Americas
Coco Robotics lands $80m to fuel global expansion
Food delivery tech firm Coco Robotics has raised $80m to scale its AI-powered fleet and expand internationally. The company has already completed over 500,000 zero-emission deliveries in major US cities and Helsinki, and now plans to deploy thousands more vehicles by the end of 2025. Backers include existing investors and new supporters like ex-Uber exec Ryan Graves. Coco’s robocouriers aim to make last-mile delivery more efficient, reliable and sustainable. Recent deals with Uber, DoorDash and Wolt show growing interest in its low-cost, low-emission model – and the fresh funding will help accelerate its push into new markets.
Starbucks trials AI assistant to support baristas
Starbucks is piloting a generative AI tool called Green Dot Assist in 35 stores, designed to help baristas in real-time. Staff can ask questions on in-store iPads – either by voice or text – and get instant answers on drink recipes, equipment issues or staffing queries. The move aims to cut down friction and free up time for staff to connect with customers. A broader US and Canada rollout is planned by fiscal year 2026. Starbucks is also previewing a new POS system and menu pilots as part of wider innovation efforts. The updates were announced to 14,000 store managers at a recent leadership event.
Asia Pacific
Hong Kong adds national security checks to food and entertainment licences
Hong Kong will now include national security conditions in restaurant and entertainment venue licences, Hong Kong’s leader John Lee confirmed last week, according to Reuters. Civil servants must prioritize security when approving or renewing licences, with permits subject to revocation if owners, employees or subcontractors engage in “offending conduct”, according to local publication The Standard. The new clauses apply to nearly 20 licence types, including restaurants, swimming pools and funeral parlours. Critics say the move targets pro-democracy businesses and risks stifling free expression. Industry groups are calling for clearer guidance, while officials insist law-abiding operators won’t be affected by the new rules.
Former Michelin-starred restaurant owners arrested after food poisoning outbreak
Three family members behind Kiichi, a once Michelin-starred restaurant in Japan’s Osaka Prefecture, have been arrested for violating a business suspension order following multiple food poisoning cases. After 33 people fell ill in early February, authorities issued a two-day suspension – but the owners sold 11 bento boxes during the ban. They admitted underestimating the seriousness of the outbreak. More cases followed later in February, prompting a second shutdown from March 2 to 18. In total, over 50 people became sick, and norovirus was detected in both outbreaks.
Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA)
Qatar Airways teams up with Michelin-starred chef
Qatar Airways has partnered with Yannick Alléno, the French chef with 17 Michelin stars across 19 restaurants in seven countries, to elevate its First and Business Class dining. New menus will launch on flights between Paris and Doha, followed by exclusive dishes in lounges and a new Pavyllon restaurant at Hamad International Airport’s First Class Lounge. Travellers can expect seasonal ingredients, fermentation techniques and French flair, served up at a counter-style open kitchen. It’s all part of Qatar Airways’ push to make premium travel more memorable – not just in the air, but on the ground too. Launches will roll out in stages.
Government rethinks EPR rules after UKHospitality push
UKHospitality has won a key concession from the British Government on its Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme. Current rules unfairly classify some hospitality packaging as household waste, forcing venues to pay recycling fees twice – once via suppliers and again for commercial disposal. Following a roundtable with Defra minister Mary Creagh, officials have agreed to work with the sector on a fix for year two of the scheme. UKHospitality is calling for exemptions for closed-loop systems and fairer rules for mixed-use packaging. In the meantime, suppliers are being urged not to pass on additional EPR costs to operators.
Elly Earls
