The Americas
Global fast food market set to surpass $1t by 2035
According to Business Research Insights, the global fast food market is expected to grow from $708.26bn in 2026 to $1.01trn by 2035, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.5%. Growth is driven by urbanization, demand for convenient meals, and changing consumer lifestyles. North America holds the largest market share at 38%, followed by Asia-Pacific at 32%, Europe at 25%, and the Middle East and Africa at 5%.
Protein continues to drive American eating habits
48% of American adults seek more protein in their diets, an increase of seven percentage points from the previous year, according to Circana’s Eating Patterns in America report. Protein is now the second most desired food group after vegetables. Demand is further driven by consumers using GLP-1 weight loss drugs, with 65% of these shoppers seeking more protein. GLP-1s are now the second most common diet type. The research also shows that 86% of all food occasions are now sourced from home, a level well above pre-pandemic norms. Americans consumed 17 more meals away from home compared to 2025, yet still 77 fewer than in 2019.
Asia Pacific
Fine Foods Australia draws the crowds
Taking place last week between August 31 – September 3 at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), Fine Food Australia – the nation’s ‘ultimate B2B food event’ – saw upwards of 25,000+ foodservice and hospitality professionals gather to discover new products, suppliers and ideas. Across the four days, attendees got the opportunity to meet 900+ suppliers from bakery, beverages, meat, seafood and dairy to equipment and tech, while a significant number of members of FCSI Asia Pacific were also in attendance. From local producers to international brands spanning 30+ countries, the 2026 show floor featured live cooking demos, expert panels, hands-on tastings, industry competitions and awards.
McDonald’s India social media drama
McDonald’s India was left red-faced on Sunday September 6, when its verified X (Twitter) was seemingly hacked, potentially by a disgruntled employee. The restaurant giant deleted a thread of posts on its social media account claiming to be written by an intern who was owed ₹60,000 in unpaid salary since December 2025. The posts then ended with the promotion of a meme coin. McDonald’s India deleted the posts before posting a meme of a dog holding a phone.
Europe, Middle East and Africa
UK’s top restaurant groups see profits fall 44% as costs surge
The UK’s top 100 restaurant groups saw combined profits fall 44% to £204m in the last year, down from £365m, as higher employment costs and operating expenses put pressure on margins. The figures, from UHY Hacker Young, show that the decline came despite combined turnover rising to £13.3bn from £12.9bn. Food and energy inflation also continued to weigh on margins.
Red Sea Global announces opening of Nammos Resort AMAALA in Middle East debut
Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind the regenerative tourism destinations The Red Sea and AMAALA, has announced the opening of Nammos Resort AMAALA. This marks the Mykonos-born lifestyle and hospitality brand’s first resort hotel globally and its debut in the Middle East. Designed around wellness, sport, arts, culture and marine experiences, AMAALA will feature more than 1,600 hotel rooms across nine resorts, alongside branded residences, marinas, retail, dining and destination-wide wellness facilities.
Lauren Hurrell
