AGP Executive Report

Labour Dispute: Nearly 900 workers at Ajax Casino and Pickering Casino Resort walked off the job after contract talks with Great Canadian Entertainment broke down, with Unifor saying the strike covers gaming, food and beverage, housekeeping and more. Restaurant & Retail Buzz: Subwayᴹᴰ Canada is bringing back its original artisanal flatbread to participating locations after social-media demand. Foodservice Expansion: Jersey Mike’s is set to open a new Toronto location Aug. 5 at 40 Eglinton Ave. E., with a Make-A-Wish Canada fundraiser tied to the grand opening. Travel & Hospitality: WestJet launches a new Winnipeg–Punta Cana nonstop starting Nov. 28, with Sunwing packages going on sale Nov. 4. Tourism Events: Taste of the Danforth returns Aug. 7–9 on Toronto’s Danforth, with organizers expecting 1.5 million visitors and a beer garden plus other themed zones. Local Food Scene: A new 20-seat French Kitchen opens in Toronto’s Junction, offering a $148 seasonal multicourse menu from chef Didier Leroy.

M&A in Convenience: Alimentation Couche-Tard says it will buy a controlling stake in Poland’s Żabka Group, launching a voluntary tender offer at PLN 32.00 per share (about US$8.48), in what it calls the biggest acquisition in its history. Coffee Manufacturing: Mother Parkers Tea & Coffee opened a new Mississauga facility to expand coffee extract production, aiming to scale cold brew, iced coffee and concentrates for retail, foodservice and industrial customers across Canada and the U.S. Fresh Food Leadership: 7-Eleven Canada appointed Clifford Fong as senior category manager of fresh food and proprietary beverages, overseeing Slurpee and other in-store brands. Local Food Economy: Regina’s Globe Theatre got a nearly $1.4M city loan, with nearby restaurants saying show nights drive pre-show dinner traffic. Restaurant/Brand Expansion: Famous Dave’s plans a new Winnipeg location is mentioned alongside its broader growth, while Mother Parkers’ expansion signals more supply-side muscle for Canadian coffee options. Trade Pressure: U.S. tariff changes are flagged as “tariff fatigue,” with potential knock-on effects for food and drink costs.

Halal Transparency Debate: A Canadian food-policy explainer says halal rules only require certification details when a product is marketed as halal—raising concerns about consumers unknowingly eating halal-produced meat. Public Health & Food Allergies: Researchers at McGill’s affiliated Institute published Canada’s first cohort study on FPIES, detailing triggers and symptoms in 87 children. Cyclospora Watch: An infectious-disease podcast episode revisits the 1996 cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to imported raspberries, as cases remain a live concern. Restaurant/Market Moves: Yum! Brands says Taco Bell sales are steadily improving after a cyclospora-linked lettuce outbreak hit foot traffic. Beverage Industry: Bacardi Canada promotes Kevin Gouthro to managing director, based in Toronto. Food Events: Taste of the Danforth returns Aug. 7–9 with free entry, 100+ vendors, and 25+ cuisines. Food Business Finance: Jersey Mike’s IPO lands in focus as shares open below offer price, with the chain operating 3,300+ locations across the U.S. and Canada.

Wildfire smoke hits tourism and hospitality: Michigan lawmakers and the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association are weighing the health and economic fallout from Canadian wildfire smoke, with a push for $3M in Pure Michigan promotion funding to help restaurants and bars recover lost summer revenue. Outdoor safety disruption: Parks Canada says parts of the West Coast Trail on Vancouver Island are “impassable” after heavy rain, triggering evacuations and refunds for hikers with reservations up to Aug. 1. Local tourism reputation risk: In Kelowna, wildfire smoke recently blanketed the Central Okanagan, and Tourism Kelowna warns that even a couple smoky days can damage how visitors judge the region. Food business spotlight: A Ukrainian family in Neepawa launched the Happy Clover Food Truck, bringing shawarma, bubble waffles, coffee and ice cream to Manitoba community events. Food industry watch: A new report projects foodservice paper bags growing from US$2.5B (2026) to US$3.7B by 2033 as single-use plastic restrictions drive demand. Public health note: Cyclosporiasis cases continue to rise in the U.S., with investigators still working to pinpoint sources.

