The Americas
Hamburger chain market forecast to grow at 4.8% CAGR through 2033
The global hamburger chain market is set to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.8% between 2026 and 2033, according to a report from Digelligence. The report defines the ‘hamburger chain market’ as the fast food restaurant segment (including dine-in, drive-through and delivery services) primarily serving hamburgers and global brands specializing in beef, chicken and plant-based burgers. The report highlighted a shift towards healthier eating and plant-based diets, which has prompted many chains to diversify their menus with alternatives aimed at health-conscious consumers, a move it said is expected to increase traffic and broaden the consumer base.
The US led record global hotel construction pipeline in Q2 2026
Hotel conversions and luxury projects dominated the global pipeline, which increased slightly year over year to an all-time high of 15,976 projects, according to Lodging Econometrics. In Q2 2026, the global hotel construction pipeline reached a record 15,976 projects, representing roughly 2.4 million rooms, according to Lodging Econometrics’ Q2 2026 U.S. Construction Pipeline Trend Report. The global project pipeline increased approximately 0.7% year over year during the quarter, with 6,174 projects under construction, 3,743 projects scheduled to start construction in the next 12 months, said the report. The US led all other countries for the most hotels in the global construction pipeline in Q2, with hotel conversions and luxury projects dominating.
Asia Pacific
Nine in 10 F&B firms face hiring strain as 61% of workers seek better pay in Singapore
Almost nine in 10 (87%) food and beverage (F&B) employers say living costs are impacting hiring and staff retention as employees increasingly seek better pay to match expenses, according to Indeed’s Cost of Living Report 2026, based on a survey of 813 workers and 415 employers in Singapore. It found that 61% of F&B workers said better pay relative to living costs was a top consideration for their future career decisions, adding further pressure on the F&B sector’s tight margins. The government is set to raise minimum qualifying salaries for Employment Pass holders to $6,000 from $5,600, and for S Pass holders to $3,600 from $3,300 next year.
Pizza Hut hits 300 Burger Bar locations in China
The Burger Bar is a side-by-side unit attached to existing Pizza Hut restaurants. Yum China Holdings said Pizza Hut China has opened its 300th Burger Bar location within a year after launching the format. Pizza Hut opened its first Burger Bar in late 2025 and has since added an average of more than one location per day. Jeff Kuai, general manager of Pizza Hut China, said the company entered the burger market two years ago with Pizza Dough Burgers and is expanding the category through the Burger Bar format.
Europe, Africa and Middle East
Diageo cut nearly 2K jobs during restructuring
Diageo cut its global workforce by nearly 2,000 jobs, or by more than 6%, the company disclosed in its annual report last week as part of its vast restructuring plan to turn the spirits and beer maker back toward growth. The Guinness owner had an average of 27,938 full-time employees in 2026, down from 29,860 in 2025. Earlier in August, the company announced a savings plan to cut $1 billion in costs over the next three years. During its annual meeting earlier this month, newly appointed CEO Dave Lewis noted that the program would result in layoffs, though a number was not specified.
Saudi Arabia’s F&B shifts towards health-led and drive-thru concepts
Saudi Arabia’s F&B landscape is evolving as health-led dining concepts and drive-thru formats gain traction across Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, according to Knight Frank’s report. The shift is reflective of changing consumer preferences, particularly amongst younger, urban, and wellness-conscious customers seeking lighter meals, convenience, and lifestyle-oriented dining experiences. Concepts such as Humbly and Off The Earth highlight growing interest in health-focused F&B offerings, providing retail destinations with opportunities to diversify beyond traditional cafés and fast-casual operators.
Lauren Hurrell
