The Americas
US food supply still ‘one of the safest in the world’ says the FDA
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reassured the public that the country’s food supply remains “one of the safest in the world”, despite recent foodborne disease outbreaks. Incidents involving E. coli, listeria, and other contaminants have led to high-profile recalls, including one linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders. But while the number of high-risk recalls rose slightly to 179 in 2024, up from 145 in 2023, it remains lower than the 185 recalls recorded in 2022. In fact the FDA views the recalls as evidence that the food safety system is working and that manufacturers, importers and distributors are quickly addressing potential risks to protect public health.
Pizza Hut unveils an unlikely pairing for the holiday season
In a move that wine connoisseurs are unlikely to be toasting to, Pizza Hut has launched a limited-edition tomato-based wine, created in collaboration with Irvine’s Just Beyond Paradise Winery. Designed to pair with its pizzas, the wine blends ripe tomatoes, basil, herbs and subtle toasted oak notes to create a taste that, the brand says, is reminiscent of a perfectly baked pizza crust. Priced at $25 per bottle, it’s available exclusively online with a minimum purchase of two bottles for the holiday season. Pizza Hut is also offering a $60 gift set with the wine, two branded glasses, and a bottle opener.
Asia Pacific
Funding surge for Asia Pacific agrifood tech
Funding for alternative proteins in the Asia-Pacific region has surged by 85% in 2024, reflecting a broader recovery in the agrifood tech sector, according to a new AgFunder report. VC investments in the region’s agrifood tech industry have grown by 38%, with $4.2bn raised by October, reversing a 52% decline in 2023. India led the charge, securing $2B in funding, followed by China with $1.5bn, while Japan saw a surprising 58% year-on-year growth. In more sobering news, men still dominate leadership in agrifood tech, with male-only founding teams making up 92% of companies with available gender data. Just 3% of businesses have all-female founders, securing only 0.5% of VC funding. Meanwhile, mixed-gender teams have seen a slight decline, dropping from 9.3% in 2023 to 8.2% this year.
50 Starbucks stores in Malaysia shuttered amid anti-Israel boycott
Starbucks has temporarily closed 50 of its 408 stores across Malaysia amid a widespread boycott of pro-Israel brands, according to the Malaysian news outlet, The Rakyat Post, although the company has not explicitly stated the reason for the closures. Earlier in the year, Berjaya Food, which operates Starbucks in Malaysia, had acknowledged significant revenue losses for the quarter ending in June, reporting a net loss of $8.6m. In its end-of-August report, the company said this was “mainly due to the current sentiment in relation to the conflict in the Middle East”.
Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA)
Pricey mince pies polarize locals in Suffolk
Britain’s most expensive mince pies are receiving mixed reactions. At Pump Street bakery in Orford, Suffolk, six festive treats will set you back £25. The pricey pies, made with local apples and crafted in a specialist bakehouse, have been praised for their rich, deep filling and thin pastry. But while some locals find them worth the splurge, others are balking at the price. “It would have to be a bloody good mince pie for that,” said regular customer Jocelyn Roberts to The Guardian. Despite dividing opinions, the bakery’s pies are certainly generating buzz and have put the picturesque village well and truly on the culinary map.
Saudi tightens up food regulations to promote healthier choices
The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has introduced new regulations for food establishments to enhance consumer transparency and safety. Starting on November 30, 2024, restaurants and food delivery apps must display calorie and allergen information. By July 1, 2025, they will also be required to disclose caffeine content, clearly label high-sodium meals and include physical activity labels on menus. These measures have been developed to align with Saudi Vision 2030 and aim to promote healthier choices by reducing sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats. Non-compliance will result in financial penalties and food businesses are being advised to update their processes to meet these new standards.
Elly Earls
