AGP Executive Report

B.C. Food Policy: British Columbia is proposing to expand food processing on Agricultural Land Reserve land, letting facilities be built on lower-productivity ALR soils without Agricultural Land Commission approval if at least 5% of the primary ingredients come from B.C., with an estimate of 500–1,000 new hectares in the Lower Mainland/Fraser Valley. CNE Carnival Eats: The Canadian National Exhibition is leaning hard into viral food, with vendors rolling out wacky takes like mac-and-cheese ice cream cones, pickled cheesecake, and a “Carnival Cone” featuring candied yams topped with a fried mac and cheese ball. Dairy/Alcohol Trade Tension: Canada’s tariff standoff with the U.S. is tied to booze access, with reports that U.S. alcohol could return to shelves as talks continue. Retail/Tech for Food Safety: inFlow Inventory launched lot number and expiry date tracking for small and midsize food and beverage makers and distributors, aiming to make batch traceability more affordable. Brand/Restaurant Moves: Burger King’s rebuild is showing up in U.S. sales momentum, while Chipotle is running back-to-school BOGO and “Chipotle Sundays” promos. Local Cheese Pop-Up: Armstrong Cheese is bringing a cheese truck to Vancouver and North Vancouver for sampling and recipe swaps.

Caffeine & Kids: New U.S. data shows 62.6% of youth consumed caffeine on a given day (2021-2023), with sweet bakery items, soda and flavored milk among the top sources—raising concerns about sleep, added sugar and health as Canada’s own caffeine guidance is still adult-based. GLP-1 & Food Habits: Canada’s approval of cheaper generic GLP-1s could reshape eating patterns, with reports pointing to reduced bread-and-roll intake among users and knock-on effects for grocery and dining demand. CNE Wacky Foods (Toronto): The Canadian National Exhibition is rolling out oddball bites like Kraft Dinner smoothies, pickle cheesecake pops and a cotton-candy hot sauce, plus spicy-sweet twists such as mango habanero and nacho donuts. Restaurant Moves (Cambridge): A Nepalese spot, Momo Day (formerly Momo House), has relocated and rebranded in Galt, keeping its steamed momo focus and oil-light menu. Tech Meets Food Retail (Maps Ads): Apple is letting businesses buy ads in Maps in Canada and the U.S., showing sponsored listings for nearby categories like restaurants.

CNE Food Buzz: The Canadian National Exhibition is leaning hard into “wacky” eats for 2026, with a Kraft Dinner smoothie, pickle cheesecake pops, and a cotton candy hot sauce showing up in multiple dishes, plus items like pickle/bacon-flavoured coffee and sushi pops. Burger & Fries Expansion: Shake Shack is growing in Ontario with three new spots in Oakville, Burlington and London, including the chain’s first Ontario drive-thru in London. Fast-Food Collectibles: McDonald’s Canada is rolling out Hello Kitty & Friends x Godzilla Happy Meals with eight collectible toys for a limited time. Restaurant Culture Spotlight: Toronto author Jen Agg’s “Table Boss” lands on Canadian non-fiction bestseller lists, tying her love of restaurants to her pandemic-era fight to keep her business afloat. Local Food Tourism: Revelstoke’s Saturday farmer markets are drawing bigger crowds thanks to a BC Farmers’ Market Trail “Tasting Passport” that rewards shoppers for exploring local food stops. Supply Chain Recognition: PECO Pallet named two women supply-chain leaders as 2026 Women in Supply Chain Forum Award honorees. Cannabis Market Watch: Tilray shares jumped about 6% amid broader risk-asset lift tied to U.S. Treasury buyback news, even as the stock remains down sharply for the year. International Dining: Whole Foods Market is set to open its 4th Sacramento-area store in Elk Grove, with a heavy local-supplier focus across produce, cheese, seafood, meat and beverages.

Protein Innovation: Food makers are moving beyond “one protein wins” toward mixed protein strategies, using dairy, plants, fungal/yeast and precision-fermentation options as consumers keep demanding protein but also push for better taste, quality, processing and value. Student Visa Fallout: Canada’s language education sector says Ottawa’s student-number crackdown is driving a sharp drop in foreign enrolment, with member programs down 13% in 2025 and “state of crisis” warnings. Cancer Screening Policy: Quebec rejected calls to lower colorectal cancer screening from 50 to 45, despite data suggesting younger Canadians are being diagnosed more often. Trade & Spirits: A looming 50% tariff threat on Canadian spirits is raising alarms for U.S. bars and restaurants, tied to fallout from provincial bans on American distilled spirits. Coffee in Convenience: Industry guidance highlights the operational challenge of consistent, fresh hot coffee in convenience channels, from brew speed to equipment and labour. Restaurant & Retail Moves: McDonald’s Canada is rolling out a limited-time “World Menu Heist” lineup, while OpenTable named three Kelowna spots among its Top 100 outdoor dining list. Foodservice Disruption: B.C. tourism groups report fewer Canadian visitors are hitting local food and beverage businesses hardest, with many worried about survival.

