AGP Executive Report

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.

EU Trade: The European Commission says it could soon resume Brazil exports of chicken and honey after a positive audit, with a technical review set for Oct 20-21. Food Manufacturing: SANY Nutrition Group has opened a revamped $30m Jonesboro plant in the US, aiming for 150+ jobs and launching its Beyond Resilience protein snack brand. Energy & Food Costs: A European diesel reserve release is expected to have only limited impact on US pump prices, but diesel shocks remain a risk for food and logistics costs. Agriculture Support: The EU approved a €170m Bulgarian state aid scheme for farmers hit by higher fuel and fertiliser prices. Public Procurement: The European Commission is finalising rules to let public buyers weigh “fair remuneration for farmers” and animal welfare, potentially boosting quality-labelled foods. Climate Pressure: Copernicus reports extreme heat stress across 52% of Europe, with record-low river flows and major crop losses. Food Culture: Scotland’s Golden Spurtle porridge contest returns Oct 3, celebrating the spurtle stir and classic oatmeal porridge.

SAF Feedstock Push: NorSAF and Nova Pangaea Technologies will build an advanced ethanol plant in Latvia using locally sourced wood waste to help Europe scale sustainable aviation fuel as EU targets rise. Diesel Shock for Food Logistics: UK and EU discussions over emergency diesel stock releases come as diesel prices surge amid war-linked supply fears, raising the odds of higher transport costs for food. Eurozone Inflation Hits 3.8%: September inflation jumped to 3.8% (energy-led, with food also contributing), putting fresh pressure on the ECB and on household support—relevant for grocery pricing. Dairy Protein Boom: Arla is investing €63m to expand skyr and cottage cheese capacity in Germany and Sweden through 2028 as demand shifts these proteins into everyday meals. Global Food Prices Near 4-Year High: The UN’s FAO says hot weather and logistics disruptions are lifting sugar, cereals, meat and dairy prices, with knock-on risk for Europe. Heatwave Damage to Farming: Europe’s record-breaking drought is forecast to cost about $3.6bn in agriculture losses, with grain output hit hard. Retail Expansion: Aldi plans nearly 30 new UK stores before Christmas, aiming to widen access to lower prices. Coffee Spotlight: FAO marks International Coffee Day in Rome, focusing on the people behind the cup and the need for resilient, climate-smart production. Food Culture & Labelling: A Paris supermarket drew criticism for labelling kimchi fried rice as “Chinese food,” reigniting debate over accurate Asian food naming. Local Food Business Closure: An Italian deli and cafe in Rome is set to close for the foreseeable future, highlighting ongoing pressure on small operators.

Wine & Hospitality: Portugal’s Alentejo takes centre stage at Vinhos & Sabores in Lisbon (Oct 17-19), with a business lounge aimed at opening export markets for Portuguese producers. Food Events: Tbilisi’s Tbilisoba returns Oct 3-4 with Georgian and international food stalls, masterclasses, and a wider programme across multiple city venues. Health & Nutrition Research: A major pooled analysis links higher ultra-processed food intake to higher risks of chronic disease and death, with risk rising even with small increases. Sustainability & Waste-to-Value: A review highlights how microbes can break down tannin-rich food waste into more useful functional ingredients. Packaging & Supply Chain: Lidl Northern Ireland says it boosted local supplier spend to £624m, while also investing in broader partner services. EU Trade & Food Security: EU member states move to support sugar access in EU-Thailand talks, with European sugar groups backing the deal as key for supply resilience. New Product Launch: Coca-Cola UK rolls out a limited-edition Holiday Creamy Vanilla in Original Taste and Zero Sugar.

EU Food Safety: The European Commission is assessing Namibia’s foot-and-mouth disease outbreak and what it could mean for beef exports to Europe, with EU officials saying they’re ready to engage as restrictions and traceability questions develop. Trade & Tariffs: The EU has confirmed Brazilian beef will stay out for at least two years after concerns over the hormone oestradiol 17ß, with re-entry tied to assurances and audits. Plant-based Strategy: EU-backed research says “plant-based” messaging may backfire, with consumers more receptive to vegetables and legumes when brands lean on taste, seasonality and locality. Sustainability Claims: Beneo and BrightWolves push ingredient suppliers to move from product carbon footprints to full life cycle assessments as new EU rules on environmental claims raise transparency demands. Climate Pressure on Food: Switzerland reported another year of record glacier ice loss (5.5% in 2026), underscoring warming impacts that can ripple into water and food systems. Affordability & Prices: Ireland faces a food price warning as weather shocks could lift prices into 2027. Producer Support: Ireland reopened its Early-Stage Support for Producer Organisations scheme, offering grants up to €10,000 a year to help farmers strengthen bargaining power.

