AGP Executive Report

Tourism & Hospitality (Jordan): Jordan’s Economic Modernisation Vision update says the country welcomed about 3.15m visitors in H1 2026, generating roughly JD2.47bn in tourism revenue, with 1.31m visits to archaeological and tourist sites; the report also flags progress on religious tourism (Christian Pilgrimage Route mapping) and work starting on the Mu’tah Battlefield site, plus support for 60+ Royal Jordanian air routes. Food Safety (Iraq): Baghdad’s Al-Karrada saw a restaurant fire on Street 42; 10 people were rescued, flames reportedly started in a ventilation/exhaust system, and no casualties were reported. Food Safety (Global/US impact): Restaurants are still dealing with fallout from a lettuce-linked cyclospora outbreak, with Taco Bell removing shredded iceberg lettuce from a supplier and reporting a sharp drop in visits. Industry & Consumer Trends: Premium dining is adapting to climate swings, while travel and hospitality continue to push higher-end experiences—plus more scrutiny on hygiene ratings and restaurant readiness.

Jordan Tourism & Food-Security Angle: Jordan welcomed 3.15m visitors in H1 2026, with tourism revenues hitting about JD2.47b, while Wadi Rum, Petra and Aqaba posted strong numbers—plus the country pushed religious and MICE tourism initiatives. Local Food Industry Capacity: Jordan’s food industry now covers over 62% of local market needs, with 70% of sales staying domestic and annual production estimated at about 4.5bn JOD, supporting food security and reducing import reliance. Dubai F&B Identity: A look at how Dubai’s 25-year culinary evolution reflects its diversity and resilience, with food framed as the city’s “story on the table.” Israel Shabbat Dining Flashpoint: Hundreds rallied outside Jerusalem’s Basimta cafe over its Shabbat opening, escalating into clashes tied to religion-state tensions. Business & Beverages: San Miguel Food and Beverage reported H1 earnings down 4% to P22.1bn as inflation and geopolitics weighed on consumers, though food revenue grew.

Jordan Food Security: Jordan’s food industry is supplying over 62% of local market needs, with 70% of sales staying domestic, helping cut import reliance and keep production steady during crises, according to Jordan Chamber of Industry food-sector representative Mohammad Waleed Al-Jitan. UAE Labour Travel Friction: UAE-based overseas workers report continued confusion at airports over OEC vs OFW Pass and refund procedures, with systems not fully linked and printed documents still requested. Sudan Hunger Reality: A new account from Sudan shows how war and economic collapse have pushed families to eat “so we don’t die,” with meat, fruit and even tea disappearing from daily diets. Egypt F&B Ops Tech: QME Solutions pitches an AI-driven platform to unify queueing, booking, payments and analytics—aimed at reducing no-shows and cutting the long waits that drain time and revenue. Turkey Farm Pressure: Turkish agriculture faces cost and climate strain, with calls for producer-oriented cooperatives as crop output shifts and farmers struggle with debt. Middle East on Screen: A Chinese film release spotlights Middle Eastern grilled fish and Chinese northeastern iron-pot stew fusion, using food as the bridge in a restaurant story set across the region.

Emirati Cuisine Spotlight: A Dubai feature looks at how Chef Nabhan is preserving Emirati food traditions as restaurants and hotels lean more toward global menus. Iran Detention Update: CBS reports U.S. citizen Reza Valizadeh released a new audio update from Evin Prison, describing medical access issues for fellow American Kamran Hekmati. Horeca Shock From TPS End: In Miami’s Little Haiti, Haitian restaurant owners say the end of Temporary Protected Status is already driving fear and staffing losses, with potential closures looming. Middle East Tourism & Food Culture: A Syria piece says concerts by pro-Assad singers were cancelled after protests, with venues including restaurants/hotels feeling the pressure. Saudi Retail & F&B Demand: Coverage highlights resilient Saudi retail and food & beverage spending, pointing to continued consumer momentum. Food Safety Watch: A roundup notes restaurant inspection failures in the U.S., underscoring ongoing compliance pressure for operators.