McDonald’s Canada: The fast-food giant is rolling out “The World Menu Heist,” a limited-time lineup of international items Canadians can try at home, including an Australia-style Chicken Parmi Burger, Spain’s McExtreme Pulled Pork, France’s Cheesy Bacon McFlavour Fries, Japan’s Garlic & Black Pepper McNuggets, and a Stroopwafel McFlurry. Outdoor dining spotlight: OpenTable named three Kelowna restaurants to its Top 100 outdoor dining list—Home Block at Cedar Creek Estate Winery, Kin & Folk Kelowna, and Old Vines Restaurant at Quails’ Gate—highlighting strong guest ratings. New openings in Ontario: Jimmy John’s held a grand opening in Thunder Bay (its first northern Ontario location in Canada), while Kajiken, a Michelin-approved soupless ramen chain, is set to open its first downtown Toronto spot on Sept. 5. Local pizza expansion: Panago Pizza opened in Lake Country at Lakewood Mall, with a Sept. 13 grand opening planned and $5.99 medium pizzas for the event. Food safety & traceability tech: Nulogy launched a Track and Trace module aimed at helping food companies meet FSMA 204 lot-level record requirements and respond to FDA requests quickly. Health research: A Canadian-linked analysis found a vegetable-rich eating pattern is associated with lower mortality and cardiovascular risk, translating to years of added life expectancy in estimates.

Restaurant Expansion: The Born Korea (Paik Jong-won) is moving into North America execution, signing an MoU with Canada’s Sunray Group to convert a Markham, Ont. hotel restaurant into a Born Korea brand, while also pushing TBK sauce distribution talks with major Canadian distributors. Convenience Retail Push: BTS-collaborated food brand ARIH is expanding into Japan and Canada, with Japan sales through 7-Eleven and Canada distribution via Loblaw, plus pop-up events tied to BTS’ “Arirang” tour in Toronto. Foodservice Growth in Ontario: Shake Shack is adding three Ontario locations—Oakville and Burlington later this year, and a London, Ont. opening in 2027 that will include the province’s first drive-thru. Beverage Business: Jones Soda Co. reported Q2 revenue more than doubling to $10.2M, driven by higher Fallout-branded drink shipments through warehouse clubs, while noting margin pressure from shipping and fuel costs. Local Community Fundraising: Moose Jaw Dairy Queen raised over $12K for Saskatchewan’s Children’s Miracle Network hospital foundation during Miracle Treat Day. Packaging & Sustainability Watch: A report highlights how glass faces growing pressure as beverage makers shift toward lighter packaging, with Canada’s beer market now largely aluminium-based.

Restaurant Expansion: Shake Shack is adding more Ontario locations, with Oakville and Burlington opening later this year and a London site slated for 2027 (including Ontario’s first drive-thru for the chain). Beverage & Retail: Jones Soda Co. reported Q2 revenue more than doubling to $10.2M, driven by higher Fallout-branded shipments through warehouse clubs, while noting margin pressure from shipping and fuel costs. Food Manufacturing & Supply Chain: The federal government is providing a $1.5M repayable contribution to Ideal Can to add an automated steel can line for agri-food processors, aiming to strengthen Canada’s food supply chain. Hydration Brand Push: CoCo CLEAR™ is rolling out a Costco Canada roadshow starting Aug. 18 in Burnaby, as the Canadian company expands its coconut-water-based sparkling hydration line. Local Food Culture: Picklefest brought its pickled-and-fermented lineup to Victoria at Phillips Brewing & Malting, with 35+ vendors and a fully licensed beverage program. Corporate Finance (Food-adjacent): Swiss Water’s TSX-approved NCIB will let it buy up to ~650,000 shares over the next year.

Dairy Deal: Lactalis has agreed to buy Saputo’s UK dairy division for about £988m, adding brands like Cathedral City, Wensleydale, Davidstow, Clover and Country Life, with closing expected by end of Q1 2027. Wildfire Relief in Food Communities: In B.C.’s Summerland evacuations, local Jewish leaders and volunteers opened homes and kitchens to support evacuees and first responders, including a winery-run hosting effort in Kelowna. Restaurant Industry Shock: London’s Bodean’s BBQ has closed all remaining locations after a recent management and menu refresh, raising questions about the wider UK low-and-slow BBQ push. Cheese & Supply Chain Watch: The Saputo UK exit is framed as a major operating division sale, not a small brand shuffle, with Saputo’s UK unit generating about $1.2b revenue over the latest four quarters. Food-Adjacent Event: Montreal’s Smash Out Skin Cancer Celebrity Pickleball Tournament returns Aug. 27 with Emily Hampshire and a fundraising “Pickle Party” featuring bites and auctions. Dining Out Culture: The Cheesecake Factory says its only dress-code rule is “Just come hungry,” pushing “upscale, casual” vibes over formalwear.

