AGP Executive Report

Michelin Spotlight (Toronto): Restaurant Pearl Morissette in Jordan Station kept its two Michelin stars in the 2026 Michelin Guide for Toronto and region, while no new stars were awarded; the guide also added five new Bib Gourmands, including Toronto’s Antylia and St. Catharines’ Les Incompetents. Restaurant Rankings (Chinese dining): Metro Vancouver dominated the 2026 Chinese Restaurant Awards Elite 30 Canada list, with Mott 32 taking No. 1 and Richmond alone landing 11 spots. Hospitality & Tourism (Niagara-on-the-Lake): Hyatt opened The Clayfield in Niagara-on-the-Lake, a wine-country hotel with a rooftop patio, spa, and a Niagara-focused restaurant, targeting stays through April 2027. Food & Drink Business (Canada): KD is launching mac n’ cheese flavoured soda in Canada, while Tim Hortons and adidas teamed up for National Coffee Day with a new TimShop collection. Food Safety Policy (India, watchlist): India’s FSSAI told its Supreme Court it’s moving to single-phase front-of-pack nutrition labelling with a one-year transition for industry.

Calgary Food-Safety & Community Safety: Police charged two men after a hate-motivated assault outside a Calgary restaurant left a woman trapped in a tipped-over portable washroom; she was freed by bystanders and treated for exposure to waste and toxic chemicals. Agri-Food & Jobs: Switzerland-based Givaudan will invest $215M in Indiana to build a liquids production facility, creating 250+ jobs by 2031—another sign of agribusiness growth tied to food ingredients. Beverage Retail & Alcohol Policy: Nova Scotia Liquor Corp. says it’s largely sold off its remaining U.S. booze inventory after tariffs, with alcohol sales down slightly in the latest quarter. Canadian F&B Innovation: Kraft Heinz and Toronto’s Solly’s Craft Soda launched a limited-edition KD mac n’ cheese flavoured soda in Canada. Tourism + Local Food: Canadian Rockies International Airport (YXC) is adding Peppergrass Market and Café, highlighting locally sourced products as terminal upgrades move ahead. Food Waste to Fuel: Vanguard Renewables agreed to buy Generate Upcycle’s North American food-waste processing and renewable natural gas facilities, boosting capacity in Canada and the U.S. Restaurant Industry Spotlight: Top Chef Canada returns Oct. 20 for Season 13, with a B.C. chef (Stephanie Baryluk) among the cast.

Restaurant & Hospitality Buzz: Tim Hortons is rolling out a Strawberry Iced Matcha Latte and hot Strawberry Matcha Latte, plus Strawberry Soda Swirls, as it leans further into matcha. Michelin Spotlight (Canada): Toronto’s 2026 Michelin Guide is out with no new stars, but 5 new Bib Gourmands and 11 new “Recommended” picks across the city and region. Local Food on the Move: Canadian Rockies International Airport (YXC) is adding a new Peppergrass Market and Café featuring locally sourced products, alongside parking and terminal upgrades. Industry & Culture: Wine Growers Canada is launching “Come Over October,” encouraging Canadians to reconnect over shared meals, with national Days of Action on Oct. 1 and Oct. 16. Food Policy & Trade: B.C. is expanding support for businesses hit by U.S. tariffs, including more funding for manufacturing and rural diversification programs. Seafood Ethics: More than 120 chefs signed an open letter pledging to stop serving ocean-farmed salmon until it’s produced without unacceptable harm to wild salmon and marine ecosystems.

Airport & retail upgrades: Canadian Rockies International Airport (YXC) is repaving its parking lot and expanding food and beverage options, with Peppergrass Market and Café set to open and feature locally sourced products as passenger traffic rises 4.2% year over year. Beer, cider & shelf strategy: A new industry roundup urges retailers to stock balanced mixes—core brands plus alcohol-free—while giving Ontario craft beer real visibility at grab-and-go moments. Hospitality ownership: Victoria’s Hotel Zed and Accent Inns are changing hands as Synvest Group takes over at month-end, with the ROAR restaurant included. Agri-food processing push: A Protein Industries Canada report says redirecting 10% of crop exports to domestic value-added processing could add up to $5.4B GDP and create about 34,000 jobs. Food retail expansion: 7-Eleven Canada is importing Korean snacks (including Tteokbokki, honey butter popcorn and yogurt jelly gummies) this fall. Manufacturing investment: Broccolini has started a $141M expansion at Coke Canada Bottling’s Brampton facility, adding a new production line targeted for late 2027. Trade & tariffs pressure: B.C. is expanding business support tied to U.S. tariffs, with added funding for manufacturing, rural diversification and BuyBC. Global food culture angle: An editorial highlights how everyday foods like fried chicken and bubble tea are building people-to-people ties between China and the U.S. Cruise tourism boost: Vancouver’s Canada Place is on track for a record cruise season with 141 ship calls and 560,000 passenger visits through June.

