The Americas
Netflix-themed restaurant pops up in Last Vegas
Netflix has launched a one-year pop-up experience at the MGM Grand on the Las Vegas Strip offering meals inspired by Netflix shows and films. The menu at the Netflix Bites restaurant includes the Squid Game-inspired Red Bite Green Bite, which comes with a wheel that diners spin to determine whether to dip their chicken into a creamy green or a fiery red sauce, a Bridgerton tea complete with patterned dishware and three tiers of pastries and a Love is Blind-themed cocktail that requires customers to blindly select a flavor profile. Netflix Consumer Products vice-president Josh Simon said: “Netflix Bites is a new way to experience fan-favorite movies and shows – when our fans find a show they like, they don’t just want to love it – they want to live it.”
Missouri sues Starbucks for alleged discrimination over DEI policies
Starbucks is facing a lawsuit from the US state of Missouri which claims the coffee giant has been discriminating based on race, gender and sexual orientation under diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies. The complaint alleges that Starbucks’ executive pay is linked to racial and gender-based hiring quotas and accuses the company of favoring certain groups for training and advancement opportunities, as reported by Reuters. Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey stated: “All of this is unlawful,” highlighting concerns over consumers facing higher prices and longer wait times due to the company’s employment practices. Starbucks says these allegations are inaccurate and that the company’s programs and benefits are lawful and open to everyone.
Asia Pacific
Asia embraces sustainable sourcing practices
More than 175 food businesses across Asia have committed to improving their sourcing policies in light of sustainability and animal welfare, supported by a US non-profit. According to a report in food and climate publication Green Queen, a total of 83 food companies committed to implementing improved sourcing and production policies across Asia in 2024 as a result of campaigning by sustainability NGO Lever Foundation. This is in addition to the 95 similar policies secured by the charity in 2022 and 2023 from food companies based or operating in Asia. “These 83 new corporate policies generated last year represent meaningful progress,” said Lily Tse, corporate outreach manager at Lever Foundation. “By working closely with companies of all sizes, from major producers to local restaurants, we’re seeing real transformation in how food is sourced and produced in Asia.”
Singapore ready for emergencies with new range of ready meals
Leveraging its experience in producing army combat rations, food caterer SATS in Singapore has developed a range of ready-to-eat meals to feed the public in national emergencies. These meals require no refrigeration, can be eaten at room temperature without reheating and have a shelf life of up to eight months. About 150,000 of these meals are being distributed between February 15 and February 28 as part of this year’s Exercise SG Ready, a component of Singapore’s Total Defence campaign, which allows people in Singapore to experience simulated power outages and disruptions to food supplies, among other scenarios.
Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA)
Inflation concerns mount after foodservice prices rise in December
The latest Foodservice Price Index (FPI) from Prestige Purchasing and CGA by NIQ shows a 1% rise in prices from November in the UK, marking the highest monthly increase since June 2024. While year-on-year inflation dropped to 1.9%, all 10 categories on the Index saw inflation. Significant price increases were seen in oils & fats (+5.7%), while fish remained deflationary (-1.2%). The report highlights ongoing volatility in the foodservice market, worsened by global supply chain disruptions and potential international trade tensions. Shaun Allen, CEO of Prestige Purchasing, said this was a reminder that the battle against inflation is far from over.
Thai community celebrates speedy Michelin star in London
A British-Thai fusion restaurant by husband-and-wife team John and Desiree Chantarasak has been awarded a Michelin star just three months after opening its doors in Marylebone, London. The menu at Anglo Thai showcases the bold flavors and traditional techniques of Thai cooking using ingredients sourced from across the British Isles. According to the owners, while the accolade came quickly after opening, the restaurant has been a decade in the making. “It’s such an exciting moment for Thai food in the UK,” John Chantarasak said. “And I personally owe so much to the generosity of the Thai community who inspires every aspect of AngloThai.”
Elly Earls