Restaurant Real Estate: Philadelphia’s East Passyunk Italian spot Mamma Maria’s is for sale, with the former restaurant complex on Passyunk Ave. and Jessup St. listed at $1.5M and $2M for separate buildings. Food Service & Safety: Saskatoon police charged a 31-year-old man after targeted vandalism at Congregation Agudas Israel Synagogue, including eggs thrown during Shabbat services; investigators say hate-motivated bias is considered in sentencing. Canadian Dining Expansion: Markdale’s Down Home added Saturday lunch service to its 16-seat, garden-driven tasting-menu model, building on Michelin and Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants recognition. Chain Menu Buzz: Chick-fil-A is rolling out Chicken & Waffles nationwide Aug. 24, plus fall S’mores-inspired drinks. Dining Culture: The Cheesecake Factory says its dress code is basically “Just come hungry,” pushing a relaxed, upscale-casual vibe. Public Health Debate: U.S. vaccine experts criticize a Trump order to split MMR into separate shots, warning it could reduce protection and increase burdens on families. Local Business Impact: Thunder Bay retailers say construction on Cumberland Street Renewal is cutting foot traffic and parking convenience. Community Health: Saskatchewan launched its first multidisciplinary pediatric IBD team, aiming to keep families from traveling out of province for care.

Chinese Diaspora Food in Montreal: Two like-minded chefs are using pop-up tables to celebrate Chinese diasporic gastronomy in Montreal, leaning on migration-inspired flavors rather than strict tradition. Fast-Food Customization: A guide breaks down how to “upgrade” KFC’s Famous Bowl with ordering tweaks and add-ons. Korean Franchise Expansion: Korean brands are pushing deeper into Southeast Asia, with new openings spanning coffee, bakeries and fast-casual concepts. North Korea on the Menu: A Cheonan spot is drawing attention for North Korean cuisine, including a boiled meat platter built around daily-made broth. Saskatchewan Health Spotlight: Saskatchewan’s first pediatric IBD day brings families together, highlighting new specialized pediatric IBD team care. Canadian Food & Wine Recognition: WineAlign’s National Wine Awards spotlight platinum medal winners, including top-scoring wines from across the country. Local Dining Community: A Boston Pizza customer’s 100th birthday celebration shows how restaurants can become true community anchors. Food Price Pressure: A survey finds grocery shrinkflation is eroding trust, with many shoppers in Canada and abroad switching brands.

Winnipeg Food & Beverage Procurement: Winnipeg mayoral candidate Scott Gillingham says he’ll push new procurement rules so local businesses get a fairer shot at city food-and-beverage contracts, after controversy over an Aramark Canada deal for golf-course vendors. Restaurant Recognition: Winnipeg chef Emily Butcher’s Nola and Bar Accanto earned Restaurants Canada’s Culinary Award of Excellence, adding to its Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants nod. Local Growth in Fast Casual: Jersey Mike’s is testing operations ahead of its Aug. 19 opening in Fort Saskatchewan, with “fresh” in-house prep and expansion plans across Alberta. Health & Food Service Costs: A Halifax report flags the end of Canada’s federal fuel excise tax break as a potential driver of higher shipping and restaurant prices. Community Impact: Saskatchewan’s first Pediatric IBD Day brings families together as the province expands dedicated pediatric IBD care. Food Trends & Consumer Pressure: U.S. survey coverage highlights grocery shrinkflation backlash—shoppers are quitting brands and losing trust when packages get smaller without price relief.

Restaurant & Foodservice Slowdown: Jollibee Foods says it closed 207 stores in the first half of 2026 and will open fewer locations than planned, citing higher costs and weaker results. Sustainability in the Spotlight: Mowi says a newly approved fish farm method will reduce impact on wild salmon by moving farming further out to sea and closing an inner-loch site. Local Business & Procurement: Winnipeg mayoral candidate Scott Gillingham promises changes to help local food-and-beverage firms win more city contracts, including clearer guidance on what counts as “Canadian.” Labour & Worker Protections: A Moose Jaw employer running Guac Mexi Grill was fined and ordered to repay $12,000 after pleading guilty to charging a foreign worker a fee tied to keeping their job. Food Costs Watch: Canada’s federal fuel excise tax break is set to end, raising fears of higher shipping and menu prices for restaurants. Industry Recognition: Winnipeg chef Emily Butcher’s Nola and Bar Accanto received Restaurants Canada’s Culinary Award of Excellence. Consumer Culture: Starbucks Canada will bring back the Unicorn Frappuccino for one weekend only starting Aug. 15.

