AGP Executive Report

Regional Expansion: Japanese tonkatsu chain Katsuya has opened its first Philippine outlet as parent Arclands seeks growth abroad amid weak domestic performance. Wow! Momo is also planning a Sri Lanka launch as it eyes the UAE and US. Trade: Japanese seafood exports to Malaysia jumped about 40% to ¥5 billion in January–August, with exporters looking beyond Japanese restaurants to wider food-service buyers. Export Growth: Sri Lanka’s food and beverage exports rose 27.92% in September, contributing to total exports of US$13.61 billion for the first nine months of 2026. Food Security: Indonesia says rice supplies are secure through mid-2027, with government reserves at about 4.5 million tonnes despite El Niño risks. Industry Recognition: Singapore placed three restaurants on the World’s 50 Best extended list; Shanghai’s Ling Long debuted at No. 53, the highest-ranked newcomer.

Export Push: Malaysia’s Pahang Export Day brought together nearly 70 businesses, many in food and beverage. MATRADE urged producers to invest in R&D, digitalisation, packaging and certification to strengthen their appeal to overseas buyers. QSR Expansion: India’s Wow! Momo plans to enter Sri Lanka by year-end with three Colombo outlets, targeting 20 in two years. It is also assessing the UAE, with a US launch in its longer-term plans. Plant-Based Drinks: Malaysia’s Pure Mylk says its end-to-end production capabilities—from formulation to aseptic packaging—can help local plant-based beverages scale while preserving quality and extending shelf life. Beverage Revival: China’s 3,000-year-old rice brew Qingo is set for a November market launch after a revival effort, bringing a historic drink back with modern production standards. Hotel Business: ITC Hotels reported a 52% jump in Q2 profit, with food-and-beverage revenue up 12% to ₹380 crore, led by restaurants, bars and banqueting. Agritech: Three Origin Agritech corn varieties passed preliminary national review in China after outperforming control varieties in trials, moving a step closer to commercialisation.

Restaurant Pricing: Starbucks Taiwan’s new NT$15 fee for topping up drinks ordered with little or no ice has triggered customer backlash, showing the risks of charging for a service customers considered standard. Food-Tech: China’s Meituan is offering restaurants a free AI store manager for diagnostics, store checks and menus, as competition and scrutiny reshape the country’s booming delivery market. Market Competition: Taiwan blocked Grab’s planned US$600 million Foodpanda acquisition, rejecting a major deal in the region’s delivery sector. Culinary Community: India’s food industry is mourning chef K. Damodaran, known as Chef Damu, who died at 72. Trade and Growth: India has room to expand processed-food exports to the UK under its trade pact, according to industry representatives. Drinking Trends: Australian wineries and breweries are feeling the impact of falling alcohol consumption, with younger drinkers, cost pressures and non-alcoholic alternatives contributing to the shift. Regional Dining: Busan is offering foreign visitors up to 30,000 won toward Hanwoo beef meals, using local cuisine to attract tourists.

Culinary Tribute: Padma Shri-winning chef K. Damodaran, known as Chef Damu and a popular Cooku with Comali judge, has died at 72. He set a Guinness record by cooking 617 dishes in one session. Restaurant Technology: Meituan is rolling out a free AI store manager to restaurants across China, offering performance checks, menu support and operational advice. Consumer Pricing: Starbucks Taiwan’s new NT$15 charge to top up drinks ordered with little or no ice has drawn customer complaints over value. Tourism & Dining: Busan is offering foreign visitors up to 30,000 won toward Hanwoo meals at four restaurants through Nov. 6, in a bid to link local cuisine with tourism. Food Policy: Japan’s opposition is pressing for details on a proposed two-year cut in food consumption tax to 1%, warning of possible disruption for restaurants and agriculture. Food Safety: An Indian study has flagged antibiotic-resistant Campylobacter in chicken and pork, raising concerns about resistant bacteria in the food chain. Rising Costs: Mumbai restaurants are reportedly planning menu-price increases of 10–15% ahead of Diwali.

Beverage Packaging: India has pushed back aluminium-can certification deadlines for beer and soft-drink makers, giving large companies until April 2027 as supply shortages constrain production. India’s Restaurant Market: Mumbai’s dedicated pasta bars are gaining popularity, making the dish a reason to dine out rather than just another menu choice. Quick-Service Results: Westlife Foodworld’s second-quarter revenue rose 16% to ₹747 crore and same-store sales grew 10.1%, though the McDonald’s India operator posted a ₹2.7 crore loss. Indonesia Exports: Soy sauce exports reached US$18.81 million in January–August, with Australia and Malaysia the leading markets. Japan’s Food Workforce: Japan plans to reopen some foreign-worker admissions for food preparation, responding to labour shortages. Delivery Platforms: Taiwan’s competition watchdog blocked Grab’s US$600 million Foodpanda acquisition, citing concerns over the deal’s impact on competition.

