AGP Executive Report

Invasive Seafood Trend: New England restaurants and seafood sellers are turning invasive green crabs into a premium menu item, paying about $3 per crab and creating new markets to curb ecological damage. Canadian Hospitality & Food Culture: Vancouver’s late-night coffee scene is booming, with packed cafés like Breka Bakery & Café drawing students, retirees, and diners looking for a cozy bite. Restaurant Expansion: WOWorks (Saladworks, Frutta Bowls, etc.) is pushing multi-brand growth, including its first Canada expansion with a Frutta Bowls opening in Cambridge, Ont. Fast-Casual Growth: Chipotle is launching in South Korea via a joint venture and plans more stores this year, signaling continued global push. Food & Drink Innovation: France-backed Nūmi secured €3.7M to scale cell-cultured breast milk. Wine Tourism: BC’s Naramata Bench highlights a growing, food-friendly wine region with dozens of wineries and 50+ grape varieties. Industry Events: Seafood Expo Asia opens in Singapore, spotlighting new products and partnerships across the seafood supply chain.

Tourism + Food Culture: Toronto hotels are rolling out the welcome mat for TIFF 2026, with TIFF: The Market adding an Innovation Hub that includes a VR premiere tied to food storytelling. Festival Food & Drink: The Canadian Salsa Festivals Project is launching “Salsa at Niagara Falls” Sept. 12–13 with Latin cuisine vendors, dance lessons, a Frankie Negrón concert, and nightly 10 p.m. fireworks. Restaurant Growth (Canada): WOWorks says it opened 23 new restaurants this year and is expanding into Canada with a Frutta Bowls location in Cambridge, Ont. Beverage + Manufacturing: Arterra Wines Canada is launching MXM, a new Canadian-made hard flavoured wine (16% hard flavoured wine) hitting stores nationally this September. QSR Menu Buzz: Burger King U.S. and Canada is rolling out a limited-time “Dragon Ball Super Power Up Pack” starting Sept. 1, featuring Super Saiyan Sauce nuggets and a mango-peach lemonade with popping boba. Food Business Ops: A Canadian pizzeria-focused piece argues online ordering is now the key to better takeout/delivery experience and loyalty.

Canadian retail “buy local” push: aVenco says demand for Canadian-made food and household goods is rising as U.S. tariffs bite, with shoppers ordering directly to keep supply moving. Montreal deli swap: Schwartz’s Deli replaced Cott’s black cherry soda with Quebec’s Fleischer’s Original Black Cherry Soda after production stopped in Canada—customers say it still tastes great. Niagara “Lake Ontario” backlash: some Niagara Falls businesses are making tongue-in-cheek menu name changes after Trump’s “Lake America” move, while others insist “it is Lake Ontario and it won’t change.” Fast-casual expansion: Chipotle opens its first Asian restaurant in Seoul, training local staff with a global crew. Brand moves in food tech/health: a Canadian-led study finds 20 minutes of exercise can boost memory after sleep deprivation, and new research links higher blood xylitol levels to higher heart attack/stroke risk. Industry watch: McDonald’s Canada manager Barb Bourne wins the Ray Kroc Award; and Fysh Foods’ vegan seafood brand is acquired by City Roots Hospitality.

Trade & Tariffs: Restaurants Canada backs Canada’s retaliatory tariff measures as legal questions swirl around Trump’s Canada tariffs and potential impacts on food supply chains. Food Retail & Sustainability: An expert says “true sustainability” for grocers means sustainable choices must be affordable and accessible—not just eco-friendly. Waste & Recycling Clarity: A BC zero-waste explainer tackles the big question—where recycling really goes—and points to different EPR streams, not one shared destination. Menu Heat (QSR): KFC Canada and Cheetos Flamin’ Hot launch a limited-time collab with a Flamin’ Hot Chicken Sandwich, Flamin’ Hot Fries, and a Cheetos Dirty Soda. Fast-Casual Rollout: Chipotle brings back Pollo Asado and debuts Chili Lime Chips, turning a viral “seasoned chips” hack into a formal menu item. Food Waste to Fuel: NRCan invests $18.79M to expand Generate Upcycle’s London, Ont. anaerobic digestion facility, boosting RNG and organic fertilizer output. Health Watch: A study links higher xylitol levels to higher heart attack/stroke risk, adding pressure on sweetener claims. Vet/Pet Recalls: Multiple recalls hit IV fluids and pet products, including dog food and feline milk replacers. Local Food Scene: Montreal police investigate a restaurant arson for the second time in two days.

