AGP Executive Report

Bar Scene: Cartagena’s Alquímico ranked No. 3 on the 2026 World’s 50 Best Bars list, putting Colombia’s cocktail scene among the global leaders. Food Policy: Ecuadorian health advocates are pressing for stronger action against industrial trans fats, which can occur in products such as margarine, cookies and fried foods. Restaurant Expansion: Shake Shack has entered Brazil as the country’s restaurant sector consolidates. Seafood Trade: Ecuador is seeking new export markets as its shrimp industry grows. Meat Supply: Brazil could import up to 100,000 tonnes of premium Angus and Hereford beef. Caribbean Business: Prestige Holdings reported a profit decline to $37.5 million, with foreign-exchange losses cited as a factor.

Brazilian Costs: September inflation reached 0.82%, with food among the groups adding upward pressure—a concern for food and beverage operators managing input costs. Ecuadorian Shrimp: As the industry expands, ProEcuador is seeking new export markets, according to a recent industry report. Brazil Expansion: Shake Shack is entering Brazil through a partnership with Bold Hospitality, adding to restaurant-sector consolidation. Caribbean Business: Prestige Holdings’ profit fell to $37.5 million, with foreign-exchange effects cited as a factor. Cuba Produce: Italy and Cuba are strengthening cooperation on sustainable pineapple and avocado production.

Restaurant Pressures: Venezuelan-owned Arempas has closed three of its six Utah restaurants; its owners say immigration enforcement has frightened customers and drained its workforce. Protein Industry: Pilgrim’s Pride has appointed advisers to review JBS N.V.’s unsolicited offer for shares it does not already own, a potential shake-up for a company with operations in Mexico and Puerto Rico. Market Expansion: Shake Shack is entering Brazil with local partner Bold Hospitality, as the country’s restaurant sector consolidates. Seafood Trade: Ecuador’s shrimp industry is growing, and ProEcuador is working to find new export markets. Caribbean Business: Prestige Holdings’ profit fell to $37.5 million. Farm Supply: Chinese demand is boosting Brazil’s sorghum exports, while drought has caused a lettuce shortage for KFC Jamaica.

Ecuadorian Seafood: Shrimp production is growing at more than 10% annually, and ProEcuador is working to find buyers as the country looks to expand capacity. Argentina’s Dining Sector: Buenos Aires restaurants face closures amid financial strain, with one venue also shut over a waste-sorting violation. Brazil Expansion: Shake Shack is entering Brazil through a partnership with Bold Hospitality. Grain Trade: Chinese demand is boosting Brazil’s sorghum exports, creating another growth avenue for the country’s farm sector. Jamaica Supply Pressure: KFC Jamaica warned customers of a lettuce shortage linked to drought, a reminder of climate risks for food supply.

PepsiCo: Third-quarter revenue rose 5.6% to $25.27 billion, with strong international snack demand; the company said it gained share in Brazil. Brazilian Agriculture: Chinese demand is boosting Brazil’s sorghum exports, while the country is set to import as much as 100,000 tonnes of premium Angus and Hereford beef, signaling shifting trade flows for producers and meat suppliers. Food Delivery: Keeta added 21 launches in Brazil, expanding to 32 cities and reaching 10 million app downloads as competition for restaurant orders intensifies. Mexico Retail: The Mexican Healthy Products Summit is set to connect global brands with the country’s retail market.

Brazilian Grain Trade: Chinese demand is driving a new export channel for Brazilian sorghum. Brazil could ship up to 2 million tonnes this year, while rail operator VLI expects to move 800,000 to 1 million tonnes after building dedicated handling capacity. Meat Imports: Brazil is set to import as much as 100,000 tonnes of premium Angus and Hereford beef, a notable development for regional meat trade. Food Safety: U.S. investigators found Cyclospora at a Taylor Farms lettuce operation in Mexico and a nearby drainage ditch, linking the findings to an outbreak and keeping attention on produce controls and supply-chain risks.

Brazil Delivery: Meituan’s Keeta is expanding into 21 more Brazilian cities, bringing its coverage to 32 and app downloads to 10 million. Beer Market: Constellation Brands beat quarterly earnings estimates, but investors questioned whether beer sales growth reflects consumer demand or distributor restocking; World Cup off-premise sales also fell short of industry expectations. Puerto Rico Flavors: Harina y Chocolate Cortés and cookie maker Dough have launched two permanent cookies inspired by the island’s hot chocolate and quesito traditions. Brazilian Beef: Brazil imports 80,000–100,000 tonnes of premium beef a year, including sirloin, tenderloin and rump, despite its position as a major producer and exporter. Culinary Tourism: Casa de Campo’s food and wine festival returns to the Dominican Republic this weekend, pairing local ingredients and chefs with international talent. Paraguay Barbecue: Asunción will host the 2028 Ancestral Barbecue World Championship, with organizers expecting about 80 teams and more than 1,000 foreign visitors.

