The Americas
Starbucks posts first same-store sales growth in seven quarters
Starbucks has returned to global comparable store sales growth for the first time in nearly two years, thanks to gains in international markets. Global same-store sales rose 1%, with international sales up 3% and the US market moving into positive territory in September. Net revenues climbed 5% year-on-year to $9.6bn, while international revenues jumped 9% to $2.1bn. CEO Brian Niccol said the company’s ‘Back to Starbucks’ turnaround, which is focused on reducing operational complexity and improving the in‑store customer experience, is taking hold, despite restructuring costs and 627 store closures impacting profitability.
US government cannot suspend food stamps, two judges rule
Last week, we reported that the US government would not pay for food aid from November, due to the ongoing government shutdown. Now, two federal judges have ruled that the Trump administration cannot suspend the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Snap) benefits, also known as food stamps, that are used by about 42 million low-income Americans, and must use emergency funds. The rulings have given the administration until early November to authorize payments, after judges found it had wrongly concluded that emergency reserves could not be used to maintain the program.
Asia Pacific
Michelin Guide makes its Philippines debut
The Michelin Guide has officially arrived in the Philippines, with 108 restaurants securing spots in the inaugural selection. Helm, led by half-British, half-Filipino chef Josh Boutwood, made history as the country’s first restaurant to earn two stars. Boutwood’s cuisine is highly personal, drawing on his heritage and infused with Spanish influences. Eight restaurants received one star, 25 earned Bib Gourmand recognition and 74 were Michelin Selected. Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guide, said inspectors were “deeply impressed by the culinary authenticity and creativity found across the country.”
Hundreds more children fall ill under Indonesia’s free school meals program
Indonesia’s ambitious free school meals program continues to face setbacks, with nearly 700 students falling ill in Yogyakarta province after eating meals prepared under the scheme. Rolled out in January, the initiative was a key campaign promise by President Prabowo Subianto, but so far around 15,000 children have fallen ill, according to NGO JPPI. The latest food poisoning cases have prompted authorities to investigate and temporarily close nearby kitchens. Prabowo has also formed a team of ministers, including the health minister and the head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), to strengthen oversight of the program.
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Save pubs to curb loneliness, the BBPA pleads
A new survey by the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) has revealed just how heavily communities rely on their local pubs to stave off loneliness, which is currently on a par with peak pandemic levels. The new polling showed that two out of three people see pubs as vital in the fight against isolation, however two in five have seen pubs close in their area and six in ten are concerned that they might. The findings have prompted the BBPA to call on the Government to save the ‘cherished institution’ by taking action in the upcoming Budget on the spiralling tax and regulatory costs that are predicted to lead to one pub closing each day in 2025.
Champagne houses clamp down on ‘cheeky’ imitators
French Champagne producers are taking aim at rival sparkling wine brands referencing the “C-word”. Bollinger’s UK distributor Mentzendorff & Co sent a cease-and-desist to English winemaker Folc over an advert touting its rosé as “not Champagne, it’s pink champers”. Meanwhile, Champagne industry association Comité Champagne warned Della Vite – the Delevingne sisters’ Prosecco label – to drop its “cheat on Champagne” slogan. Both the brands said their campaigns were light-hearted nods to Champagne’s prestige, but the disputes have highlighted how fiercely France’s Champagne giants are willing to defend their protected designation and status against new competitors.
Elly Earls
