The Americas
New report: Food waste began to decline four years after the pandemic
According to the 2026 US Food Waste Report from ReFED released last week, food waste began to decline four years after the pandemic, as a combination of laws and growth in spending on solutions may be moving the US past “peak food waste”. The non-profit organization studied food waste across the supply chain, from production to residential disposal. Surplus food (including all food unused by a business uneaten at homes or restaurants) generation in the US declined 2.2% in 2024, from the previous year to about 70 million tons, ending a post-pandemic trend of rising food waste.
Marriott Bonvoy and Visa team up on FIFA World Cup loyalty campaign
Marriott Bonvoy and Visa are collaborating on a global campaign called “For Fans, Everywhere,” which will provide exclusive loyalty rewards centered around this year’s FIFA World Cup, according to a release obtained by Hotel Dive. Representing the largest Marriott Bonvoy Moments release ever for a single event, the campaign will give guests access to more than 600 offerings, including fixed‑price experiences, auctions and nearly 100 one-point drops, according to the release. The loyalty tie-up launches as Marriott aims to meet a growing demand for experience-driven travel, particularly around sporting events, as sports tourism continues to surge, previously forecast to grow 17.5% between 2023 and 2030, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization.
Asia Pacific
China leads in APAC’s fast-growing QSR market
China is leading the Asia-Pacific quick-service restaurant (QSR) market, according to Intel Market Research. Behind this is rapid urban growth and an expanding middle class increasingly relying on convenient, out-of-home meals. The spread of QSR outlets across major and secondary cities reflects changing consumer habits toward faster, cheaper, and more standardized food options. Global chains and local brands are adapting menus to regional tastes, often blending Western fast-food formats with local flavors such as Sichuan-style spice profiles or dim sum-inspired items. India is also a fast-growing market, supported by a young population and a larger urban workforce seeking affordable meal options.
APAC cafe growth widens with innovative beverage concepts
A report by Euromonitor estimates that the value of specialist coffee and tea shops in the Asia Pacific region will have reached $45bn in 2025. The market is set to grow at a 9% compound annual growth rate through 2030. This is driven by brands expanding across the region and new beverage concepts widening competition. The growth is being led by China, South Korea and Japan, all of which are projected to post CAGRs of 14%, 6% and 5%, respectively. In Southeast Asia, Malaysia is set to record 12% growth, fuelled by local brand expansion and the entry of Chinese brands amid rising disposable income and urbanization.
Europe, Africa and the Middle East
Benugo and The Clink Charity announce partnership
UK-based fast-casual chain Benugo has announced a five-year partnership with The Clink Charity, which will include establishing an employment pathway for prison leavers into long-term hospitality careers. The company has previously worked closely with a range of charities and partners over the years to support access to employment, skills development and social mobility. Beginning in September, the partnership will make Benugo an employment destination for graduates of The Clink’s training program at HMP Brixton. Participants will gain access to Benugo’s internal learning and development framework and mentorship.
‘No need for immediate panic’ on Middle East conflict and food supply
Government contingency plans leaked from the UK government have highlighted that CO2 shortages may impact food supplies this summer, if the Middle East conflict continues. The gas is necessary in food preservation and the slaughter of some livestock, largely pigs and poultry, as well as its use in breweries and drinks manufacturers and worst-case scenario forecasts suggested the public could see a ‘lack of product variety in shops’, according to reports seen by The Times. However, hospitality businesses have been told “there is no need for operational panic” by procurement specialist Prestige Purchasing, who has urged operators to “remain grounded”.
Lauren Hurrell