Food Ingredients: Gujarat Alkalies has broken ground on a ₹520 crore plant to produce 33,870 tonnes a year of food-grade phosphoric acid, aiming to cut India’s reliance on imports. Regulation: Indonesia’s BPOM reported 144,863 processed-food marketing approvals since 2024 and introduced Nutri-Level labels to make nutrition information easier to understand. Beverage Price War: Hanoi’s budget milk-tea shops are selling cups from just 7,000 dong as low-cost outlets crowd the market. Restaurant Results: McDonald’s India operator Westlife Foodworld lifted quarterly revenue 16% and same-store sales 10.1%, but posted a ₹2.7 crore loss. Platform Competition: Taiwan blocked Grab’s proposed US$600 million Foodpanda acquisition, citing competition concerns tied to Grab’s Uber links. Halal Trade: Indonesia extended the deadline for mandatory halal certification of food and beverage products to 2028.

Food Safety: Maharashtra’s FDA has taken FSSAI to the Bombay High Court, arguing central rules create a parallel enforcement system and weaken state inspectors’ authority. The case is expected to be heard on Nov. 26. India’s QSR Market: Westlife Foodworld, McDonald’s India operator, reported Q2 revenue up 16% to ₹747 crore and same-store sales growth of 10.1%, but swung to a ₹2.7 crore loss. Japan Seafood: Pacific saury catches have plunged 80%, pushing prices higher and adding pressure on seafood buyers. Ingredients: DKSH will bring GNT’s plant-based food colourings to Vietnam, while Kerry reported 4.1% growth in third-quarter ingredients volumes. Halal Trade: Indonesia has extended the deadline for mandatory halal certification of food and beverage products to 2028, giving businesses more time to comply.

India’s QSRs: McDonald’s operator Westlife Foodworld lifted Q2 revenue 16% to Rs 747 crore and same-store sales 10.1%, but swung to a Rs 2.7 crore loss. It added 11 outlets, bringing its network to 492. Food Delivery: Swiggy’s Q2 revenue jumped 36% to Rs 7,571 crore. Its Rs 922 crore loss narrowed year on year but widened from the previous quarter; food delivery remained profitable as demand for affordable meals grew. Sugar Supply: Pakistan cleared exports of 200,000 tonnes as millers seek permission to ship more. The decision has renewed concerns that exports could tighten domestic supply and push up prices. Korean Cuisine: South Korea marked its first Hansik Day, setting out plans to promote Korean food globally through overseas restaurant certification, food technology and culinary tourism. Delivery Competition: Taiwan’s regulator blocked Grab’s proposed purchase of Foodpanda’s delivery business, halting a major deal in the region’s online food market.

Agriculture & Trade: Philippine agriculture needs stronger processing, storage and market links—not just higher yields—as shrinking farms, rising costs and climate risks squeeze producers. India’s food exporters, meanwhile, see new UK trade-pact opportunities. India’s Food Market: Eternal’s quarterly profit jumped 92%, and Blinkit is targeting 5,000 stores by FY28, as Flipkart tests a food-delivery service with employees. KFC India’s operator Sapphire posted a smaller loss, but meal deals are driving demand. Food Safety: India is scrutinising claims on children’s products from Nestlé, Zydus and Abbott; a separate study found antibiotic-resistant Campylobacter in chicken and pork. Delivery Competition: Taiwan blocked Grab’s proposed $600 million Foodpanda acquisition, ruling against a major consolidation in the delivery market. Regional Demand: Seoul’s halal food market is growing, with interest from Muslim and non-Muslim customers alike.

Vietnam Investment: Carlsberg reaffirmed its long-term commitment to Vietnam, calling it a key growth market during a visit marking 55 years of diplomatic ties with Denmark. Restaurant Costs: Maharashtra restaurants are preparing 10–15% menu price increases before Diwali as LPG, dairy, wages and rents push up operating costs. Company Results: Nestlé reported stronger, volume-led growth, with emerging markets up 6.8% and India up 20%; Kerry posted 4.1% third-quarter volume growth and kept its 2026 earnings outlook. Supply Pressures: Haze has cut some vegetable supplies to Singapore by at least 40%, forcing businesses to seek costlier alternatives, including Australian produce. Trade Opportunity: India’s food exporters could gain from the UK trade pact, which removes tariffs on processed foods, shrimp and instant coffee; India currently supplies just 0.6% of Britain’s processed-food imports.

Delivery Shake-Up: Taiwan blocked Grab’s $600 million Foodpanda deal, citing competition concerns, while India’s Flipkart is testing a rapid food-delivery service that could challenge Zomato and Swiggy. Market Moves: Eternal, which owns Zomato and Blinkit, reported a 92% rise in quarterly profit to ₹125 crore as revenue jumped 78%; it also revised Blinkit’s store target. Food Safety: India’s FSSAI issued Nestlé a notice over a digestion claim for Lactogen Pro 1, amid wider scrutiny of nutrition claims and product labels. Trade: Vietnam signed a free-trade agreement with EFTA countries, promising duty-free access for Norwegian salmon once it takes effect and phased tariff cuts for mackerel. Industry Pressures: Thailand is preparing rules for ride-hailing and delivery-app fees, while Japan plans to reopen foreign-worker recruitment in food preparation to address staffing shortages.