Airport & Hospitality Watch: Canada’s federal government is moving to sell airport concessions in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto and Montreal, aiming to improve passenger experience and build a more globally competitive private operator. Sports Bar Expansion: Quebec’s La Cage opened its first UK restaurant in London, leaning into hockey-and-screens tech and a high-spec “sports brasserie” concept. Beef Supply & Prices: Beef imports from Australia jumped 94% in the first half of 2026, as Canada shifts away from more U.S. sourcing toward cheaper Oceania options. Food Safety & Recall Risk: Multiple sandwich brands sold by a Calgary company were recalled over possible listeria concerns, keeping food safety top of mind. Industry Pressure: Restaurants are feeling the squeeze from higher gas and transport costs, with ingredient price hikes showing up first in delivery-heavy menus. Trade & Cost of Living: Canada introduced counter-tariffs on $27.6B in U.S. imports after U.S. levies, adding pressure for shoppers and businesses. Workforce Outlook: A new report says Canada’s food and beverage sector needs 173,000 new hires to 2034, highlighting looming staffing gaps.

LCBO Debate: A new op-ed argues Ontario’s LCBO—publicly owned for a century—has driven massive beverage-alcohol sales and dividends, and questions whether dismantling or privatizing it would protect jobs and market-building. Household Food Spend: Revised StatCan data shows Alberta households led Canada in 2023 current-consumption spending, with food averaging $13,999 per household and restaurant spending rebounding to $3,316. Pizza Delivery Boost: Skip and Domino’s are teaming up so Domino’s is now available on Skip across Canada, with a launch promo for first orders. Foodservice Costs & Energy: FMI says food inflation could tick up this fall as higher energy prices raise costs across trucking, cold storage and supply chains. Coffee Recognition: Evans Brothers Coffee won gold at the 2026 Global Coffee Awards (US & Canada) for a Colombia single-origin. Wildfire Impact on Wine: B.C. wineries report wildfire damage affecting grapes and revenue, with some regions facing recovery challenges. Trade Pressure: Canada introduced counter-tariffs on $27.6B in U.S. imports after the U.S. matched Canadian levies, raising affordability and job-loss worries. Sustainability & Organics: Vanguard Renewables agreed to acquire Generate Upcycle’s North American operations, expanding food-waste-to-renewable natural gas capacity across the U.S. and Canada.

Brand & Retail: Tim Hortons is teaming up with adidas for National Coffee Day, launching a limited-edition “Tims Run Club” footwear and apparel line on Sept. 24 (early access for Tims Rewards members; public launch Sept. 26), plus the return of retro coffee cups in restaurants. Food Safety & Inspections: York County restaurant inspections (Sept. 21) flagged issues ranging from dirty equipment and temperature-control gaps to cracked surfaces and improper storage. Industry & Trade: A report says pangasius demand in the U.S. is holding up despite tariffs and higher freight costs, but rising prices are squeezing some segments and pushing buyers toward value. Health & Consumer Trends: A coffee roundup points to new research separating caffeine effects from coffee compounds, while noting that added sugar and certain brewing methods can change outcomes. Events: Vancouver hosted a Gluten Free Expo featuring gluten-free food and beverage sampling, shopping, and education. Business Growth: Boatyard Distillery is set for a major expansion, aiming to scale production more than fivefold.

Airport & Travel Dining: Seattle-Tacoma is adding new Pacific Northwest coffee, food and retail spots across 17 locations, aiming for more choice and better value for travellers. Airport Hospitality Upgrades: Aberdeen International Airport is investing £2.5M to expand post-security dining and retail, including a stronger coffee lineup, ahead of summer 2027. Hotel Recognition: Toronto’s Hazelton Hotel earns AAA Five Diamond status after in-person inspections, joining a small North American group at the top tier. Foodservice & Tourism Demand: Niagara Falls prepares for the second Misty City Music Festival (Sept. 18–20), expecting big crowds that should boost restaurants, bars and hotels around the Fallsview area. Canada Food & Beverage Workforce: A new report says Canada’s food and beverage sector needs 173K workers by 2034, underlining ongoing hiring pressure across the industry.