Middle East Defense & Trade Ripple: Turkey, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a mutual defense deal, while Iran-linked Houthi attacks hit Saudi-linked targets—raising uncertainty that can spill into regional food logistics and pricing. Strait of Hormuz Watch: Reports say Oman and Iran reached a temporary agreement on Hormuz management, with details still unclear, keeping energy and shipping costs in focus for the food supply chain. Global Food Prices: The UN FAO food-commodity index rose in July to a 3+ year high as grain-export corridor fears and extreme weather hit wheat, corn and vegetable oils—pressuring importers across the Middle East. Iraq Tourism Push (F&B Angle): Kurdistan’s Zakho is set to complete Iraq’s largest laser fountain, alongside new dining and green spaces, as the region bets on visitor growth. Airport Dining Expansion: Exquisine Global joined the Airport F&B Pathfinders Committee, expanding healthier, more sustainable airport food concepts across Asia. Non-Alcoholic Beverage Trends: ADM says NA drinks are shifting toward occasion-based “need states,” with segments including Saudi Arabia—useful for brands planning launches and menus. Local Market Spotlight: Bahrain’s coffee scene keeps expanding with new specialty cafés, signaling continued demand for premium beverages.

Saudi Retail & F&B Momentum: Knight Frank says Saudi Arabia’s retail and food & beverage market kept strong momentum in H1 2026, with Q1 consumer spending up 6.8% YoY and e-commerce rising 42% YoY as inflation stays low. Restaurant Pricing Watch: Texas Roadhouse confirmed a 1% menu price increase starting late September, aiming to offset structural inflation while protecting “everyday value.” Inflation Update (Food & Drinks): South Africa’s food and non-alcoholic beverage inflation eased to 1.6% YoY in June; meat led the rise, while tea and smaller-pack carbonated drinks were among the biggest drivers. Middle East Expansion: Subway is in talks to enter Armenia with plans for 60+ locations, with each site estimated at $150,000–$300,000. New Openings: Evoo Fresh Mediterranean Kitchen opened in Ocoee, while Dave’s Hot Chicken launched in Khobar. Food Innovation: India reported coffee exports to 140+ countries in FY2025–26, highlighting GI-tagged promotion efforts. Awards & Dairy: Saputo posted Q1 fiscal 2027 results, and Brush Creek Creamery’s labneh won a Good Food Awards top prize.

Food Innovation & Trade: The Philippines showcased six homegrown food-and-agri technologies at LEAP East Hong Kong 2026 via DOST-TAPI’s SPICE program, aiming for partnerships and commercialization. Corporate Food Performance: San Miguel Food and Beverage reported a 4% dip in first-half net income to P22.1B as inflation and weaker growth pressured consumers, though food revenues rose 5% to P99.3B. Branded Foods Growth: Universal Robina’s URC lifted first-half attributable net income 10.1% to ₱6.91B on stronger demand for branded consumer foods and animal feeds, with branded consumer foods sales up 6.5%. Beverage Industry Restructuring: Heineken beat profit forecasts after cutting 3,000 jobs and plans 6,000 total cuts, with growth in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East. Hospitality & Dining Concepts: Colombo’s Food Studio unveiled five refreshed dining concepts at Colombo City Centre’s Dining Gallery, positioning itself as a scalable F&B brand platform. Local Food Scene: Dubai’s weekend guide spotlights Mediterranean brunches and family-friendly dining experiences, while Turkey’s Malatya rebuilt bazaar welcomed its first kebab-and-tea service on the gastronomy street. Market Signals: Coca-Cola bottler Coca-Cola HBC raised its profit outlook on strong beverage demand, including World Cup-linked sales.

Philippines Food & Beverage: San Miguel Food and Beverage (SMFB) reported first-half 2026 net income of P22.1bn, down 4% year-on-year, as inflation, slower growth and geopolitical disruptions squeezed consumers—though revenues rose 2% to P205.3bn, with food sales up 5% to P99.3bn and beer volumes softer amid Middle East shipping issues. K-Food Exports: Korea’s “food as souvenir” trend is boosting overseas demand, with food exports up 5% in the first half to $5.38bn, including strong growth in the Middle East alongside North America and Europe. Alternative Proteins: Aleph Farms secured Singapore regulatory approval to sell cultivated beef Thin-Cut Steak, with restaurant launches targeted for 2027—another step for the region’s alternative protein ecosystem. On-the-ground Trade for Pilgrims: Indonesia is pushing a bigger role in the Saudi Hajj and Umrah supply chain, pitching food, agriculture, fisheries and processed goods to meet catering needs beyond ready-to-eat meals. Brand & Menu Innovation: Cava rolled out Glazed Salmon nationwide, positioning it as Mediterranean-rooted and sourced from Norway/Iceland to fit portion and prep targets across 459 locations. Retail Beverage Demand: Convenience channel beverage sales stayed resilient in Q2, with packaged drinks and beer/malt among the fastest-growing categories despite traffic softness.

