AGP Executive Report

Middle East Food & Beverage: Iran’s mass mourning for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is set to include major public processions across Tehran, Qom and Mashhad, with authorities planning transport, accommodation and food for millions—an event that could ripple into local catering and supply chains. Food Safety & Hygiene: Birmingham (UK) flagged as the worst for restaurant hygiene, with a Middle Eastern venue shut over a cockroach infestation—another reminder that compliance and pest control remain critical for Middle East-style dining brands expanding abroad. UAE Women’s Health & Food Culture: UAE coverage highlights how endometriosis is often missed for years, with calls for earlier recognition—relevant for women’s health awareness campaigns that intersect with healthcare messaging and community support. Hospitality & Dining Trends: Dubai’s Tresind Studio’s London debut (Mayfair) signals continued demand for high-end Middle Eastern/Indian dining experiences beyond the Gulf. Security & Public Life: A Damascus café blast killed at least nine and injured 20, underscoring ongoing risks for restaurants and public venues in the region.

UAE Dining Expansion: Tresind Studio’s luxury Indian tasting menus land in London’s Mayfair, marking the brand’s first outpost outside the Middle East and India, with 12-course vegetarian and non-veg menus at £125. Saudi Food Retail Import: ALBAIK’s famous frozen chicken nuggets are set to hit Hyderabad via distributor Aadam Marketing, with pre-bookings already open (no restaurant launch confirmed). Middle East Food Safety Shock: A Damascus café blast killed at least nine and injured 20, underlining how instability can disrupt food and hospitality operations. Iran-linked Espionage & Trade Touchpoints: A US man in Israel is charged with spying for Iran, including alleged surveillance of a Jerusalem grocery store—another reminder of how everyday food spaces can become targets. Packaging & Supply Chain Tech: Modified atmosphere packaging is forecast to keep growing as food safety and shelf-life needs rise, with market projections pointing to continued expansion. Public Health Watch: The CDC reports a cyclosporiasis surge in the US ahead of Independence Day, driven by a parasite tied to produce. Consumer Trust Alert: Which? says Tripadvisor’s AI hotel summaries can gloss over serious safety and food-poisoning complaints.

Energy-Drink Curbs: Maharashtra bans “Sting” energy drink sales within 500 metres of schools, citing concerns over caffeine and sugar exposure for children. Food Safety & Enforcement: Pennsylvania restaurant inspections flagged issues like improper hot-holding and missing sanitizer test kits, while a separate case in Birmingham saw a restaurant shut down after a severe cockroach infestation. Middle East Retail & Expansion: Saudi fried-chicken brand ALBAIK is set for Hyderabad via frozen nuggets, with products imported from Saudi and sold through local outlets. Food Prices & Supply Chains: A report links the Iran war’s impact on fertilizer shipments through the Strait of Hormuz to higher fertilizer costs and potential downstream food price pressure. Hospitality in the Region: KIGO at Four Seasons Dubai launched a summer “Tsumugi” tasting menu, blending Kaiseki discipline with Omakase intimacy. Security Shock to Dining: A Damascus café blast killed at least nine and injured 20, with the attack near the courthouse complex prompting an investigation.

Syria Security & Dining Safety: A bomb exploded in a Damascus cafe near the main courthouse complex, killing at least nine and injuring about 20, with no group claiming responsibility yet—another reminder of how fragile public spaces and eateries can be in the region. Saudi Food Culture: Handrolls are booming in Saudi Arabia, with Riyadh’s latest picks spotlighting Japanese-style bars and restaurants as the trend spreads beyond Jeddah. Türkiye Gastrodiplomacy: Türkiye showcased Afyonkarahisar’s culinary heritage through its gastrodiplomacy program, pitching local specialties like clotted cream, sausages and Turkish delight for wider international promotion. Restaurant Business Moves: Jersey Mike’s filed for a U.S. IPO, signaling fresh momentum for restaurant listings as investors look for franchise growth. World Cup Food Buzz (MENA-linked): World Cup fan culture continues to spill into food and venues, from watch-party “global food” lineups to local diaspora match gatherings—keeping F&B at the center of matchday life. Cold Chain & Cooling Tech: New market reports point to faster growth in energy-efficient refrigeration approaches, including magnetic refrigeration, relevant for Middle East cold-chain and food storage planning.

