AGP Executive Report

Hospitality & Food Experiences: Tony Singh MBE is set to host an exclusive eight-course supper club at Norton Park Hotel near Basingstoke on 9 July, blending Scottish and South Asian flavours with a Champagne-and-canapés reception. Community Farming & Learning: Rossett Church School in Wales has launched “Fferm Bach”, a school farm with goats, rescued hens and outdoor classrooms, giving pupils weekly hands-on learning tied to the curriculum. Local Food Business: Brace’s Bakery in Wales has been bought by Birmingham-based Boparan Private Office, saving 250 jobs at the Pen-y-Fan site after months of uncertainty. Retail Upgrades: Aldi says four Scottish stores (including Montrose, Polmont, Musselburgh and Aberdeen) will be upgraded this summer as part of a £300m 2026 investment, with more space and sustainability features. Food Standards Enforcement: Kismet Kebabs Ltd has been fined £500,000 for mislabelling “lamb” kebabs that contained little actual lamb, with the court citing prolonged “considerable dishonesty.” Sustainability at Events: Holyport Village Fair is trialling reusable, recyclable cups, rented for £1 and returned for a refund to cut single-use waste.

Food Safety Alert: The UK Food Standards Agency has told shoppers to throw away ALL frozen products from Inarah’s Frozen Food/Inarah’s Fine Food/New York Crispy sold via hundreds of stores, saying the supplier couldn’t prove safe production and handling. Allergen Recall: Waitrose is issuing full refunds for its 4 Richly Fruited Hot Cross Buns (best before 06 June 2026) after an undeclared allergen (barley) was found. Pub & Beer Promotions: Greene King is giving away free pints at select pubs in Birmingham on June 11 for Mexico v South Africa, while Madrí Excepcional is launching a London pop-up micropub, “The Squeeze It Inn,” with Spanish-style snacks. Premium Pet Food: Purina is relaunching and expanding its Gourmet Perle wet cat food range across nearly 30 European markets, including the UK, adding a new Ocean Flakes fish line. Local Food Culture: National Fish and Chip Day (June 5) is driving coverage of top chippies and rankings, with Yorkshire towns featuring heavily. Retail & Convenience: Lidl is rolling out price cuts on over 1,000 products, and Amazon is pushing same-day fresh grocery delivery in the UK.

Allergy Recall: Waitrose has pulled four-pack hot cross buns in England, Scotland and Wales after barley wasn’t declared on the label, with barley-allergic shoppers told not to eat and to return for a refund. Food Prices at Major Events: Wimbledon’s strawberries and cream and Pimm’s have jumped again, with Pimm’s now over £15 and classic cream rising, as the AELTC cites wider food and drink inflation. Summer Eating Habits: A UK survey says “picky bits” are getting a Mediterranean makeover, with people swapping traditional staples like coleslaw and sandwich spreads for olives and continental-style options. Home Cooking Tips: Experts warn air-fryer users to avoid certain foods (like wet battered items) that can cook unevenly or make a mess. Dairy Retail Expansion: Fen Farm Dairy has opened a new store at Darsham near Yoxford, adding retail space and cold storage for its cheese, butter, yogurt and raw milk. Community Food Support: An Uddingston group received £3,000 to expand services including a foodbank, clothing bank and fresh fruit. Health Policy Pressure: NHS spending on weight-loss drug Mounjaro has surged to £574m after 3.1m prescriptions in 2025/26, raising concerns about access and rationing. Supply Chain/Trade: The US has proposed new forced-labour tariffs that would include the UK, adding potential cost pressure for imported goods.

World Cup Retail Rush: VoucherCodes says late kick-offs will push a big “morning after” spend on coffees and hangover breakfasts, with 5.2m coffees and 2m sickies expected to boost food-to-go and convenience sales. Stadium Hydration Row: FIFA has reversed its earlier stance and now bans reusable water bottles at World Cup venues, forcing fans to buy bottled water—sparking welfare and sustainability backlash from Scottish supporters. Soft Drinks Partnership: Pepsi Max becomes Scotland men’s and women’s national teams’ official soft drinks partner in a five-year deal, securing “pourage rights” at Hampden. Egg Sustainability Switch: Sainsbury’s plans to sell only white eggs in its own-brand ranges, citing a 12.7% lower carbon footprint and improved welfare. Allergy Research Funding: Tesco sponsors the new £10m Natasha’s Prize to fund food allergy prevention research over five years. Brand & Product Moves: Unilever CEO defends its $40bn McCormick megamerger amid backlash; Jus-Rol refreshes packaging; TRIP launches a Tropical Mango mindful functional drink; Mackays lands major Australian supermarket listings for its marmalade range. Store Upgrades: Aldi confirms upgrades for 25 UK locations, including several in Scotland.

