Food Safety Crackdown (India): FSSAI has barred sale of specific liquor variants (including Old Monk, Bagpiper, Royal Challenge and Antiquity Blue) after tests found artificial flavouring that doesn’t meet rules, raising questions about where else the same brands may be affected. Inflation & Grocery Pressure (Turkey): Istanbul’s annual inflation eased to 35.2% in July, with food and non-alcoholic beverages up 1.3% month-on-month; separately, Turkey’s July inflation also slowed to 31.75% as food contributed heavily to the rise. Food Exports (Egypt): Egypt’s food industry hit a record $3.77B in exports in H1 2026, led by citrus, potatoes, strawberries and olives, with Arab markets and EU demand driving growth. Beverage & Hospitality (US): Karl Strauss teamed with Berkeley’s Fieldwork Brewing for a limited-edition Field Trip Hazy IPA, with $1 per pint supporting Restaurants Care. Awards & Dining (US): Kato in Downtown LA won a 2026 James Beard award and earned its second Michelin star, spotlighting premium wine-and-dining momentum. Local Planning Fight (Canada): Montreal’s east end faces renewed backlash over a planned McDonald’s with drive-thru access onto a residential street, with residents citing safety, traffic and noise concerns. Packaging & Supply Chain: A new look at packaging risk flags that material shortages and compliance pressures are becoming as important as ocean freight costs.