Fuel & Convenience Expansion: ADNOC Distribution posted record first-half results, with net profit up 59% to $568m and fuel volumes hitting 7.75bn litres, while non-fuel retail profit rose 12% as it expands The Hub roadside format and pushes into quick-service partnerships. QSR Growth in Saudi: Chipotle is set to open its first Saudi location in Jeddah via AlShaya, with plans to roll out to Riyadh soon, bringing burritos, bowls and tacos to the Kingdom’s fast-growing dining scene. Food Tourism & Hospitality: AmaWaterways unveiled AmaNubia, a new Nile luxury ship debuting in November 2026 with Middle Eastern-influenced dining and Egypt-focused programming, as Egypt tourism demand stays in focus. Beer Industry Restructuring: Heineken cut about 3,000 jobs in 1H 2026 as it restructures, even as overall beverage volumes rose, with Middle East performance cited among key regions. Local Dining Shake-up: Frites & Co will close again after reopening at Bali Lane, ending a short run that had built a loyal following for loaded fries and matcha. Retail Demand Signal (Saudi): Knight Frank said Saudi Q1 consumer spending rose 6.8% to SR425bn, supporting retail real estate demand amid steady inflation and growth.

Food Safety & Retail Impact: Chipotle removed jalapeños after salmonella concerns, underscoring how quickly ingredient sourcing decisions can hit menus and consumer trust. Middle East Trade & Shipping: Iran and Oman reportedly made progress on a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, with ships entering via an Iranian-controlled route and exiting via Oman—potentially reshaping regional logistics and costs. Gaza Politics & Food Security Risk: Netanyahu said Israel won’t withdraw from Gaza until Hamas is fully disarmed, adding uncertainty to any ceasefire-linked humanitarian planning. Hospitality & F&B Expansion: The Macallan closed its Harmony Collection with two coconut-led Scotch releases, signaling luxury spirits’ push into new flavor narratives and retail channels. Regional F&B Business Watch: Chefs’ Warehouse began a $625m refinancing process, a reminder that Middle East-focused specialty food distribution is still actively funding growth. Local Food Culture: Zarda Bar-B-Q is feeding Kansas City Chiefs camp with large-scale smoked meat and sides production.

QSR Earnings Watch: McDonald’s reported strong Q2 profit but missed U.S. sales growth expectations as value deals failed to fully pull in diners under pressure from higher costs. Hospitality & F&B Ops: First Watch posted Q2 results with same-restaurant sales up 3.4%, while Hormel named a new CEO with restaurant dishwashing roots, signaling a turnaround push. Middle East Food Business: Kempinski Palace Cairo officially rebranded its hotel and plans renovations, and Dubai’s SUPA Uzbek Culinary House is set to open in September with plov, kebabs and Uzbek pastries. Food Innovation: Aleph Farms secured Singapore approval for cultivated beef, targeting restaurant launches in 2027. Health & Food Safety: Michigan confirmed the first U.S. cyclospora deaths tied to the outbreak, with investigations continuing into sources. Culture & Taste: Türkiye’s Rize continues to claim tea as local identity, while Hong Kong chefs are using fermentation as a core cooking structure, not just a garnish.

Middle East Food Exports: Egypt’s food exports hit a record $3.77B in H1, with growth driven by Arab and EU markets. Tourism & Hospitality: Plaza Premium Group is opening an 86-seat airport lounge in Tanzania (Julius Nyerere International) with dining, showers and charging—aimed at boosting the food-and-culture journey for travelers. Regional Trade & Shipping: US-Iran talks are back on the table as Washington seeks a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, with cargo traffic a key pressure point. Food Safety/Regulation: India’s Bombay High Court ordered fresh action over FDA canteen checks, pushing for updated inspections. On-the-ground Food Business Impact: A Montreal kosher restaurant, Nöam, was gutted in a suspected arson attack, spotlighting security risks for food venues. Market Pulse: US manufacturing expanded for the seventh month, with food, beverage & tobacco among the growing sectors—an upbeat signal for demand.