Trade & Tariffs: Prime Minister Mark Carney dodged whether Canada’s energy sector could be used as a bargaining chip in U.S. trade talks as 50% tariffs on selected Canadian imports are set to hit Aug. 19, with dairy and alcoholic beverages flagged. Local Food Connections: A new Farm to Flavours guide series aims to link southeastern Ontario residents with the neighbours who grow and serve local food. Restaurant Buzz: St. Louis Bar & Grill is pushing a Change.org petition to add a “chicken wing flat” emoji, arguing the only wing option is a drumstick. Big-Chain Moves: Panera says it’s relocating its headquarters to Weston, Mass., next year as part of its “Panera RISE” transformation. Market Watch: Cheesecake Factory shares jumped after results topped expectations, boosting founder David Overton’s fortune above $300M. Food Safety/Health Study: A study tracking sugary drink habits from childhood found higher adult blood pressure risk tied to frequent sugar-sweetened beverages (fruit juice showed a similar link; whole fruit didn’t).

Temporary Foreign Workers Debate: New research for CFIB says many youth won’t take the jobs tied to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program—overnight shifts, heavy physical work, outdoor weather exposure, and rural schedules—challenging claims foreign labour is displacing Canadian youth. Vancouver Hotel Boom: Vancouver City Council approved a 7-3 rezoning for Holborn Group’s Hudson’s Bay parkade redevelopment, including a 1,034-ft tower with 920 hotel rooms and major event space. Beverage Transparency Push: Coke, Pepsi and other major brands are adding QR codes to cans and bottles that send shoppers to “Good to Know” ingredient explainers, including safety assessments from regulators like Health Canada. Coffee Supply Chain Upgrade: Mother Parkers Tea & Coffee opened its Mississauga “Complete Extract Solutions” facility to scale cold-brew and coffee extract products for foodservice and retail across Canada and the U.S. Local Brewing Revival: Thunder Bay’s Sleeping Giant Brewing Company brand and recipes were acquired by Original Gravity, with fresh beer expected back on shelves soon. Foodservice Marketing: Tim Hortons’ Harry Potter-themed donuts and merch are back for “Back to Hogwarts,” sparking renewed backlash online.

Coffee & Cold Brew Expansion: Mother Parkers Tea & Coffee officially opened its new 320,000-sq.-ft “Complete Extract Solutions” facility in Mississauga, built to scale coffee-extract formats like cold brew, iced coffee and concentrates for foodservice, retail, private label and industrial customers across Canada and the U.S. Hospitality & First Nations Business: Thunder Bay airport broke ground plans for Canada’s first Cambria hotel next to the terminal, with 90% First Nations ownership and a full-service restaurant and bar slated for a September 2027 opening. Local Dining Spotlight: Ottawa’s Arlo became the first local restaurant to land in the 50 Best Discovery guide, adding to its 2020 launch buzz. QSR & Menu Buzz: Tim Hortons is rolling out a “Back to Hogwarts” Harry Potter-themed menu and merch for its 25th anniversary of the first film, starting Aug. 12. Community Giving: DQ Canada’s Miracle Treat Day returns Aug. 13, with Blizzard Treat proceeds supporting 13 children’s hospitals nationwide. Foodservice Tech: Yelp Host says its AI phone answering hit 1 million calls and now supports phone-based ordering plus reservations syncing with OpenTable in the U.S. and Canada.

Tim Hortons Harry Potter tie-in: The chain will launch “Back to Hogwarts with Harry Potter” on Aug. 12 with Hogwarts house donuts, a temperature-activated Patronus cup, and themed merch/packaging. U.S. tariff pressure on Canadian spirits: A new 50% U.S. duty on covered Canadian products starting Aug. 19 includes Canadian whisky, with companies bracing for gradual shelf-price changes while talks continue. Cranberry mixer push: Red Wolf Beverage Consulting is partnering with Ocean Spray to expand off-premise distribution, aiming to place juices and mixers alongside premium spirits. Kombucha brand story: Toronto entrepreneur Zoey Shamai shares how she built one of Canada’s recognizable kombucha brands from a home-brewed start. Food retail expansion: Costco plans a $37M Belleville outlet with a large warehouse and gas bar, with site prep expected this fall and completion targeted for late 2027. On-the-ground demand: Kelowna restaurants report a boost from the BC Summer Games bringing thousands of athletes and families.