AI & Water Stress: A new UN report warns the AI boom is set to drive major resource strain, with data centres consuming enough water to meet the drinking needs of every person on Earth for more than a year by 2030, alongside big land and energy demands. Hospitality & Food Safety: A UK pub says surveillance footage shows a diner allegedly putting hair in a child’s macaroni and cheese to trigger a free-meal complaint, with the business disputing the claim and saying it replaced the dish. Bakery Innovation: Kynd Dough launches in UK retail this June with convenience-led long-life bakery lines designed to keep quality and freshness longer, aiming to cut waste and improve shelf performance. Local Food Business Recognition: Britwell Salome Farm Shop in South Oxfordshire wins “local food and drink champions” for the south east in the Countryside Alliance Awards, with a national final next. Drink & Moderation: Drinkaware research highlights a shift in Northern Ireland towards drinking at home more often, reflecting pressure on licensed hospitality. Food & Drink Culture: The Mayfair Chippy teams up with Jam Industries for limited-edition clothing launching on National Fish and Chip Day.

Manufacturing Momentum: Wholebake says Nielsen data shows it outperformed a shrinking UK branded snack bar market, with value sales up 18.4% to £158m while the wider category saw unit and weight declines. The firm points to investment in a new 76,000 sq ft Wrexham facility and new high-speed lines. Retail & High Street Pressure: M&S confirmed it will close its Newport Foodhall on June 20, citing changing shopping habits, adding to a run of store closures in Wales. Cider Without the Buzz: Magners is rolling out a 0.0% alcohol-free variant in its 568ml pint bottle across on- and off-trade, citing strong no/low cider growth and moderation demand. Local Community Food: Wirral Deen Centre’s Big Lunch returns June 7 with free samosas and a push for community connection. On-Pack Deals: Pizza Express launches a nationwide £1 second mains offer (June 1–July 12) via its app/website. Food Safety & Compliance: Lesters (food packaging/box manufacturing) highlights growth and retention of a BRCGS ‘AA’ rating, underlining ongoing standards work.

Sustainable Wine Demand: IWSR says UK shoppers are increasingly buying natural, organic and other alternative wines, but awareness and “value” perceptions still hold back older drinkers. Food Safety & Regulation Pressure: Carmarthenshire faces potential burnout as overdue food hygiene inspections pile up, with a shortage of qualified officers blamed. Water Quality Fallout: South West Water was fined a record £1.8m after a cryptosporidium outbreak left up to 16,000 ill and triggered boil-water notices. Hospitality & Community: A new Glasgow pub, Anderson’s, opens with unpasteurised Tennent’s and a food-led kitchen, while a “Save Our Pubs” push highlights pubs’ role in tackling loneliness. Local Food Events: Barry Island hosts a free Welsh street-food festival this weekend, and Spudman’s Tamworth jacket potato business announces a national tour. Foodborne Risk Watch: Salmonella cases in England hit the highest level in a decade, adding to pressure on food safety. Industry Moves: Lactalis acquires UK nutrition business Protein Works.

Food Security Skills Gap: Lantra warns failure to invest in agricultural training is widening a land-based skills shortage, threatening UK food security and rural growth. Waste Rules: England’s “Simpler Recycling” rollout bans two everyday items from bins, including tea bags, as councils move to more standardised food and garden waste separation. Frozen Food Investment: Nomad Foods/Birds Eye is putting £2.2m into a Lowestoft potato waffle production line, boosting capacity to about 45m waffles a year. Manufacturing & Cost Pressure: UK households face a July 1 energy price-cap jump of £221 on average, with experts noting food shopping may be among the first cuts. Retail Shake-up: Patty & Bun shuts its Brighton site, leaving just one standalone restaurant at Canary Wharf, after earlier London closures. On-the-ground Community: Lindfield’s Community Lunch tackles older residents’ social isolation with hot meals and support signposting.