RTD Spirits Deal: Constellation Brands agreed to buy SpikedAde for $75M upfront plus up to $278M in performance-based payments, betting on the fast-growing spirit-based “Ade” zero-sugar, 100-calorie RTD segment. On-Premise & Events: Ochsner LSU Health’s Eat Fit program is partnering with Shreveport-Bossier’s Red River Revel to flag healthier menu options with an orange seal, aiming to keep festival favorites while adding nutrition-friendly choices. Local Food Retail Compliance: Florida’s Paddock Market ordered five businesses to close over unlicensed activity, including a Colombian Bakery stall lacking required water and sewer connections—highlighting how permitting gaps can hit small food operators fast. Travel & Tourism (LATAM): Belize’s Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort was named #16 in Central America in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards, reinforcing the region’s pull for food-and-experience tourism. Colombia Cycling Tourism: Cartagena is gearing up for the Oct. 9–11 Gran Fondo Nairo Quintana Fest, blending cycling, brand activations, and public-facing events to draw visitors beyond race day.

Hospitality & Tourism: Four Seasons Resort and Residences Puerto Rico earned a MICHELIN Key, spotlighting the island’s luxury push and its local workforce as the property nears its first anniversary under the brand. Beverages & Retail: Coca-Cola’s Topo Chico Colección launches Oct. 5 in premium canned format, aiming to move sparkling water beyond a basic zero-calorie option. Foodservice & Community: Philadelphia’s Puentes de Salud is staging a restaurant-led fundraiser next week with seven eateries backing its low-cost care mission for uninsured Spanish-speaking workers and owners. Fresh Produce Supply Chain: Edible Garden won a Walmart fresh herb program for the Thanksgiving-to–New Year peak season, targeting higher holiday cooking demand for herbs like rosemary, sage and thyme. Beverage Industry Leadership: Paradise Spirits appointed Rick Tigner to lead expansion for El Tequileño, focusing on distribution and growth in the US and key international markets. Cultural Food Events: Paraguay’s German Week runs through Oct. 14 in Asunción and San Lorenzo, featuring German food and Oktoberfest-style programming.

Food Safety—Salmonella: FDA closed its investigation into a multistate Salmonella Javiana outbreak tied to imported jalapeños after 488 illnesses in 34 states, saying it was unable to determine the contamination route; CDC still points to a likely grower in Sinaloa, Mexico, based on supply records. Food Safety—Cyclospora Prevention: After nearly 20,000 Cyclospora cases in the 2026 season, FDA unveiled a 10-point plan to prevent future outbreaks, including expanded produce surveillance, more lab capacity in Mexico, stronger supplier inspections, and weather-linked monitoring. Food Safety—Frozen Berries Recall: Even though a frozen blueberry E. coli recall was declared over, Chile-based Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur expanded recalls on Oct. 2 for additional Great Value and Trader Joe’s organic berry products. Supply Disruption—Jamaica Lettuce Shortage: KFC Jamaica warned of temporary lettuce shortages due to drought-driven production challenges at its sole vegetable supplier. Retail & Trade—Argentina Demand Soft: Argentina’s retail sales fell 2.1% cumulatively, with food and beverage down 3.1% year-on-year as shoppers shifted to essentials and cheaper options. Hospitality & Foodservice—New Openings: Chipotle leaned into food culture with a London Vegetable Orchestra track; and in Mexico, McAllen’s Soft-Landing Program drew interest from ~25 entrepreneurs in Tampico.

Food Safety Shock: The U.S. FDA says it found Cyclospora linked to Taylor Farms’ Mexico lettuce operations, with North Carolina reporting 955 cases since May—though state officials say its spike may not be tied to the national outbreak. Trade & Restaurant Costs: Mexico tomato tariffs are pushing up prices, threatening the “free chips and salsa” tradition at Mexican and Tex-Mex restaurants as tomato costs climb to about $80 a box. LATAM Hospitality & Tourism: Panama’s gastronomic sector keeps rising after Panama City’s 2017 UNESCO Creative Cities nod, while the Dominican Republic prepares Port Samaná for its first cruise call on Nov. 24, targeting major visitor growth. Local Investment in Food/Service Ecosystems: Paraguay’s Universidad Central del Paraguay is pitching a US$200M University District in Asunción’s historic center to attract 5,000 foreign students and boost daily economic activity. Health & Diet Trends: A gastroenterologist highlights weekly mixed tree nuts (2 ounces) for potential benefits including lower colon cancer risk.

Food Safety & Politics: The U.S. cyclospora lettuce outbreak is again fueling debate over food safety and public health funding, with recalls and menu pullbacks raising consumer anxiety ahead of midterms. Trade & Prices: Mexico tomato tariffs are pushing fresh tomato costs toward ~$80 a box, threatening “free chips and salsa” economics for Mexican and Tex-Mex restaurants in Texas. Illicit Economy in Colombia: Investigators say Colombia’s parallel underground wealth—fed by cocaine, illegal gold and corruption—distorts the fiscal picture even as the state seeks an IMF rescue. Hospitality Expansion (Puerto Rico): Four Seasons Resort & Residences Puerto Rico will add Perla (seafood/steak supper club with caviar cart) on Oct. 19 and Ocean Terrace (Mediterranean) in early November. Tourism & Food Culture (Jamaica): Jamaica targets 10M annual visitor arrivals over 10 years, spotlighting independently owned hotels and their food offerings. Central America Food Business: Mi Tierra Pupuseria & Bakery (Salvadoran) expands from Kissimmee to Orlando’s Lake Underhill Road with a larger bar-and-dining setup.