New Product Launch: KFC Canada is rolling out Kwench, a new beverage brand with four drink categories (Krunch Shakes, Sparkling Lemonades, Boba Refreshers, Iced Lattes) hitting 170+ locations by summer’s end and expanding to 600 in 2027. Retail & Grocery Moves: Vancouver online grocer SPUD has been acquired by GrubMarket, aiming to expand B2C e-commerce reach across BC and Alberta while keeping SPUD’s local sourcing and leadership in place. Food Safety (Cross-Border): USDA recalls Canadian bacon sold at Grocery Outlet after import reinspection was missed, and another recall involves Canadian canned chicken noodle soup shipped to Oklahoma food banks without required inspection. Convenience Drinks: 7-Eleven Canada is adding 7-Select Soda (Cola Classic, Orange Soda, Lemon-Lime Twist) at participating stores. Brand/Marketing Tie-Ins: Tim Hortons’ “Back to Hogwarts” Harry Potter menu and merch launches Aug. 12, including house-flavoured items and Patronus/Forbidden Forest drink quenchers. Community & Local Food: Cochrane Food Bank reports early 2026 usage is tracking below 2025, with higher benefits easing pressure.

International Expansion: Chipotle opened its first restaurant in Mexico (Monterrey-area) via partner Alsea, with more Nuevo León locations planned and Mexico City targeted for 2027. Food Safety Watch: A major U.S. cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled iceberg lettuce has pushed consumers away from leafy greens, with health officials warning cases may keep rising. Local Food & Community: Toronto Police are investigating two vandalism incidents at Jewish-owned Kiva’s Bagel Bakery, including a window struck by gunfire, as suspected hate-motivated offences. Agri-Food Innovation: Kansas durum wheat bred for pasta could help bring more wheat acreage back to the state. Beverage & Retail: Niagara College launched Campus Crush RTD seltzers (Raspberry Rhubarb Rosé and Lime Cucumber Riesling) through its Craft Beverage Centre. Industry Talent: Orillia Starbucks barista Percy Thomas advanced to Eastern Canada’s regional barista championship, aiming for North America finals in Seattle.

Trade & Pricing Pressure: The U.S. is escalating its tariff fight with Canada, with new 50% levies on a wide range of Canadian goods (including alcohol) set to start Aug. 19, raising fresh questions about what happens to cross-border food and drink prices. Food Safety Shock: In the U.S., cyclospora cases tied to recalled iceberg lettuce have triggered a “Great Lettuce Scare,” and the FDA’s earlier positive finding was later walked back as a false positive—fueling confusion and pushing shoppers away from leafy greens. Canadian Beverage Innovation: Niagara College’s Craft Beverage Centre is launching Campus Crush RTD seltzers—Raspberry Rhubarb Rosé and Lime Cucumber Riesling—made through a teaching winery and research collaboration. Restaurant/Brand Expansion: Jersey Mike’s is planning a massive expansion, including 7,500 new stores in the U.S., with Canada and the UK/Ireland also in its growth plan. Local Food Culture: Toronto is set to vote on a temporary “BTS Boulevard” street co-naming during the band’s concerts, tying pop culture to local events like the Toronto Korean Festival.

Direct-to-Consumer Alcohol: Newfoundland and Labrador has signed an agreement to let eligible wineries, breweries, cideries and distilleries sell and ship directly to consumers across participating provinces, with the Newfoundland and Labrador Liquor Corporation administering the framework and producers handling orders, payment, delivery and age checks. Food Safety Watch: A former top U.S. FDA official says the Cyclospora outbreak response is nearing a “catastrophic level,” as infections rise and federal coordination and messaging face scrutiny amid confusion over testing linked to recalled iceberg lettuce. Trade Pressure on Drinks: Canadian alcohol producers are bracing for U.S. tariff escalation, with reports tying the latest threats to alcohol and other goods—raising uncertainty for cross-border sales. Local Beverage Innovation: Niagara College launched “Campus Crush” wine-based seltzers (Raspberry Rhubarb Rosé and Lime Cucumber Riesling) at its Craft Beverage Centre, created through a teaching winery and research collaboration. Coffee Culture: An Orillia Starbucks barista, Percy Thomas, advanced to the Eastern Canada Regional Barista Championship, earning a shot at the North America finals in Seattle. Heat & Travel Context: A heatwave roundup highlights how people are adjusting routines to stay safe and cool—relevant for summer food and drink operations.