Food Waste Tech: UBC researchers say a seaweed-derived edible coating can keep strawberries fresh for at least four days at room temperature, aiming to cut spoilage and refrigeration needs. Wholesale Watch: StatsCan reports June wholesale sales rose 9% year over year, with food, beverage and tobacco up 2.8% to $16.4B. Coffee & Seasonal Drinks: Starbucks brings back the Unicorn Frappuccino for one weekend only (Aug. 15), plus fall flavors starting Aug. 25. Retail/Brand Moves: Andrew Peller Limited completes its going-private deal with Fairfax, wrapping up the arrangement at $8 (Class A) and $12 (Class B). Travel & Taste: Air Canada adds winter nonstop flights to Mérida (from Toronto) and Mazatlán (from Vancouver), spotlighting regional food in Mexico. Plant-Based Cheese: Canadian vegan brand UmYum expands to 480+ Sprouts stores in the U.S., including its camembert-style Monroe. Industry/Events: Downtown Barrie’s Troubadour Festival returns as an expanded two-day food-and-music weekend.

Canadian hospitality & dining: Cora Breakfast and Lunch is moving into Northgate Shopping Centre in North Bay, aiming to lean on fresh, local ingredients. Beverage & alcohol trade: Liquor stores say they’re watching upcoming tariffs on Canadian imports, but expect pricing to hinge on distributor moves and timing. Food safety & health: A Cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled iceberg lettuce is prompting calls for broader stool testing, since standard panels may miss the parasite. Local business & enforcement: A Moose Jaw restaurant was convicted under Saskatchewan’s foreign worker protection rules after charging a worker a fee to keep their job. Brand partnerships: Banditos beer tapped Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk as its face, blending Mexican roots with Canadian sports culture. Travel & food culture: Calgary’s cocktail scene gets a spotlight, while Neguac (NB) is framed as an Acadian seafood hub worth visiting.

Brand Ambassador Buzz (Beer): Toronto’s Banditos Mexican Lager has tapped Blue Jays fan-favourite Alejandro Kirk as its first global brand ambassador and shareholder, aiming to blend Mexican roots with a locally brewed Canadian-style cerveza. Restaurant Openings (Toronto): A hospitality group behind Michelin-recognized Yorkville dining is launching Raani, a new Indian restaurant at 360 Bay St., with a two-floor setup, cocktail bar, chef’s table, and an underground speakeasy-style event space. Ownership Shake-up (Korean Chicken): Bonchon is being acquired by Minor Food and Serruya Private Equity from existing shareholders, with the deal expected to close by end of August and plans to invest in U.S. infrastructure plus expansion across Canada and beyond. Gaming & Tourism (Niagara): Ontario says expanded casino operators are a key pillar of its Destination Niagara Strategy, with MGE set to remove Niagara exclusivity and OLG to run a procurement process for new operators. Food-Tech (Fried Food): Vancouver-based Beyond Oil says it will present at the Lytham Partners Consumer & Technology Investor Summit Aug. 18, pitching its FDA- and Health Canada-cleared tech for healthier, more consistent frying. Sports Bar Expansion (U.S.): Shark Club Sports Bar & Grill opened a new location in Northlake, continuing its Canada-to-U.S. growth with big-screen game-day programming. Culinary Tourism (Nova Scotia): Federal support is backing Devour! Studios’ Nova Scotia Seafood Academy in Wolfville, a hands-on program meant to create new tourism experiences tied to local partners. Market Watch (Dining Chains): Red Robin reported improved Q2 traffic and restaurant-level operating profit margins, alongside refranchising agreements bringing in $96M in gross proceeds.

Digital Drive-Thru Upgrades: Palmer Digital Group was picked as an approved supplier for Burger King outdoor digital menu boards across 6,000 franchises in the U.S. and Canada, with LG 49-inch displays and modular enclosures aimed at cutting maintenance costs. AI Meets Dining: ChatGPT now helps users find open tables, book reservations, and even join Yelp waitlists directly in chat—rolling out across plans in Canada and the U.S. Local Food Push: Alberta’s Local Food Week (Aug. 10–16) comes with $7.5M in federal-provincial funding for greenhouse and vertical farming projects, plus Open Farm Days tours. Beverage Innovation: Tim Hortons adds matcha to its menu with new hot and iced matcha lattes (sweetened and unsweetened) made with shade-grown matcha. Agri-Food Workforce: New Brunswick’s Agricultural Alliance launched a workforce website to connect employers and job seekers and tackle staffing shortages in the agro-food sector. Restaurant Sector Pressure: A Vancouver restaurant, Fable Diner, is set to close Aug. 23, citing lease issues and ongoing Broadway subway construction.