Luxury Hospitality in Mexico: Hilton says Waldorf Astoria Riviera Maya and Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya will shift to all-inclusive formats starting Oct. 1, with Waldorf Astoria becoming adults-only from Jan. 10, 2027, and Conrad Tulum adding an adults-only Ceiba Club area. Caribbean Food Tourism & Openings: Nobu announces Nobu Hotel and Restaurant San Juan for a 2028 Puerto Rico debut, adding a signature Nobu restaurant, bar, and rooftop lounge to the island’s dining scene. Paraguay’s Food Heritage Goes Big Business: Empanada Day (Oct. 4) spotlights Paraguay’s national pastry, including heritage-recognized regional recipes and a market worth billions of guaraníes. Food Safety Politics: A “food fight” narrative grows around U.S. recalls tied to cyclospora in lettuce, with restaurants pulling items and voters debating safety and public health priorities. Hotel-All-Inclusive Trend Watch: Hyatt accelerates Andaz Turks & Caicos at Grace Bay to an April 1, 2027 opening, signaling continued demand for branded Caribbean stays.

Food Safety & Health: Argentina’s burger boom is raising alarms over haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS), with experts warning that undercooked ground beef can carry E. coli toxins that trigger a potentially life-threatening illness in young children. Public Health & Tourism Standards: Mexico’s Yucatán is expanding hygiene and quality training for tourism operators and pushing the federal “Distintivo H” certification for food and beverage businesses. Food Innovation & Local Supply: Zimbabwe’s “Liquid MasterChef” Mparutsa is betting on affordable cocktail and mocktail lines made with mostly local produce to broaden access beyond high-end imports. Hospitality & Dining Openings: In Mexico’s Yucatán tourism ecosystem, Yucatán’s quality push supports visitor trust; meanwhile, in the wider region, new dining concepts keep rolling out, including an Italian-Argentine restaurant opening in Ohio and a second El Toro location in Missouri—signs of continued demand for Latin flavors. Tourism Events Disrupted: Heavy rain in Charleston led to cancellations of a Latin American festival and an oyster-focused Flavor Fest. Hospitality & Travel Demand: Hyatt is set to debut an Andaz resort in Turks & Caicos, while Marriott’s Casa Nizuc in Cancun is scheduled to open in December.

Food Safety Watch: The US FDA says it has closed its investigation into the largest recorded cyclospora outbreak, finding the parasite in the environment where Taylor Farms de Mexico lettuce was grown and processed, including a wastewater tank and a drainage ditch—though it still can’t conclusively prove how contamination occurred. Trade & Ingredients: Vietnam is pushing cashew exports to Argentina, with processed cashew shipments topping 270 tonnes last year and a Buenos Aires seminar aimed at matching quality specs and stable supply with local buyers. Hospitality & Dining: Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa launches a six-chef “Masters of Food & Wine” series running Oct 2026–Apr 2027, pairing Michelin-star talent with seasonal culinary chapters. Caribbean Food Culture: Singapore’s Caribbean options get a boost as Ricardo Allen’s “Ricardo’s Chop & Jerk” residency runs through Oct 31 at Dashi Skypool, bringing jerk chicken and other Caribbean dishes to diners. Tourism Demand: Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas brought 7,069 passengers to St. Kitts on Oct 1, keeping taxis, tours, vendors, and restaurateurs busy at Port Zante.

Food Safety: The US FDA closed its cyclospora investigation tied to recalled shredded iceberg lettuce, saying two positive samples showed Cyclospora in Taylor Farms de Mexico’s environment (including outgoing wastewater and a grower drainage ditch), strengthening the link even as it can’t pinpoint exactly how contamination occurred. Food Safety (Recall): Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. expanded recalls of Great Value and Trader Joe’s frozen organic berry products over possible E. coli contamination, with no illnesses reported; consumers are urged to check lot codes and return or discard. Food & Beverage Business: Marfrig Global Foods terminated its offer to purchase outstanding 6.625% senior notes due 2029 after a financing condition wasn’t met. Dairy & Deli: Sargento completed its acquisition of La Terra Fina, creating a new Deli Business Unit and expanding into grocery/club deli channels, including Mexico distribution. Hospitality & Tourism: Virgin Voyages rerouted a Mexican Riviera itinerary to avoid Hurricane Rachel’s residual swells, swapping Ensenada for Cabo San Lucas. LATAM Travel Demand: Colombia’s outbound travel grew 12% in Jan–Jul 2026, with the US, Spain, Panama, Mexico and the Dominican Republic as top destinations.