Trade Shock for Food & Drink: The U.S. is moving ahead with import bans on select Canadian products, including most alcohol, non-alcoholic beer, some dairy and motorcycles—aimed at “leveling the playing field,” while Canada warns of retaliation and exporters face uncertainty. California Wine Retail: California signed SB 917 to loosen rules so more small wineries can offer tastings at certified farmers’ markets starting Jan. 1, 2027, including allowing non-estate-grown grapes and expanding instructional tasting limits. RTD Gin Goes Viral Again: New Zealand’s Scapegrace Black is launching as a ready-to-drink canned product in a color-changing can, building on its 2018 internet breakout. Tourism & Dining Demand: New Zealand forecasts 3.9m international arrivals and AUD 14.4b spend by June 2027, with visitor spending flowing to restaurants and regional operators. Local Expansion Loans: Puerto Rico’s development bank approved a $360,000 loan for VIP Food Dorado to open a new Ichiban Japanese Steak House, targeting 25 jobs. Matcha Mainstreaming: A look at how matcha culture spread in the U.S., driven by social media and wellness trends. Foodservice Real Estate: Operators are increasingly converting “second-generation” restaurant spaces to cut costs and open faster, though inherited layouts can still derail plans. Convenience Food Growth: Casey’s reported inside same-store sales up 3.2%, with prepared food and dispensed beverage leading.