Alternative Proteins & Ingredients: The global single-cell protein market is forecast to jump from US$12.1bn (2026) to US$21.4bn by 2033, as food and feed makers chase sustainable protein. Beverage Sweeteners: Stevia beverages keep gaining momentum, with a market study projecting growth through 2031 on demand for natural, low-calorie drinks. Coffee & Health: A new study links drinking coffee (including decaf) with lower risks of liver cancer and cirrhosis, though health agencies still warn against overdoing caffeine. Food Safety & Travel Tech: A Which? investigation says Tripadvisor’s AI summaries can hide serious guest complaints, including food poisoning and hygiene failures. Hospitality Hiring (Middle East): Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru’s Copitas appoints a new bar manager with Middle East luxury experience. Food Culture & Dining: A Turkish meyhanes-inspired concept, Kismet, is set to open in London’s Borough Market with meze, kebabs and raki at the center. Gaza Water Crisis: UN reporting highlights 1,000 days of water deprivation in Gaza, tying damage to water systems to ongoing military operations.

Middle East Food & Beverage Watch: Abu Dhabi is rolling out a summer push with 100+ family experiences, including hotel and museum perks, plus food-and-beverage and retail offers to keep visitors busy through the school break. Hospitality & Dining: Casa de Campo Resort & Villas in the Dominican Republic is reshaping its culinary lineup with new senior appointments across food & beverage, kitchen leadership and guest operations. Food Industry Markets: A new report projects the global citrus flavors market to grow from US$1.4bn (2026) to US$2.3bn by 2033, driven by demand for natural, clean-label flavor ingredients across food and drinks. Business & Supply Chain: U.S. manufacturing activity cooled in June (ISM PMI 53.3), with Middle East conflict and pricing volatility still weighing on raw material costs—an indirect read-through for regional food and beverage supply chains. Sports & Community Food Culture: World Cup viewing culture continues to blend with local food scenes, with diaspora-led match hype in cities like Toronto and community fan zones in the U.S.

UAE Beverage Deal: Al Khayyat Investments (AKI) signed an exclusive distribution partnership with Aujan Coca-Cola Beverages to run UAE growth and distribution for Rani, Vimto and Barbican across modern trade, traditional trade, supermarkets, HORECA and e-commerce. Turkey Food Transparency: Türkiye’s new rules from July 1 push restaurants and cafes to list ingredients and calories on menus, with QR codes for extra detail—aimed at helping diners with allergies and dietary needs. Turkey Recycling Push: Türkiye also launched a nationwide Deposit Return System, paying 1 lira back for eligible plastic, glass and aluminium beverage containers via return points or reverse vending machines. Turkey Inflation Watch: Istanbul’s June inflation eased to 35.94% year-on-year, with food and non-alcoholic beverages up 37.2%—and restaurant/hotel prices rising 34.3% annually. Cost Pressure from Mideast Turmoil: Japan’s manufacturers plan price hikes for about 20,000 food and beverage items again, citing higher raw materials, logistics and packaging costs linked to the Middle East conflict. Commercial LPG Relief (India): Oil marketing companies cut the 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder by up to ₹183.50 to ₹2,930 from July 1, easing costs for restaurants and hotels while domestic rates stayed unchanged. Hospitality Expansion (Gulf): Tashas Group announced a AED155m investment to accelerate Middle East growth, targeting more venues across the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

Jordanian Food & Hospitality: Khashoka, a Jordanian restaurant chain, drew major attention after Jordan’s King Abdullah II visited the Richardson, Texas branch during the World Cup, with the site importing about 90% of ingredients from Jordan to keep dishes like mansaf, manakeesh and shawarma authentic. New Openings & Community Dining: Al Hamawi opened on Layton Avenue in Milwaukee as a cafe/candy/snack hub with Middle Eastern touches, while Lava Diner in New Hyde Park rebrands a former Greek diner into a halal-focused menu for nearby Islamic Center patrons. Restaurant Market Pressure: A mid-year industry check from National Restaurant Exchange points to higher food and labor costs squeezing full-service operators, with more restaurants quietly seeking buyers as “second seating” fades and delivery demand grows. Health & Food Safety Angle: A review highlights alpha-gal syndrome—tick bites can trigger delayed red-meat allergy—adding a new health risk lens for outdoor diners and families. Beverage Industry Finance: Westrock Coffee extended the maturity of about $361m of credit facilities to Nov 2028, signaling continued flexibility for packaged coffee and functional beverage investment. Food Trade & Value Chain: Totapuri mango prices remain low despite export potential to West Asia (including Dubai, Iran and Iraq), with experts urging more pulp value-add to boost farmer returns.

