AGP Executive Report

Fuel-Cost Pressure on Tourism: A new CFIB survey says 84% of Canadian small businesses worry higher fuel costs will hurt summer tourism, squeezing them through higher operating and supply-chain costs and weaker customer spending. World Cup Costs vs. Benefits: Toronto’s official FIFA hosting run delivered little economic gain in the first two weeks, with a Parliamentary Budget Office estimate putting the bill at about $1.066B for Canada’s 2026 hosting, while critics argue hosts carry most costs. Norovirus Hits Cruise Ship (Food Safety): Princess Cruises’ Ruby Princess was hit by norovirus, with the CDC reporting symptoms in about 120 people during a June 12–July 2 voyage that included a stop in B.C., prompting enhanced sanitation protocols. Beef Prices Still Climbing: Statistics Canada data shows fresh/frozen beef up nearly 13% year over year, while industry sources point to low cattle supply and rebuilding herds as key drivers. B.C. Wine Watch: Grüner Veltliner is being planted in tiny amounts in B.C., but producers say the Austrian grape could be a promising new white variety for the province. Pipeline Planning for Rural Communities: North Thompson leaders in B.C. say a proposed Alberta-to-west-coast pipeline could bring jobs, but rural areas need federal/provincial support to handle construction impacts.

Jollibee Expansion: Jollibee says it’s launching a five-year push to add more locations across Canada as it nears its 10-year anniversary, with 28 restaurants already operating nationwide. Diplomacy Meets Dining: Prime Minister Mark Carney and Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. visited the Vancouver Jollibee on Granville St., underscoring growing Canada–Philippines business ties. Restaurant Growth: Olive Garden opened its first Eastern Canada location in Ontario (Vaughan Mills) and is already mapping more Ontario openings. Food Safety Watch: A norovirus outbreak sickened 125 people aboard Princess Cruises’ Ruby Princess on a Canada/Alaska trip, with the CDC reporting 102 passengers and 23 crew ill. Beverage Business: A B.C. distributor sued Bondi Distillery, alleging contract breach tied to a short termination notice ahead of new distribution deals. City Food Culture: Vancouver extended the Granville Street Pedestrian Zone and FIFA-linked patio expansions through Labour Day, keeping the summer dining buzz going.

Fast-Food Expansion: Jollibee is plotting a five-year push to grow from 28 Canadian locations, aiming to bring its fried-chicken brand to more communities as it marks its 10th anniversary in Canada. Political Spotlight on Food Trade: Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and PM Mark Carney stopped at a Vancouver Jollibee, underscoring Canada–Philippines business ties as the chain targets 85+ locations. Restaurant Growth in Ontario: Olive Garden opened its first Ontario spot in the GTA at Vaughan Mills, with more Ontario openings (including Ottawa and Ajax) planned. Food Tourism & Events: Toronto’s Summerlicious returns July 3–18 with discounted three-course menus at 230+ restaurants, timed alongside the World Cup buzz. Local Beverage Launch: Temagami Dry is hosting a community kickoff during the region’s farmers’ market season, with sampling and local networking. Public Health Watch: A norovirus outbreak sickened 125+ passengers and crew on Princess Cruises’ Ruby Princess, prompting enhanced sanitation. Food Safety/Trade Debate: A U.S.–Canada mushroom dispute is heating up, with claims Canadian producers are gaining ground via lower prices.

Alcohol Policy Shake-Up: B.C. Conservatives are pushing to let bars and restaurants serve earlier during World Cup mornings, arguing for temporary licences so businesses can keep the party going. City-Backed Hospitality Boost: Vancouver City Council extended the Granville Street Pedestrian Zone pilot and FIFA-related patios through Labour Day, aiming to keep foot traffic and support local restaurants. World Cup, Food & Spending Reality Check: New Moneris data suggests Toronto bars and restaurants saw only a small bump during the World Cup (up 3% year over year), while hotel occupancy was lower than the prior year. Canada’s Dining Scene Gets Ranked: Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants list for 2026 crowned Restaurant Pearl Morissette (Ont.) at No. 1, with the broader national lineup reflecting continued strength in wine-country and destination dining. Travel Tech Meets Food Tourism: Uber’s hotel booking feature is set to roll out to Canadians soon via Expedia, making it easier to bundle trips with dining and local experiences.

