Energy & Functional Beverages: Canada’s “zebra striping” trend is turning low- and non-alcoholic drinks into a $223M market, as drinkers alternate to pace themselves. Novel Ingredients: India’s Arboreal Bioinnovations raises ₹230 crore to scale next-gen functional food and nutraceutical ingredients, aiming at more launches and faster commercialization. Natural Colorants: U.S. researchers develop a purple-corn-based food coloring to replace synthetic dyes, targeting heat and shelf-life stability for manufacturers. Food Safety & Regulation: Sri Lanka’s Court of Appeal sets an Oct. 2 hearing on a petition challenging whether rice and sugar are being used as primary ingredients in beer. Beverage Retail & Expansion: Pret opens a major Heathrow Terminal 5 flagship with onsite fresh food prep and mobile handheld tills, while JKH brings Wendy’s to Sri Lanka with a first outlet planned by Dec. 2026. Market & Competition: Zimbabwe’s competition watchdog launches an investigation into Mega Market’s proposed acquisition of Lobels Holdings. Industry Growth in Mexico: Döhler inaugurates a new State of Mexico plant to expand natural ingredient production, including plans for natural color facilities. Hospitality & Community: South Africa’s Eat Out launches “Neighbourhood Gems,” spotlighting everyday casual restaurants nominated by working food professionals.