Water Stress: Thames Water asks London and the South East to ditch hosepipes and use watering cans as hot weather drives demand up to 50% in some areas, warning leaks are also more likely as pipes shift in dry ground. Manufacturing Costs: UK factory-gate prices rose at the fastest pace in nearly four years, with S&P Global citing Iran-linked energy and shipping disruption pushing up inputs including foodstuffs, fuels, packaging and metals. Trade Relief for Food: The UK and EU have agreed a “sausage wars” deal that should reduce border paperwork and delays for animal products, easing pressure on supermarkets and food producers ahead of next summer. Dairy Power Move: Arla’s absorption of Germany’s DMK sets up a bigger European dairy co-op, aiming to strengthen milk supply and boost whey streams for ingredients. Hospitality Alcohol Flex: As BC prepares for World Cup 2026, a three-year trial will let bars and restaurants buy alcohol more flexibly to meet event demand. Food Safety/Health: A Northumbria University trial reports peppermint tea may improve short-term memory in healthy adults after a single serving.

Protein Supply Crunch: Whey protein shortages are forcing UK and global food makers to halt production or reformulate high-protein products, with costs rising sharply after suppliers ran out and companies switched processing methods. Health Inequality Watch: Researchers warn weight-loss drugs like semaglutide could widen UK health gaps unless patients get affordable food and ongoing support. Retail Summer Reality: New analysis says high-street spending is still seasonal and predictable, not collapsing—so retailers should plan staffing, promos and stock around weather and key dates. Food & Drink on the Move: EasyJet, TUI, Jet2 and Ryanair rules vary on what you can bring onboard, with restrictions on hot items, alcohol and certain foods. Beer & Chocolate Updates: Adnams is closing five retail sites from today amid financial pressure, while Cadbury has launched a limited-edition Strawberries & Creme Frappe Dairy Milk bar in select stores. Market Signals: UK manufacturing activity picked up to a four-year high in May, but firms reported faster input-cost rises, including foodstuffs and packaging. Staycation Demand: Sykes’ 2026 index puts Lerwick in Shetland top for UK breaks, with coastal destinations dominating.

Food & Drink Retail: Lidl has lodged plans for a new store in Flintshire, just 70 metres from an existing Aldi, with 138 parking spaces and only two EV chargers—another sign of the supermarket squeeze and intensified local competition. Allergy Safety: Pret’s sesame-linked tragedy is driving action: Natasha Ednan-Laperouse’s parents have announced a £10m investment into food-allergy research, aiming for better labelling and a “future without allergies”. Public Health Alert: Macau authorities say two bottled waters—Marks & Spencer “Still Scottish Mountain Water” and Lotte “Natural Mineral Water 8.0”—contained enterococci and should not be drunk from affected batches. Weather & Food Supply: The Met Office warns of a “big change” after the heatwave, with thunderstorms and heavy rain expected and temperatures dropping to around 17–21C, which could affect outdoor dining and farming schedules. Local Food Culture: Cardiff’s Feast On festival drew crowds to Bute Park with Welsh restaurants, street food, artisan producers and wine tastings. Food Industry & Costs: A Grimsby fish-and-chip owner says he’s been forced to raise his £3 special to £3.50 due to rising costs, blaming government pressure on small operators. Rural & Farming Spotlight: Countryfile announced a “Young Countryside Champion” competition for the BBC Food and Farming Awards 2026, pushing the next generation into agriculture.

Cost-of-living squeeze: New reporting says UK households and firms are cutting back as Middle East conflict pushes up energy, shipping and raw material costs, with retail sales falling sharply and job vacancies at a five-year low. Health & food trends: With “fat jabs” widely used, one UK outlet tests cheaper “natural alternatives” (probiotics and berberine) aimed at appetite and blood-sugar control. Alcohol culture: FOI data claims 16,000+ UK troops have been treated or disciplined for alcohol issues since 2012, while another piece highlights “zebra striping” as a popular way to pace drinks. Food safety/recalls: Shoppers are urged to check supermarket alerts over potential metal contamination and glass in products. Farming & land use: A farmers’ voice warns solar farms are taking fertile land and adding hurdles for food producers. Hospitality spotlight: A new Newcastle café/baos brand story and a Philips Café Aromis review keep the focus on what people are buying and brewing.