Egypt Food Exports Boom: Egypt’s food industry hit a record $3.77B in exports in H1 2026, up from $3.41B a year earlier, led by citrus, potatoes, strawberries, olives and pasta, with Arab markets still the biggest destination ($1.737B) and EU shipments rising 15%. Türkiye Tourism on the Menu: Foreign visitors in Türkiye spent nearly $6B on food and beverages in the first half of 2026 (up ~9%), underscoring how döner, pide and lahmacun are pulling tourism spend. Türkiye Inflation Watch: Consumer inflation eased to 31.75% in July (from 32.11%), with food and non-alcoholic beverages up 37.53%—a key signal for grocery and restaurant cost pressure. New Dining in Singapore Botanic Gardens: Little Farms opened The Bloomhouse (all-day dining) at the Singapore Botanic Gardens, plus a grab-and-go picnic kiosk, leaning into fresh, produce-forward dishes. Hospitality Expansion: Lotteria opened its second Singapore outlet at Jurong Point on Aug 5 with a refreshed menu and a Singapore-exclusive breakfast lineup. Food Safety/Operations: Restaurant inspection reports flagged temperature control and hand-contact issues in the US, a reminder that compliance remains a constant operational priority.

Bahrain Hospitality Expansion: Bahrain Exhibition Centre has opened bookings for EWB Culinaire, a new catering and hospitality brand offering customised menus and large-scale event service (up to 10,000 guests daily) across Bahrain. Saudi Health & Food-Industry Angle: Saudi Arabia’s SFDA approved Foundayo (orforglipron) to help reduce excess body weight, with strict medical evaluation requirements—another sign of rising obesity-focused demand in the Gulf. Kosher Food Under Fire (Montreal): A popular kosher restaurant, Nöam, was gutted in a suspected arson; police are investigating possible hate motivation as officials urge Canada to act against antisemitism. Expo Food Tourism (Osaka): A new “Expo Food Passport” stamp rally lets visitors relive Expo 2025 Osaka through 12 Expo pavilion dishes at local restaurants, with rewards like drinks and limited-edition pins. Sustainable Seafood (Cyprus): Cyprus launched its first Sustainable Seafood Guide, a free online tool in Greek, Turkish and English that ranks local fish as recommended, caution, or avoid to support healthier seas.

Middle East Geopolitics: US President Donald Trump says he will halt threatened new strikes on Iran after “parameters” for a deal were reached, citing a Saudi call and Israel’s willingness to help complete talks—an outcome that could affect regional shipping and, by extension, food and beverage supply chains. Gaza Ceasefire Watch: Displaced Palestinians and analysts weigh prospects as reports say Hamas has initially agreed to disarm under a US-brokered ceasefire framework, with implementation tied to Israeli withdrawal. Israel Foodservice Under Pressure: Police are investigating a grenade attack on an under-construction Japanika sushi storefront in Hadera, part of a wider string of incidents at the chain amid claims of escalation between Israeli crime groups. Hospitality Spotlight (Bahrain): SUSHISAMBA Bahrain’s Chef Sergio Galaz discusses how Mexico, Qatar, Turkey and Bahrain shape his approach—blending cultures and local tradition into guest experiences. Logistics & Emissions (Saudi): Saudi Diesel Equipment Company and Bobcat push electric material-handling forklifts to help warehouses cut emissions while maintaining productivity under Vision 2030.

Food Prices & Supply Disruptions: Pakistan’s rising fuel costs and monsoon-linked transport disruptions are pushing up vegetable, fruit, chicken and egg prices, with chicken and eggs both climbing in wholesale and retail markets. Food Safety & Oversight: A US poll finds Americans’ confidence in government food-safety oversight at record lows as a major Cyclospora outbreak tops 20,000 cases. Kosher Dining Under Attack: Montreal police investigate an apparent arson that destroyed the popular Nöam kosher restaurant, with authorities reviewing surveillance footage and MP Anthony Housefather calling for hate-crime scrutiny. Tourism Meets Gastronomy: Africa is leaning harder into food and culinary heritage to attract visitors, positioning gastronomy as a growth lever beyond beaches and wildlife. Retail F&B Expansion: SSP Group reports Q3 sales up 4% and highlights a new Auckland Airport contract, while noting Gulf conflict-related passenger declines. Local Food Culture: Dubai’s dining scene keeps expanding, including new noodle concepts and fresh bakery openings across the region.