Food Delivery: Flipkart is preparing to launch “Eat-In by Minutes,” expanding its Bengaluru employee pilot to more than 8,000 staff and targeting a public debut by month-end against Zomato and Swiggy. New Products: Guangxi producers are turning sugarcane into products such as vinegar drinks, while Japanese yuzu growers are pursuing Malaysia’s halal market. Foodservice: Thailand’s ChaTraMue and ONYX Dining are teaming up on tea-based drinks and desserts for hotels. Market Watch: Global food prices are near a four-year high, while India’s drought-hit maize supply is intensifying competition between poultry producers and ethanol makers. Regulation: Indonesia has extended the deadline for mandatory halal certification of food and beverage products to 2028; India’s FSSAI has issued notices to Nestlé India and Hindustan Unilever over nutrition claims and labelling. Consumer Trends: Matcha is moving into savoury dishes, but experts caution that its green colour does not automatically make food healthy.

Christchurch Hospitality: A packed week of major sporting events is expected to bring 68,000 visitors and inject about NZ$10 million into the local economy. Seafood Exports: Japanese seafood exports to Malaysia rose 40% to ¥5 billion in January–August, but sales remain concentrated in Japanese restaurants; JETRO will connect local buyers with distributors at an Oct. 26 trade event. India’s Maize Squeeze: Drought-hit supplies are intensifying competition between poultry producers and ethanol makers for corn. Food Delivery Race: Flipkart is testing its “Eat-in by Minutes” service ahead of a reported late-October launch, taking on Zomato and Swiggy. K-Food Abroad: South Korea plans to certify 1,000 overseas Korean restaurants through an expanded rating system. Dining Tourism: South Australia’s first Michelin guide awarded stars to 11 restaurants and Bib Gourmands to 16, with the state hoping the recognition will attract more food-focused visitors.

Food Delivery: Flipkart is preparing to challenge Zomato and Swiggy, piloting a service in its app and building a separate delivery fleet ahead of a reported October-end launch. Festive Snacks: PepsiCo India expects sales to grow at last year’s pace, backed by new products and expanded online availability. Foodservice Supply: Thailand’s Betagro is taking a majority stake in Freshket, adding a digital channel that serves more than 20,000 food businesses. Labour Shortages: Japan plans to resume foreign-worker admissions for cooks at schools and care facilities, with hiring expected to restart in April. Coffee Costs: Philippine coffee prices are expected to stay high into early 2027 as El Niño, a smaller harvest and import costs squeeze supply. Food Regulation: India’s FSSAI has issued notices over nutrition claims and labelling, including to Nestlé and Hindustan Unilever; Indonesia has extended the deadline for mandatory halal certification of food and beverage products to 2028. K-Food Expansion: South Korea is targeting 1,000 overseas Korean restaurants as it pushes to strengthen food quality and build global demand.

Japan’s Food-Service Staffing: Tokyo plans to resume applications next April for foreign workers serving meals in hospitals and care facilities, where surveyed providers report widespread staff shortages. Trade and Market Access: The India–New Zealand free-trade agreement opens a path for lower wine tariffs, which will phase down over 10 years from 150% to 50% or 25%, depending on value. Halal Rules: Indonesia has extended the deadline for mandatory halal certification of food and beverage products to 2028. Food Regulation: India’s FSSAI has issued notices to Nestlé India and Hindustan Unilever over nutrition claims and labelling, while its scrutiny of other food businesses continues. Sugar Supply: Indian refiners warn of a possible shortage by early 2027 and are urging swift import permits; mills, meanwhile, say curbs on diverting sugar to ethanol could mean losses in a surplus year. Regional Growth: PepsiCo reported an 11% jump in Asia-Pacific snack volumes in the third quarter, while China’s tea brands are gaining cultural reach.

Foodservice Labour: Japan plans to resume accepting foreign workers for meal services at hospitals, welfare facilities and schools from next April, shifting the work into a visa category with more room for recruits. Food Regulation: India’s FSSAI has stepped up scrutiny of product claims and labels, issuing notices to major manufacturers and proposing a ban on added sugar in infant foods for babies up to six months. Export Push: Punjab has launched canned chickpeas and kidney beans for international markets at SIAL Paris, aiming to expand sales of value-added foods. Product Innovation: Samyang Foods is building a U.S. lab to develop and test products for local consumers, as the country becomes its biggest overseas market. Ingredients: DKSH and GNT are expanding access to plant-based colours and technical support for Vietnamese food and beverage makers, while palm oil sourcing remains under pressure to balance cost, supply resilience and traceability.