Energy & Food Costs: Sainsbury’s CEO Simon Roberts urged the next UK PM to cut energy levies and avoid extra employer costs for food firms, warning Middle East conflict is already denting shopper confidence while “non-commodity” energy charges keep piling onto margins. Agri-Food Inflation Watch: RaboResearch says disruption around the Strait of Hormuz could reignite European food inflation in late 2026 and intensify through 2027, forcing F&B players to pass on higher energy, transport and packaging costs. Export Push (Sri Lanka): Sri Lanka’s President targets up to $6bn from coconut, food & beverage, rubber and tea, but exporters flag Middle East-linked shipping and Iran payment issues plus freight and VAT refund delays. Community Food in Egypt: Lebanese restaurant Starters in Maadi is feeding people and training young Egyptians, turning mezze bowls and wraps into a social mission. Tourism & Food Culture (Türkiye): Diyarbakır eyes 2m visitors this year, with tourists seeking local specialties like liver kebab and burma kadayıf alongside UNESCO heritage. Packaging Trend: Bag-in-box packaging is forecast to grow steadily on sustainable, lightweight demand from food and beverage. Indian Mango Festival (Azerbaijan): India’s embassy will host a free Great Indian Mango Festival in Baku with mango tastings and mango-based dishes.

Saudi Hospitality Expansion: Minor Hotels signed NH Riyadh Prime Square Hotel, its NH Hotels & Resorts debut in the Middle East, set to open in 2030 in Riyadh’s King Fahad District with 121 rooms and multiple dining options. F&B Growth & Openings: Cameron Mitchell’s Del Mar opened in West Palm Beach, leaning into Eastern Mediterranean staples like Turkish flatbread, hummus and fire-roasted seafood. Food Retail Industry: IDDBA 2026 in Orlando drew 11,000+ attendees and 1,000+ exhibitors, spotlighting premium fresh foods, artisanal production and convenience-focused offerings. Functional Ingredients Buzz: CocoGoodsCo showcased prebiotics coconut water and organic coconut products at Summer Fancy Food Show 2026, pushing traceable, vertically integrated sourcing. Market Watch: Rose oil and ginseng market reports point to continued demand for natural wellness ingredients, with rose oil projected to reach $1.007bn by 2035 and ginseng to grow to $1.1bn by 2033. Immigration & Foodservice Staffing Risk: Philippines’ BI arrested 10 foreigners in Siargao, including people linked to an Israeli restaurant, raising compliance concerns for hospitality operators.

Immigration Crackdown in Tourism Hotspot: The Philippines’ Bureau of Immigration arrested 10 foreign nationals in Siargao on June 26 for alleged visa overstays and unauthorized work, including four Israelis tied to an Israeli restaurant and a Jewish center, plus a Moroccan national facing charges after a prior arrest. Middle East Functional Drinks Push: UAE-based Agthia launched Fuell, a dates-sweetened energy drink, positioning it as a “world-first” to ride demand for healthier functional beverages and date-based differentiation. Halal Tea Expansion: China’s WALOVI is expanding internationally with distribution deals spanning the Middle East and Africa, including a Saudi push via its International Cans launch. Food Heritage Meets Modern Culture: A story on Turkish manti traces dumpling links across the Silk Road, highlighting how shared food traditions travel and evolve. Gastronomy Tourism Angle: Türkiye’s Culture Route Festival in Bursa spotlights regional “taste stops” and culinary heritage across 26 cities, reinforcing the Middle East’s wider push toward experience-led tourism.

Tourism & Hospitality Investment: Oman’s Omran Group says it’s pushing ahead with a multi-billion-dollar portfolio of upscale resorts and lifestyle destinations, including the Chedi Ras Al Hadd, as it reports RO 243.8m in foreign direct investment in 2025. Regional Trade & Business Growth: Sharjah Chamber registered nearly 30,000 memberships in H1 2026 and processed 911 attestation transactions, with Saudi Arabia the top export destination. Foodservice & Consumer Trends: Whole Foods’ rotisserie chicken may taste bland because its “plain” version skips salt brine injection and relies on lighter skin seasoning. Food & Culture in the Gulf: Türkiye is using gastrodiplomacy for the NATO summit, with Turkish snacks like dried and fresh fruit planned for leaders’ events. Hospitality Tech: Huboo launches US operations to support cross-border fulfilment and logistics for brands, including food and beverage. Dining Experience: A Rishon Lezion fine-dining review spotlights Picual’s 10-course tasting menu built around the Picual olive. Local Food Spot: Arepas Factory opens in Sharjah’s mall scene (via a new Venezuelan arepas outlet story).