Food Safety Watch: Salmonella-linked onion recalls hit the U.S. (396 cases in 34 states) and Canada is mentioned in the coverage, while separate peach recalls in multiple states also point to Salmonella risk. Ontario Industry Spotlight: MK Kosher is urging Ontario food and beverage makers to use certification as summer planning ramps up for fall/winter launches. Trade & Pricing Pressure: The U.S. moves to put USMCA on “probation,” raising uncertainty for cross-border grocery and everyday costs; a related piece flags food safety complexity when Canadian firms expand into new markets. Functional Drinks Trend: Bone broth is breaking into beverage formats, including RTD and powdered mixes, as brands chase protein- and gut-health demand. Retail Staffing: A grocer-focused HR interview says front-line hiring is getting tougher as restaurants and other retail compete for minimum-wage workers, with employee discounts and benefits pitched as key differentiators. Canada Business Notes: Loblaw sets its Q2 2026 earnings release for July 30. Cruise Health Alert: A norovirus outbreak sickened 120+ on a Princess Cruises ship on an Alaska/Canada route.

Manitoba Grocery Relief: Manitoba’s 7% PST cut on store-bought food took effect July 1, with shoppers in Winnipeg saying they barely noticed price changes; the province estimates about $100 a year in savings, but restaurants, bakeries and bars still charge PST. Food Waste Savings Trend: “Surprise bags” apps are spreading as shoppers look for cheaper groceries; Too Good to Go says deals can be 50% off retail (often closer to one-third) while helping cut food waste. World Cup Food & Drink Pricing: International fans are complaining about World Cup concession costs, especially beer that can top $20, with sticker shock showing up in Toronto and other host cities. Canada Day Food Culture: Canada Day celebrations in Fort Langley included heritage food demos like butter making and tomato grading at the B.C. Farm Museum. Local Dining Shift: A London, Ont., downtown restaurant (J Dee’s Market Grill) closed and is being renovated for a cocktails-and-tapas concept focused on Latin American and Caribbean small plates. Tourism Boost for Eateries: Vancouver cruise season is expected to be record-breaking, with each ship call pumping about $3M into the local economy and boosting spending at restaurants and shops.

World Cup watch-party economy (B.C.): B.C. Tourism says the province’s historic FIFA run is boosting bars, restaurants and retailers, with some Vancouver venues reporting sales up to 40% on match days as the team extends the tournament by at least six more days. Provincial food tax cut (Manitoba): Manitoba is removing 7% PST from store-bought food starting July 1, cutting tax on items like chips, rotisserie chickens and baked goods, while restaurants, bakeries and bars still charge PST. LCBO push for Ontario alcohol: The LCBO reports an 8% rise in sales of locally produced spirits over the past year, adding more Ontarian VQA wines, beers and Canadian products after U.S. alcohol access tightened. Transit costs (Metro Vancouver): TransLink’s July 1 fare increase lifts adult three-zone cash to $6.70, keeping bus fares lowest but raising commuter costs—relevant for food and drink foot traffic. Food & drink retail expansion (Czech Republic, Canada tie-in): Cushman & Wakefield says food and beverage led new brand entries, including Canadian confectionery Choco Choo.

Competition Watch: Canada’s Competition Bureau is launching an examination into competition across the food supply chain, from farm inputs to grocery shelves, with public input due July 31 and a report expected in spring 2027—plus it’s looking at loyalty programs and pricing tactics that can keep grocery bills high. Food Safety Recall: Thermos is recalling specific Stainless King Food Jars and Sportsman Food & Beverage Bottles in Canada after reports of stoppers ejecting under pressure, with injuries reported. Restaurant & Bar Buzz: Vancouver’s Taiwanese comfort-food scene gets a spotlight via A.Bento, while Fairmont Pacific Rim’s Botanist is hosting “Sips Across Canada” cocktail pop-ups featuring top Canadian bars. Snacking Launch: Miss Vickie’s Ristoranti Series chips return to Canada July 12 with three flavours created with Canadian Italian restaurants. Global Food Trade: Beijing has issued a preliminary finding that pea-starch imports from Canada were dumped, triggering cash deposits on importers. Local Hospitality Impact: Banff council waived patio fees for Caribou Street restaurants after construction disruption.