Trade & Pricing Pressure: Trump’s aluminum tariffs are pushing up costs for Canadian beer makers, with Windsor’s Walkerville Brewery warning it may have to raise prices in the next few months as can costs climb. Workforce Outlook: A new report says Canada’s food and beverage sector needs about 173,000 workers by 2034 to meet demand. Airport Food & Retail: Seattle-Tacoma selected new dining and retail concepts for 17 airport locations, while Canada’s travel experience theme continues with airport upgrades like Aberdeen’s £2.5M plan to expand post-security dining and coffee. Food Safety Recall: Frozen raspberries are being recalled in Canada over norovirus risk. Local Dining Buzz: Two new Kelowna eateries are leaning into oysters and cocktails as they open on Bernard Avenue. Consumer Spend Watch: With the Fed rate decision out of the way, markets are set to refocus on food and dining results from major companies, as consumers face “stress” and value options gain traction.

Flagship Retail: Toronto’s Absolutely Fabrics opened a new 7,000 sq. ft. Summerhill flagship with a dedicated menswear floor and a curated mix of designers and archival vintage. Hospitality & Travel: Air France is set to open its largest international lounge at JFK’s Terminal One, with French dining and premium spaces for relaxation and work. Sports Tourism Eats: With the UCI Road World Championships taking over Montréal streets Sept. 20–27, Time Out Market Montréal is pitching itself as the go-to pit stop for food and drinks during road closures. Airport Food & Drink: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport selected 11 concessionaires for 17 new dining and retail spots, leaning into Pacific Northwest coffee and local brands. Trade & Beer Prices: Windsor’s Walkerville Brewery says Trump tariffs are pushing up costs for beer cans and ingredients, with price hikes likely in the next few months. Workforce Crunch: A new report says Canada’s food and beverage manufacturing sector needs 173,000 new hires by 2034 to keep up with growth and retirements. Food Safety Recall: Alasko frozen raspberries are recalled in multiple provinces over norovirus risk. Industry Hiring: Food Processing Skills Canada forecasts demand across operators, labourers and sales roles as the sector expands.

Workforce Crunch: Canada’s food and beverage manufacturing sector needs about 173,000 new hires by 2034 to replace departing workers and support growth, with operators in highest demand, according to Food Processing Skills Canada. Agri-Food Financing: Farm Credit Canada is launching a $1B agri-food project finance fund plus a $150M agri-food capital fund to close processing-capacity gaps and boost domestic manufacturing. Tariff Fallout Support: B.C. announced extra funding for programs to help businesses hit by U.S. tariffs invest, commercialize tech, and expand markets. Food Business Moves: HF Foods Group says it has terminated its at-the-market equity offering program. Manufacturing Investment: Kikkoman marked the grand opening of a new production facility in Jefferson, backed by performance-based tax incentives and new jobs. Dining & Retail Pulse: Costco is expanding ultra-fast delivery via DoorDash and Uber (and it’s already available in Canada), while restaurant operators continue feeling inflation pressure. Food Culture & Community: Air Canada’s Best New Restaurants finalists include multiple B.C. spots, and local events keep food front-and-centre.

Workforce Crunch: Food and beverage manufacturing in Canada needs 173,000 new hires by 2034, with nearly 100,000 roles just to replace workers leaving the labour force, according to Food Processing Skills Canada. Agri-Food Financing: Farm Credit Canada is launching a $1-billion Agri-food Project Finance Fund plus a $150-million equity investment to expand value-added processing capacity, with a 60-day call for mid-market projects. Product Safety: CFIA recalled certain Fresh & Local and Fresh Bites sandwiches in Alberta due to possible listeria contamination, with no illnesses reported. Industry Hiring & Growth Pressure: The same FPSC report says the sector will need about 19,200 new workers per year through 2034, led by operator roles. Brand & Product Marketing: Activia rolled out a Canada-wide recipe and brand evolution focused on gut health, positioning a “triple-benefit” formula. Foodservice Cost Reality: A B.C. report says 90% of restaurants have raised prices amid inflation pressures. Supply Chain Data Push: Commport and Fegmo announced a partnership to help retailers and distributors use governed product data for ecommerce and AI shopping. Corporate Moves: HF Foods Group terminated its at-the-market equity offering program, effective Sept. 24, 2026.