Hospitality Skills in Custody: SM Hotels & Conventions’ Park Inn by Radisson North EDSA launched a Basic Food and Beverage Operations Training Program with Quezon City Jail Male Dormitory, aiming to equip Persons Deprived of Liberty with job-ready hospitality skills. Hospitality & Design in the UAE: A Dubai founder behind DBM Studio says the UAE helped her turn a personal risk into a hospitality-focused design business built around mentorship and growth. Syrian Food & Identity: A new Middle Eastern street food concept rooted in Damascus’ culinary traditions is set to open on Pier 57, spotlighting local heritage through food. Egypt’s “Compound” Culture: A Cairo feature questions why New Cairo residents “outsource” identity via gated developments marketed with European and English fantasy landscapes. World Cup Food-Scene Angle: A Jordanian shawarma spot in West LA (Miya Miya) is drawing global fans with authentic preparation and imported ingredients from Jordan. Community Food Events in Qatar: KulinaryaQatar’s Family Day 2026 in Abu Sidra Mall celebrated Filipino culture with performances and food-led community programming.

Jordanian Food Spotlight: Miya Miya in West LA is drawing World Cup crowds with authentic Jordanian shawarma, importing key ingredients and bread from Jordan to recreate traditional flavors. Persian Cuisine in the US: Niloo Persian Kitchen & Grill in Victoria is gaining local attention for takeout-heavy classics like chicken shawarma, hummus and kabobs. Hospitality & Dining: Fattal Hotel Group opened “The Yacht” at Herzliya Marina in Israel, adding major new food-and-beverage venues under chef Eitan Mizrahi. Middle East Conflict Impact: In Israel’s north, Metula residents say ceasefire promises aren’t changing daily life, with local dining still quiet and tense. Gulf Security: Iran’s drone attack on Bahrain and a Strait of Hormuz incident underscore fresh risks to regional shipping—an issue that can ripple into food supply chains. Food Culture & Recipes: A Jordanian hummus recipe and a watermelon salsa guide highlight how SWANA flavors keep spreading through diaspora and home cooking.

Hospitality Supply Relief: India’s petroleum ministry lifted emergency LPG distribution restrictions for commercial users, easing pressure on hotels and restaurants after West Asia conflict disrupted supplies via the Strait of Hormuz. Food Safety & Compliance: Malaysia’s health department ordered a temporary closure of the Swedish restaurant at IKEA Cheras until July 1 under the Food Act 1983, while other IKEA outlets stayed open. Restaurant Industry Watch: Botswana’s diamond slowdown is hitting Famous Brands’ restaurant performance in the country, where the group runs 51 venues and says consumer spending has tightened. Dining & Culture in the Gulf: Dubai’s Souk Madinat Jumeirah welcomed Latin American fine dining Amaru with two eight-course “Chef’s Journey” menus, positioning the opening as a heritage-chic culinary experience. Local Food Events: A free, plant-based “Together Around Food” community program in Chimacum drew 100 people for meals daily and plans UN-facing documentation.

Middle East Business & Food Links: Qatar placed third in Forbes Middle East’s Top 100 Arab Family Businesses 2026, with 10 Qatari firms on the list; PIH (Power International Holding) is the top-ranked Qatari company and spans food among other sectors. Trade & Supply Chain Pressure: A U.S. goods trade deficit hit a 14-month high in May, with economists pointing to import front-loading tied to Middle East conflict-related shipping and commodity costs—an indirect reminder of how regional disruptions can ripple into food and beverage supply. Hospitality Demand Signal: Dubai’s tourism push and shifting airline operations were highlighted alongside broader travel disruptions, underscoring how travel flows can quickly change demand for hotels, restaurants and on-the-go drinks. On-the-ground Food Safety: A convenience store kitchen in Springfield, Missouri was cited for expired pizza ingredients (tomatoes and buffalo chicken) and missing dates on deli meats—another reminder that date labeling and rotation remain key for foodservice operators. Culture & Hospitality: A Turkish proverb about a “single cup of coffee” lasting decades was featured, reinforcing the region’s hospitality-first food culture.