Grocery Governance: The Office of the Grocery Sector Code of Conduct has appointed Cathy Loblaw as independent chair, effective July 1, as the code moves into full implementation. Food Innovation: A new texture-focused trend report says 36% of food and beverage launches in 2024–2025 used a “defined texture ingredient,” with yogurt brands leaning into bubble-style mouthfeel. Product Safety: Thermos recalled certain Stainless King food jars (SK3000, SK3020) and Sportsman bottles (SK3010) due to a stopper that can eject and cause injury. Airport Dining & Retail: Aeroplan and Club Avolta launched a points partnership that will eventually let travellers earn on eligible food and beverage purchases at HMSHost locations. Restaurant & Community: A Barrie man faces firearms charges after police say a gun was discharged inside a fast-food restaurant. Canada Day Food Pairing: A wine-and-summer-dishes guide spotlights how BC wines’ acidity fits smoky, sweet, salty Canadian spreads. World Cup F&B Buzz: Avolta is rolling out World Cup-themed retail and bar experiences across major North American airports, including host-city locations like Vancouver and Toronto.

Fast-Food Shakeups in Canada: Subway Canada is rolling out SubDogs, a limited-time footlong built around a Schneiders hot dog with customizable toppings and a PIN for prizes, reigniting the “is a hot dog a sandwich?” debate. New Italian Expansion: Olive Garden opened its first Ontario location at Vaughan Mills (with more planned in Ajax and Ottawa), following Recipe Restaurant Group’s acquisition of Western Canadian Olive Gardens earlier this year. Beer & Community Boost: Winnipeg’s Cargo Bar is set to open its second location in Southwood Circle, a new development near the University of Manitoba, aiming to bring its patio-and-beer vibe to a bigger footprint. World Cup Spillover for Food Biz: Vancouver and B.C. say FIFA Fan Festival crowds and packed venues are lifting sales for bars, restaurants and retailers, with watch parties and food vendors benefiting as Canada advances. Local Food Opening: Halwai’s (the Desi Chef) launched in North Bay with Indian street-food staples plus Canadian-style poutine options. Health Cannabis Access: Tilray is acquiring HelloMD to expand direct-to-patient medical cannabis capabilities in Canada.

RTD & Spirits Investment: me&brands (behind Canada’s Nütrl Vodka Soda) is backing Los Sundays Tequila and says it’s planning expansion into Canada plus a 2026 tequila soda RTD launch. Starbucks Canada Menu: Starbucks is rolling out new summer drinks and treats nationwide June 30, including the return of the S’mores Frappuccino (first time in six years) and a new S’mores Cold Brew with marshmallow cold foam, plus Mango Strawberry Refreshers and Cinnamon Pull-Aparts. Beer Brand Push Tied to World Cup: BrewDog and Tilray Beer are adding Canada to their “world’s biggest bar tab” promotion after Canada advanced, with a potential £1M bar tab if Canada reaches the final. Restaurant & Chain News: DQ Canada launches a $10 Blizzard Treat Meal Deal and three new Blizzard Treats starting June 29, while Crumbl opens its first Mexico City store (late summer 2026) as it keeps expanding dessert fandom. Food Safety Career Signal: HACCP training is being positioned as a career-boosting credential as food manufacturers face more oversight and demand preventive systems. Local Hospitality Boost from Sports: Kelowna’s World Cup win is credited with driving big crowds and sales for local pubs and restaurants.

World Cup boosts Canadian food-and-drink demand: As Canada’s Round of 32 run drives crowds and watch parties, bars and restaurants across host cities are seeing a lift, with Metro Vancouver and other Metro areas planning big free public viewing spots that include food trucks and beverage gardens. Niagara wine tourism keeps leveling up: Niagara Falls’ wine region is getting fresh momentum from new restaurants and major cool-climate wine projects, adding to the area’s already strong visitor pull. Local dining spotlight (North Van): Phonatic Social in North Vancouver is drawing lunchtime crowds with Northern Vietnamese dishes and a packed patio, leaning into the World Cup vibe while building a repeat customer base. Community fundraising burgers: Fort Frances’ “Great Burger Giveback” has local restaurants selling special burgers to fund MRI and digital radiology equipment for Riverside Health Care. Recycling infrastructure opens in Ontario: WM Canada officially opened a $150M recycling facility in Cambridge that will process up to 160,000 tonnes annually—supporting the broader circular economy that affects food packaging and waste streams.

