Food Safety & Standards: Control Union Sri Lanka and FSSC hosted “Food Safety Forward” in Colombo to help businesses prepare for evolving food safety expectations and strengthen global market trust. Agri-Tech Expansion: Hayleys Agriculture launched a new Grain and Food Processing Machinery business at ProFood/ProPack/AgBiz 2026, pitching equipment for drying, milling, hygiene and online process control. Innovation Under Cost Pressure: A foodpro expo discussion in Melbourne highlighted that the biggest hurdle for FSN and RTD drink innovation is turning ideas into viable products without heavy capital spend. Gelato Spotlight: Oh My Gelato! won Australia’s inaugural Australian Gelato Cup, with People’s Choice and Critic’s Choice also awarded to other finalists ahead of an Italy trip. Spirits Branding: Organic Bay Distillery rebranded with Peacock Bros., aiming for a more premium shelf presence while preserving its heritage labels. Dining Recognition: The Venetian Resort Las Vegas said four restaurants earned spots in the inaugural MICHELIN Guide Southwest as it completes a $1.5B reinvestment. Regional Market Watch: IWSR forecasts Sub-Saharan Africa beverage alcohol growth, with RTDs and spirits leading momentum. Inflation Snapshot: GCC inflation is projected at 1.8% in 2025, staying under 2% for a second year, with food and beverages rising 1.2%. Seasonal Drinks Shift: McDonald’s is dropping the pumpkin spice latte for the first time in a decade, replacing it with caramel apple pie—signaling changing autumn flavor demand. Local Food Safety Push: Lagos State’s consumer protection agency is calling for participation in a Sept. 8 Lagos Food Safety Conference focused on “safe food everywhere.”