RTD Innovation in Niagara: Niagara College’s Craft Beverage Centre is rolling out “Campus Crush” seltzers—Raspberry Rhubarb Rosé and Lime Cucumber Riesling—made through a Teaching Winery and Food and Beverage Innovation Centre collaboration. Food Safety Watch: A major Cyclospora outbreak in the U.S. is linked to recalled iceberg lettuce from central Mexico, with health agencies urging people not to eat the product and to return or discard it. Trade Pressure on Canadian Alcohol: Canadian alcohol producers are adjusting to Trump’s threatened 50% tariffs, with non-alcoholic beer brand Nonny describing cross-border shipping delays and the need to stay nimble. Industry Response to Food Security: Canada’s food and beverage sector is responding to the federal National Food Security Strategy, pushing for practical steps to strengthen resilience. Wildfire Climate Risk: WTTC is calling for stronger destination resilience after devastating wildfires in Spain and France, noting Canada’s recent wildfire season as another warning sign.

National Food Security Strategy: Food & Beverage Canada says Ottawa’s National Food Security Strategy is a welcome nod to the sector, but wants more detail—especially a clearer pathway to expand domestic processing capacity as funding shifts and could get oversubscribed. Trade & grocery pressure: With new U.S. 50% tariffs on Canadian goods set for Aug. 19 (including items like hockey equipment, wine/whiskey and honey), the Canadian grocery industry is bracing for uncertainty and possible price impacts on both sides of the border. Alcohol rules easing: Saskatchewan’s direct-to-consumer alcohol push is getting a boost as provinces move to reduce barriers to buying alcohol across jurisdictions, a change distillers say could finally make online sales work better. Food safety watch: Quebec doctors urge “attention, not alarm” as cyclosporiasis cases rise, while U.S. investigators continue tracing outbreaks tied to contaminated produce. Restaurant TV drama: Chef Robert Irvine is blasting Food Network’s Restaurant Impossible reboot, saying the network is “ruining” the show’s legacy over production choices and tax-credit claims. Health & food link: A new report highlights a possible connection between marathon/ultramarathon training and higher colon cancer risk, adding to the broader debate on exercise and long-term health.

Food Insecurity, Community Action: Montreal pastry shop founder Jean-François Archambault’s La Tablée des Chefs keeps recovering restaurant food to fight hunger, turning “senseless waste” into meals for Canadians who can’t access enough nutritious food. Food Safety, Outbreak Response: The U.S. FDA is launching a traceback investigation into a second cyclosporiasis outbreak as cases keep climbing, following a larger Taco Bell-linked lettuce outbreak that has spread across multiple states. Manufacturing Disruption, Dairy: Coca-Cola says a ransomware attack halted all U.S. production at Fairlife; Canadian operations weren’t affected, but the incident underlines supply-chain fragility for protein and dairy products. Business Growth, Protein Ingredients: Phytokana Ingredients closed a $25M unit offering to move forward on Alberta’s commercial-scale dry fractionation facility for protein concentrates and high-protein flour. Trade, Price Pressure: New U.S. tariffs (including on Canada) are expected to ripple into consumer prices, with knock-on effects for everyday goods and household costs. Retail/Restaurant, Customer Service: Burger King is rolling out a “Whopper Guarantee” plus a new in-restaurant leadership role to fix order issues faster after guest complaints. M&A, Seafood Distribution: HF Foods is acquiring Richmond, B.C.-based Searay Foods for about CAD 47.9M to expand its frozen ethnic and specialty seafood distribution footprint.

Food Safety Recall: The CFIA says Heavenly Spices garlic powder (70g, sold at Dollarama and online) is being recalled over possible Bacillus cereus contamination that can cause vomiting and diarrhea; affected batch/use-by details were shared and consumers are told not to use the product. Public Health Travel Advisory: Canada’s updated U.S. travel guidance flags cyclosporiasis as outbreaks rise south of the border, urging travellers to be “aware, but not alarmed,” and to seek care if diarrhea lasts more than a week. Retail & Consumer Spending: StatCan reports Canadian retail sales rose 1% to $73.7B in May, helped by higher gas prices; core sales were also up 0.9%. Restaurant/Quick Service: Burger King rolled out its “Whopper Guarantee,” offering an on-the-spot remake and a future free Whopper via QR redemption if the order doesn’t meet expectations. Local Food Business: Downtown Edmonton continues to feel the impact of restaurant closures, with retailers citing safety and construction as key headwinds. Trade Watch: PM Mark Carney says Canada will do “whatever it takes” amid escalating U.S. tariff threats, with food and beverage exporters watching closely.