Airport & Travel Partnerships: Aspire Pre-Flight Hospitality and American Express opened a co-branded lounge at Calgary International Airport, with local food partner Charcut and a Calgary-inspired design. Canadian Dining Spotlight: Air Canada’s Best New Restaurants shortlist for 2026 names 30 finalists nationwide, including nine Toronto spots. Restaurant & Brand News: WestJet will start serving Tim Hortons “flight roast” coffee on flights from Nov. 30, with a loyalty tie-in planned for 2027. Food Safety: CFIA recalled Alasko frozen whole raspberries in seven provinces due to possible norovirus contamination. Industry Pressure & Policy: An airline industry group warned Prime Minister Mark Carney’s plan to privatize Canada’s biggest airports could raise airline fees and travel costs. Affordability & Circularity: Ikea Canada is pushing affordability and expanding its used-furniture sell-back program, arguing for removing second-hand sales taxes. Local Culture Through Food: Montreal’s music-meets-food scene gets a spotlight, from a tiny 16-seat tasting menu to punk-rock kitchens. New Restaurant Talent: Vancouver chefs are among regional finalists for the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy. Quick Hits: Two Calgary eateries made Air Canada’s best-new-restaurants finalists list; McDonald’s teased a new “world menu heist” after ending Monopoly.

Air Canada Dining: Two Calgary spots, Penny Crown Tavern and Sushi Jun, made the 30-finalist short list for Air Canada’s Best New Restaurants (25th anniversary), with the Top 10 set to be revealed in Toronto this November. Food Safety Recall: CFIA is warning Canadians about a recall of Alasko frozen whole raspberries in seven provinces due to possible norovirus contamination; consumers and businesses are told not to use or sell the affected 1-kg and 5-kg bags. Restaurant Community: A Swift Current museum drew 100+ attendees for a “Lunch and Talk” on the Matador Co-op Farm history, highlighting Saskatchewan’s co-op farming roots. Trade & Alcohol Jobs: U.S. Treasurer Deb Goldberg says tariff moves are destabilizing the alcohol industry and threatening jobs and tax revenues, with Canada-U.S. alcohol duties in the spotlight. On-Board Coffee: WestJet will serve a custom Tim Hortons “Flight Roast” blend starting Nov. 30, plus loyalty linking in 2027. School Lunch Support: In Grand Manan, a local restaurant is stepping in to run a hot school lunch program after delays tied to kitchen readiness and providers.

In-Flight Coffee Partnership: Tim Hortons is launching its “flight roast” on WestJet starting Nov. 30, with a later loyalty-program tie-up—built to taste right at high altitudes. Tourism Infrastructure Watch: Niagara Parks has dropped the observation wheel plan for Queen Victoria Park, but a 3.8-km electric tram (“Niagara River Line”) is still in play as the region targets more visitors and longer stays. Airport Food & Retail Experience: A new Abacus Data survey says 91% of Toronto Pearson passengers are satisfied, with top scores for cleanliness, getting around, and the airport’s shops, restaurants and services—supporting modernization investment. Local Food Scene: Ottawa’s Ek Bar is closing at month-end, while Vancouver Island’s Food Day Canada and Keating Farm are teaming up for “Harvest Table,” a late-September weekend spotlight on Island growers, fishers, and chefs. Food Safety Recall: Canada is seeing norovirus-linked frozen fruit recalls, including frozen raspberries, prompting shoppers to check lot details.

Production Expansion: Swiss Water is investing $6.2M to expand decaf coffee capacity at its Delta, B.C. plant, boosting maximum output by 15% with construction starting Q1 2027 and commercial operations targeted for July 2027. Food Safety Recall: CFIA is recalling specific frozen raspberries (Alasko Whole Raspberries and Alasko IQF Whole Raspberries, lot SY25314) due to possible norovirus contamination, with distribution across multiple provinces and instructions to not eat or distribute. Restaurant Pressure in B.C.: A new report says B.C. restaurants are feeling cost strain harder than the rest of Canada, with 90% raising menu prices in the past year and tariffs plus food-and-beverage costs topping concerns. Cross-Border Growth: Canadian sports bar chain Shark Club opened its second U.S. location in Northlake, Texas, aiming to blend upscale casual dining with classic bar food. Industry Operations: Private food fleets are shifting toward earlier risk identification and driver retention as shortages and costly litigation rise. Local Dining Events: Published on Main is hosting a one-night chef collaboration in October featuring chefs from Vancouver, San Francisco, and Winnipeg. Food & Drink Tourism: Cowichan Valley’s Harvest Table weekend pairs a long-table dinner with a B.C. craft cider festival. Competition Spotlight: Sarnia oyster shucker Anthony Wing is heading to the Raspberry Point International Oyster Shucking Championship in Charlottetown.