Workplace Heat Prep: With UK temperatures soaring, businesses are being urged to get “summer-ready” fast—improving ventilation, reviewing PPE, and managing overheating risks to protect staff wellbeing and safety. Food Safety Recall: Fox’s Burton’s Companies is recalling Arran Fine Foods Caramelised Red Onion Chutney sold in Tesco and Sainsbury’s because it may contain pieces of metal; shoppers are told not to eat it and to return it. Bakery Sector Pressure: An Upper Bann MP is pushing the government to back UK bakery firms as a key part of the food supply chain, calling for support schemes and less burdensome regulation. Retail Expansion: Tesco is adding new Express stores in London via former Amazon Fresh sites, while other supermarkets continue opening across the UK. New Snack Range in Tesco: Calbee UK has launched an authentic Japanese snack line in Tesco, including Korean-style spicy BBQ chips and takoyaki-inspired bites. Summer Out & About: Southport’s free food and drink festival drew big crowds at Victoria Park, with local vendors and chefs serving up the weekend’s tastiest stops.

Food safety recall: Pizza Express has removed the caramelised red onion chutney from its Padana pizza nationwide after a Tesco/Sainsbury’s recall warning that the condiment may contain pieces of metal. Public health: Salmonella cases in England are reported at their highest level in a decade, with warnings to protect yourself. Consumer tips: Air fryer owners are being urged to do a deeper clean using bicarbonate of soda, washing-up liquid and boiling water to tackle stubborn grease. Food & drink culture: A “booze-free beer” push for the World Cup is pairing alcohol-free ales with buskers to keep stadium crowds singing. Local food community: A new Jaywick lunch club is launching with support to tackle loneliness, serving affordable hot meals. Retail expansion: Ginco Food Depot opens its first physical store in Maidenhead town centre, expanding from online wholesale into bricks-and-mortar. Hospitality & travel: A pub in Oxfordshire is highlighted as one of the UK’s prettiest weekend stroll destinations, with seasonal food and walking access.

Food Safety Recall: Shoppers have been told “do not eat” after Arran Fine Foods Caramelised Red Onion Chutney (Fox’s Burton’s Companies) was recalled due to a risk it may contain pieces of metal; the FSA says point-of-sale notices are in stores and customers should return affected jars for a refund, with multiple 195g and 1.35kg batches affected. Health & Nutrition: A WHO Europe-linked liver expert warned at EASL 2026 that sweetened alcoholic drinks can hit patients with “engineered” combined alcohol-and-sugar harm, describing it as the liver being “punched twice.” Foodservice & Drinks: McDonald’s UK & Ireland rolls out a new Vanilla Matcha Frappé next week (from 2 June), joining summer Sprite Zero mixology drinks and other seasonal frappés. Retail & Hospitality Expansion: Chili’s is relaunching in the UK after 15+ years, aiming for a flagship site within 12–18 months before wider rollout. Food Security Debate: The Food Policy Council argues the UK can’t “grow its way out” of food security without a strong global supply chain, warning against EU reset arrangements that could add burdens to non-EU imports. Allergen Risk: Gü has urgently recalled its Double Sea Salted Caramel Frozen Dessert after a packaging error may have introduced hazelnuts and soya lecithin without proper labelling, with affected units to be returned for a refund.

Food manufacturing squeeze: The FDF says confidence among UK food and drink manufacturers has plunged to -64% in Q1 2026, with 82% expecting to raise prices and 33% planning job cuts, blaming the war in Iran for energy and supply-chain pressure. Brexit trade reset: Labour’s new UK-EU food exports deal would remove paperwork and physical inspections for dairy, fish, cheese, eggs and fresh red meat from summer 2027, with DEFRA urging firms to prepare. Holiday food support: North Yorkshire’s FEAST (Holiday Activities and Food) programme is extended for three more years to June 2029, continuing free meals and activities for children eligible for benefits-related free school meals. Local hospitality shake-up: Leon has exited administration after a CVA, leaving it operating 43 UK sites following the closure of 23 restaurants. Heat and water stress: As extreme heat continues to hit the UK, reports highlight ongoing disruption to water access and outdoor safety concerns for households and communities.