World Cup-fueled dining buzz: Canada’s host-city matchups are spilling into food and drink, with Metro Vancouver lining up free public watch parties (FIFA Fan Festival, Granville Island, and North Vancouver’s Shipyards) featuring food trucks and beverage gardens for fans. Local hospitality spotlight: Browns Crafthouse Vic West is leaning into sports-bar energy as a neighbourhood social hub, while a new Hampton Wick coffee shop (Fifty – More Than Just Coffee) is building its menu around specialty roasts and an ice-cream-friendly vibe. Recycling and circular economy: Cambridge’s $150M WM Canada recycling facility officially opened, using AI optical sorters and robotic sorting to process up to 160,000 metric tonnes annually—an infrastructure win for Ontario’s waste-to-resource push. Food culture at events: Chatham-Kent’s Taste of CK and soccer-themed community gatherings show how match-day hype is driving snack-and-social moments. Sweet local tourism: Collingwood’s Great Collingwood Butter Tart Fest (July 4) is set to pull in crowds with award-winning tarts and a marketplace of local makers.

World Cup watch culture (Canada): Vancouver police say 12 arrests and six ejections followed the Belgium–New Zealand match, with most incidents tied to alcohol around Granville and fan zones. Local hospitality (Ottawa): A long-running jeweller leans on old-school service, pairing sales with coffee, wine and snacks to keep customers coming back. Food & drink business impact (Canada/US): A New Jersey steak spot near MetLife says World Cup crowds didn’t translate into sales, blaming match-day gridlock alerts for a reported 60% drop on some days. Canadian tourism pressure: A new report highlights how visitor surges strain small-town infrastructure, with Banff singled out for near-capacity road stress. Ginger ale comeback (Ontario): Temagami Dry is back in the spotlight with a July 4 sampling event tied to the region’s beverage revival. Restaurant scene (Vancouver): A new Persian dining option is drawing attention in Saanich, adding to the city’s growing mix of global cuisines. Sushi industry note: Pioneering sushi chef Katsuya Uechi, whose brand includes a Toronto location, has died at 67.

Heritage Drink Revival: Temagami Dry is back, with a July 4 launch party at the historic Temagami Train Station featuring sampling and community networking; the soda traces to 1919 North Bay bottling, and after Fortier Beverages stopped making it in 2019, the trademark was reclaimed and now royalties flow to the town. World Cup Watch Culture: Halifax fans are packing bars and restaurants for Team Canada’s knockout push, with earlier Canada Soccer House viewing at Vancouver’s Grafton Street Beer Garden drawing hundreds. Local Hospitality Expansion: Vancouver’s Sumu is set to open later this July at 888 Burrard St, taking over the old Sala Thai spot and offering yakitori, binchotan nabe hot pot, and drinks “one table, different cravings.” Food Prices & Supply Chain: Manitoba’s Grocery Price Strategy report shifts focus from farmers to the wider, harder-to-see supply chain and pricing pressures behind affordability. Alcohol Policy Pilot: Medicine Hat will allow alcohol in designated picnic areas at select parks starting July 2 through September, with rules aimed at keeping it away from playgrounds and events. Sugar Industry Update: Rogers Sugar says the UFCW union has ratified an extension of the Taber refinery collective agreement to March 2032.

Sugar Sector Deal: Rogers Sugar says the UFCW union at its Taber sugar beet refinery has ratified an extension of its collective agreement to March 2032, anchoring Alberta operations and supply for the Canadian food industry. Accessibility & Retail Enforcement: Ontario is rolling out an on-the-spot $500 ticket tool for guide-dog access refusals, aiming to make the Blind Persons’ Rights Act easier to enforce in restaurants, stores, hotels and transit. Local Food Relief: An Edmonton restaurant is running a Venezuela earthquake fundraiser where $20 donations include a free beef, chicken or cheese empanada, with proceeds earmarked for hospital medical supplies. Restaurant/Brand News: Miss Vickie’s is bringing back its Ristoranti Series with three new chip flavours tied to Canadian Italian restaurants, plus early reservations for 100 people. Community Dining & Culture: Cornwall’s pizza scene gets a TV boost with a new Bell Fibe TV1 series, while a Tsuut’ina Nation-guided McDonald’s design breaks ground in Alberta. World Cup Spillover (Food & Hospitality): Toronto’s World Cup match crowds are driving stadium-area spending and watch-party demand, with local officials pointing to the tournament’s boost to restaurants and tourism.