PoutineFest 2026: Thousands packed the lot outside 603 Brewery in Londonderry for a French-Canadian poutine celebration with fries, curds and gravy, plus local craft beer and vendors. Community Gardening: Steinbach and Area Garden Club volunteers keep Mennonite Heritage Village’s gardens thriving with seasonal work and monthly talks. Indoor Farming Reality Check: New Brunswick’s Enogrow is up for sale after owners say a labour shortage has them working 70–80 hour weeks to keep the vertical farm running. Tinned Fish Boom, Supply Strain: Demand for sardines and other shelf-stable seafood is surging, but Morocco’s sardine landings are down sharply as climate change and war-driven fuel costs push fishing farther. Soju Expansion: Oriental Brewery is launching Challang, a zero-sugar, 15% soju, aiming to broaden beyond beer and test on-premise sales in key regions. Trade Tension Watch: Lawyers are raising questions about Trump’s untested Canada tariffs, including whether the Depression-era legal tool can hold up. Food Retail Buzz: Le Burger Week returns Sept. 1–7 for its 15th edition, with restaurants across Canada competing for top burgers.

Interprovincial trade push: Federal, provincial and territorial ministers met in Iqaluit to speed up removing internal trade barriers, with Ottawa flagging labour mobility, services recognition, and even ways to strengthen interprovincial food trade. Fast-food packaging tweak: Five Guys says it switched fries from overflowing cups to breathable paper bags to better handle takeout and delivery, aiming for fresher, crispier fries and a more eco-friendly material. Indigenous food story in wine country: A new look at the Okanagan Syilx creation story ties local Indigenous foods—like gathered berries and salmon restoration efforts—to the region’s modern food scene. Branding at Toronto Pearson: Brasa Peruvian Kitchen rebranded as ¡BRASA! Peruvian Superfoods, positioning Peru’s “superfoods” at its upcoming airport location. Community fundraising: A&W franchisees in North Bay and Sturgeon Falls raised $7,314 for MS Canada through the annual Burgers to Beat MS campaign. Food culture event: Manitoba’s Mennonite Heritage Village is launching “Books, Borscht & Blues,” pairing a borscht buffet with live music at the museum.

Trade Policy Shock: Trump’s Canada tariffs are being slapped under a little-used 1930s Section 338 authority, raising fresh legal questions since the statute has never been tested in court. Local Food & Drink Buzz: Toronto is getting Canada’s first build-your-own pho concept, Renso Pho-Potle, soft-opening Sept. 19 on Queen St. W. Branding & Superfoods: Brasa Peruvian Kitchen is rebranding as ¡BRASA! Peruvian Superfoods, with its first new-identity location set for Toronto Pearson. Restaurant Recognition: A Saanich McDonald’s manager won the Ray Kroc Award, placing her among the top 1% of global McDonald’s operators. Community Fundraising: Three A&W locations in North Bay and Sturgeon Falls raised $7,314 for MS Canada through the Burgers to Beat MS campaign. Global Food Accolades: New Forest businesses Hockey’s Farm Shop and New Forest Shortbread picked up major wins at the Great Taste awards. Health Watch: A new study links higher xylitol levels to increased stroke, heart attack and death risk, putting the sugar substitute back in the spotlight. Food Culture in Motion: Ashkenaz Festival is leaving Harbourfront Centre for the first time since 1995, expanding its idea of Jewish music across Toronto.

