Food Policy & Taxes: California’s Secretary of State cleared a proposed initiative to exempt more food and nonalcoholic beverages from state and local sales taxes, while keeping alcohol and other categories out. Health & Consumer Choices: Dietitians warn Starbucks’ Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino is a sugar- and calorie-heavy pick with little nutrition, while other morning drink swaps are pitched for steadier blood sugar. Coffee Costs & Supply: Coffee prices are rising sharply in the UK, with bean shortages and higher supply costs pushing up supermarket and café bills. Industry & Retail Shifts: Coca-Cola and PepsiCo are thinning grocery lineups as demand softens and consumers change habits, signaling continued product rationalisation. Sustainability & Circular Economy: Ontario municipalities, including Hamilton, are urging a deposit-return system for non-alcoholic beverage containers to lift recycling rates. Innovation in Food: A Vancouver firm is farming mycelium in bioreactors to help stretch meat costs by blending fungus-based ingredients into meals. Global Trade & Manufacturing: Saudifood Show and Saudifood Manufacturing 2026 open in Jeddah with 1,000+ exhibitors across the full food value chain. Coffee & Nutrition Science: Experts note coffee can reduce non-haem iron absorption if consumed with iron-rich meals, especially for people already at risk.