Halal & functional foods: China’s vitamin gummy makers are leaning hard into Halal compliance as a “purity and safety” selling point for Middle East and global buyers, with LITAFOOD positioning religiously compliant sourcing and manufacturing as the key differentiator. Plant-based & regulation watch: Oatly’s oat-milk push via Dutch rail retail, plus new plant-based snack and meat distribution moves (including Steakholder Foods’ Perfecta rollout) show how quickly the region’s food scene is tracking European product models. Hospitality offers with F&B pull: IHG’s new 36-hour stay rate plan (valid across Middle East, Africa, India & South Asia) underlines how hotels are packaging longer dining and lounge access to drive weekend demand. Saudi premium hydration: VOSS launches a 250ml still water bottle in Saudi Arabia, expanding into modern café and travel retail occasions. Trade for food exporters: Serbia-UK origin rules now allow extended cumulation using inputs from the EU, Turkey, Egypt and select CEFTA partners—aimed at easing preferential access for food firms. Qatar-Brazil food security ties: Qatar Chamber discusses trade and investment cooperation with a focus on food security and the food industry. On-the-ground dining culture: Zhug expands its Yemeni-style green hot sauce brand of Lebanese/Middle Eastern street food into Nottingham’s city centre. Aviation disruption risk: A converted Boeing 737 cargo flight disappears off Pakistan’s coast—an operational reminder for supply chains and food logistics.