could trigger retaliatory trade actions affecting beverage flows.

Venezuela Earthquake Response: Two major quakes (7.2 and 7.5) struck on June 24, killing at least 1,400 and leaving tens of thousands missing, while criticism mounts over a delayed, politicized government rescue effort—prompting fast action from civil society and community-led relief, including food and supply support. World Cup Hospitality Boost: In Mexico City, bars and restaurants are packed for knockout matches, with fans treating game nights like full-on food-and-drink events; similar watch-party culture is driving sales in U.S. cities hosting LATAM communities. Local Dining Promotions: Oneida County’s Restaurant Week returns July 6–15 with nearly 75 local eateries and a prize “passport” program—another example of how food events keep regional demand moving. New Openings & Concepts: Philadelphia’s Lillian’s debuts with rotating guest chefs and a parlor-style cocktail bar, while Cyprus’ Bean Bar expands via a pop-up inside Alphamega Hypermarket in Limassol. Trade & Alcohol Policy: A U.S. lawmaker pushes for an investigation into Canadian provinces’ reduced purchases of American alcohol, a move that could reshape beverage supply chains.

World Cup & F&B demand: Santa Barbara’s Public Market is seeing big crowds and sales spikes during matches, with fans arriving hours early and the venue adding TVs and opening its event space to handle the rush. Food retail & supply pressures: Trinidad’s Prestige Holdings says profits fell 45.7% in the first half as supplier costs rose, foreign-exchange costs jumped, and national insurance contributions increased—despite slightly higher sales volumes. Plant-based protein momentum: A new report projects the global potato protein market to grow from US$296.8M (2026) to US$461.2M by 2033, driven by clean-label and plant-based demand. Food safety watch: European regulators warn that glycerin in slushies may push children over safe single-serving doses, urging caution if symptoms appear. Disaster relief via food networks: After Venezuela’s earthquakes, restaurant-turned clinics and local groups are mobilizing supplies and mental-health support for survivors. Coffee & beverage expansion: Bean Bar is opening a new pop-up store inside Cyprus’ Alphamega hypermarket in Limassol, adding specialty coffee, juices, teas, and snacks.

Tourism & Hospitality: The Dominican Republic logged 6.62M visitors in the first half of 2026 (+7.7% vs. 2025), putting it on track to top 12M for the year, with June also strong across air and cruise arrivals. Food Policy: Argentina’s government is pushing to repeal front-of-package black warning labels, reigniting the fight between consumer-health advocates and industry over sugar, sodium, fats and calorie disclosures. Disaster Relief & Supply Chains: Venezuela’s earthquake response continues to strain services, with McDonald’s and a bus station reportedly turned into clinics and aid hubs as death tolls rise. Beverage Industry: Trinidad and Tobago’s Caribbean Airlines abruptly ended its Blue Waters partnership, switching to Dasani amid legal detention of Blue Waters founders. Restaurant & Consumer Culture: World Cup match security and crowd controls are reshaping where people eat and drink—watch parties and venues are adjusting hours, access and operations around Mexico-England. Sustainability & Exports: Axionlog in Trinidad and Tobago is collecting used cooking oil for export to the EU for conversion into sustainable aviation fuel.