UK-EU Brexit Reversal Talk: Labour PM Andy Burnham says rejoining the EU is “on the table”, with options ranging from a customs union/single market to “going all the way”, ahead of a planned summit—an issue that could reshape UK food standards and trade. Eurozone Inflation Pressure: New data shows euro-area inflation jumping faster than expected, with France at 3.4% and Italy at 4.1% (plus Spain at 5.0%), driven by energy shocks—raising the stakes for the ECB and for food-cost inflation. Food Industry Profit vs Jobs: Poultry giant Moy Park reports record £126m profit after cutting 1,000+ roles, as it shifts production from 7-day to 5-day operations. Consumer & Retail Moves: Coca-Cola launches a UK limited-edition “Holiday Creamy Vanilla” in Original and Zero; Lidl rebrands pet care under “Max & Mila’s World” with tiered quality ranges. Food Safety & Society: Austria incident claims an Israeli family’s burgers were binned over Gaza-linked identity—sparking administrative proceedings and condemnation. Sustainability Angle: A push to treat plastic recycling as strategic infrastructure, not just an environmental service, to strengthen Europe’s material supply chains. Trade/Travel Practicalities: Brittany Ferries’ Portsmouth route via France from 1 Nov means passport rules for passengers.

EU Trade & Courts: The CJEU rejected Poland’s bid to suspend the EU–Mercosur trade deal, saying Poland hadn’t shown “serious and irreparable damage,” keeping the agreement on track. Deforestation Rules: Ireland’s plan to transpose the EU Deforestation Regulation would bring fines up to €10m and new domestic criminal offences across key food commodities like cocoa, coffee and soy. Food Security & Energy: Germany’s FM urged a Black Sea ceasefire to restart grain shipments before spoilage, warning disruptions could hit the Global South hardest. Agri-Food Trade: Morocco’s agri-food exports to the EU edged up 1% to €2.66bn in Jan–Jul 2026, while EU exports to Morocco fell 10%. Biotech & Food Allergy: DBV Technologies filed a U.S. FDA biologics license application for the VIASKIN Peanut Patch for children aged 4–7, seeking priority review. Coffee & Sovereignty: Venezuela’s president backed the Venezuelan Community Coffee Plan, citing subsidised diesel, fertilizer financing and lab upgrades to boost exports to Europe and the U.S. Food Safety: Plum Organics agreed new heavy-metals standards after a Texas AG investigation, including tighter testing and transparency for parents. Hospitality & Dining: Italy–China ties were described as “very positive,” with transport/public works and AI flagged as cooperation priorities. Local Openings: Rudy’s Pizza Napoletana will give away 3,000 free pizzas ahead of its Glasgow opening.

Retail & Affordability: Aldi says it’s pouring £900m into new stores and distribution plus £340m of price cuts on 1,000+ products to tackle UK food affordability. Food Waste Push: Lidl Cyprus renews its “Start your next shop from your fridge” campaign, citing EU food waste of 59m tonnes a year and urging shoppers to use what’s already at home. Nutrition & Habits: Mars research finds UK Gen Z and Millennials increasingly eat solo, but only 19% call those meals healthy—while many say they don’t get enough fibre. Water & Farming Pressure: Spain’s Donana wetlands are drying as illegal wells expand to feed Europe’s fruit and veg demand, raising fresh alarms for water use. Trade Watch (UK): The UK food and drink trade deficit hits £21.1bn in H1 2026 as exports fall and imports stay near record levels. EU Policy/Industry: Defra brings England’s multispecies livestock traceability system development in-house after £237m spent. Supply Routes: Ukraine and Germany discuss expanding EU “Solidarity Lanes” to protect post-harvest produce exports. Innovation: Innovafeed and Protix co-publish a whitepaper on scaling insect protein feed from pilot to industrial levels.

UK Spirits Trade: John Watling’s Rum signs a UK distribution deal with Lexir UK, with first commercial shipments expected in October 2026 after label and packaging updates for UK/EU rules. EU Food Safety & Trade: The European Commission confirms a ban on Brazilian beef entering Europe for at least two years, tied to assurances over hormone oestradiol 17ß. Animal Welfare at Sea: Irish Ferries faces a formal notice over alleged breaches of EU rules on transporting unweaned calves, with groups calling for enforcement and possible legal action. Food Prices & Supply Chains: Record EU diesel prices are pushing up freight costs and squeezing farmers and businesses, raising inflation pressure across road-dependent sectors. Retail & Consumer Trust: An Ohio inspection review of Kroger pricing errors found overcharges far more common than undercharges, with concerns about impacts on seniors and people of color. Health & Nutrition Research: New Irish research links coffee (including decaf) to shifts in the gut microbiome and potential effects on mood and stress via the gut-brain pathway. Oats Market Watch: Oatly, headquartered in Malmö, will report Q3 2026 results on October 28, 2026.

Food & Travel Trends: Winter “sun swaps” are shifting as Middle East uncertainty pushes Europeans toward the Americas, with Brazil bookings reported up sharply. Workforce & Food Supply: Germany’s labour market leans on migrants, with immigrant-background workers making up 27% of dependent employees and above-average shares in cooks (56%) and food production (55%). Retail & Consumer Health: Whole grains get a boost from a new review of trials linking higher intake to better cardiometabolic risk markers. UK Food Tech: Gene-edited bananas designed not to brown are nearing final approval for UK shelves, aiming to cut yield losses. Sustainability Ratings: EcoVadis medal progress is getting harder as standards evolve, with public reporting and stronger management systems key to moving up. Food Safety & Policy: PETA India urges a nationwide ban on meat ads from Oct 2, citing welfare, health and environmental concerns. Hospitality Culture: Some restaurants are pushing “no-phone” dining to bring back attention to food and conversation. Trade & Exports: Egypt’s food exports top $5bn in Jan–Aug 2026, with the EU a fast-growing destination.

Food Justice & Community: The Haven Supper Club in London’s Islington is being hailed as a “blueprint” for refugee support, pairing home-cooked Mediterranean meals with local music and a focus on belonging and empowerment. Food Innovation & Water Security: Kuwait’s KFAS-backed “Incubating Ideas and Innovations in Food and Water Security 2026” has seen five projects qualify for Spain’s IE University programme after a training and mentoring run. EU Travel Rules Glitch: The EU’s new Entry-Exit System is blamed for a false Schengen overstay accusation against a British traveller, triggering detention and a forced return. Food Trade Watch: Egypt reports record food exports of $5.128bn in Jan–Aug 2026 (+10.8%), with growth driven by more markets and higher value-added products. Sustainability & Food Systems: Slow Food’s Terra Madre Salone del Gusto 2026 in Turin ends with a renewed political mandate linking food justice, biodiversity and peace. Energy & Clean Cooking: India’s Anganwadi clean-cooking rollout (induction stoves) is set to be showcased in Germany as a scalable model for nutrition and emissions cuts. Hospitality Spotlight: Wales’ Walnut Tree Inn wins top AA restaurant honours, spotlighting ingredient-led cooking and long-running service.

Coffee Cost Shock (UK): Assosia says a bag of Taylors of Harrogate’s Lazy Sunday ground coffee rose from £3.76 in 2021 to £5.56 today, up 48%, as global bean shortages and supply costs feed through to shelves and cafés. Food Security & Energy Pressure (Europe/UK): UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting urges households to stock up on tinned food, bottled water and cash ahead of winter and possible disruption, while reports also link fuel and energy costs to pressure on food prices. EU Humanitarian Aid (Global, food-linked): The EU announced a €700m+ aid package for crises worldwide, with €554.5m targeting Africa, as conflict and instability keep food systems under strain. Marine Heat & Fisheries (Europe): Multiple reports flag Europe’s intensifying marine heatwaves as a growing threat to fisheries and marine life. Health Warnings Move (India): India is pushing toward stronger front-of-pack warnings for sugar, salt and fat, forcing global brands to rethink products for a major growth market. Spanish Food Promotion (Qatar): Spain’s “Eat Spain, Drink Spain” campaign ran live cooking and product showcases at LuLu Mall Giardino Pearl, boosting visibility for Spanish ingredients. Weekly Insulin (health, not food): US approval of once-weekly insulin for type 2 diabetes may reduce injection burden, with EU already having a similar option.