Restaurant Closures: Red Lobster is shutting two more locations in Alabama on Sept. 6, adding to a broader casual-dining squeeze that’s already seen chains like Applebee’s, Ruby Tuesday and Red Robin cut locations. New Openings: Toronto is set to get Canada’s first build-your-own pho concept, Renso Pho-Potle, soft-opening Sept. 19 at 506 Queen St. W. Food & Health Watch: A new study links higher blood xylitol levels (found in gum, jam and toothpaste) to higher stroke, heart attack and death risk, raising fresh questions about sugar substitutes. Local Food Culture: Vancouver chef Rob Feenie’s “Burger de Maison” at Le Crocodile is getting buzz for its port-jus presentation and high-end take on the classic burger. Trade Tensions & Sovereignty: Ontario Premier Doug Ford unveiled a Lake Ontario sign and said the world will “always” call it Lake Ontario, after Trump’s “Lake America” move. Wine Scene: Niagara’s cool-climate Chardonnay celebration highlights how producers are dialing back heavy oak for fresher, zip-driven styles.

Canada–U.S. Trade Fallout: Canadian tourism to the U.S. keeps sliding as tariffs bite, with reports pointing to big drops in 2025 visits and spending in places like New York and Las Vegas—while U.S. destinations try to lure Canadians back with discounts and exchange-rate promos. Alcohol & Retail: The Beer Store is opening a new Ontario distribution centre near Milton/Halton Hills in late 2027, consolidating sites and adding automated tech to boost supply for bars, restaurants, convenience stores and grocery. Foodservice Culture: A new study says Gen Z drinking is rising, challenging the “sober generation” myth—relevant for bars and beverage brands planning for younger consumers. Hospitality & Growth: Prince Edward County’s Base31 development could add thousands of homes near the former RCAF base, but a lawsuit adds uncertainty for the area’s agriculture-and-wine identity. Ag Labour: Saskatchewan farm hiring remains tough, with many applicants lacking grain-farm experience—highlighting ongoing pressure on Canada’s food supply chain.

Grocery Meets Healthcare: Experts say the “pharmacy in the grocery store” model is accelerating in Canada, driven by aging demographics, non-discretionary health spending, and pharmacists’ expanded role as primary care touchpoints. Beer Supply Chain Upgrade: The Beer Store will open a new Ontario head office and distribution centre at 6500 Campbellville Rd. by late 2027, consolidating three sites and adding automated tech to boost capacity for bars, restaurants, convenience stores and grocery. Tariff Pressure on Food & Drink: Saskatchewan is raising the cost of U.S. liquor for retailers by 50% starting Sept. 8, with businesses watching whether shelf prices will fully reflect the increase. U.S. Travel Shift: With Trump tariff threats in the background, Canadians’ U.S. visitation patterns show a continued preference shift away from the U.S., with 2025 seeing fewer Canadian trips and lower spending in key states. Burger Buzz: Le Burger Week returns Sept. 1–7 for its 15th anniversary, with Montreal restaurants competing for Canada’s best burger. New Restaurant in Toronto: Casa Rubia opens Sept. 24 on Palmerston Ave., focusing on Galicia and Spain’s Atlantic coast with seafood-forward dishes and imported beef.

Canada-US Trade Shock (Food & Seafood): Ottawa reversed a planned retaliatory tariff move on U.S. fish and seafood after warnings it could hit Atlantic Canada’s lobster processing, including Maine lobsters shipped to New Brunswick. Hospitality Labour Focus: Ontario restaurant operators are being urged to treat employment agreements and workplace policies as core business infrastructure, not paperwork, to cut legal risk. Spirits & Tariffs (Local Producers): On Vancouver Island, Macaloney’s Distillery says it’s leaning into Canadian suppliers as 50% U.S. tariffs take effect and U.S. demand shifts. New Openings (BC): Vancouver’s Duchess Cocktails is launching a gratuity-free Duchess Cafe, while Richmond’s Dimsum Caddy soft-opens with late-night dim sum plus indoor golf simulators. Ramen Growth (BC): Kinton Ramen keeps expanding in Vancouver, with another location planned for West Broadway. Food Exports (EU Campaign): Greece and Cyprus are pushing kiwifruit and Halloumi PDO into the U.S. (and also Canada) via a multi-market EU-funded campaign. Health Policy Watch (Labelling): India is considering front-of-pack nutrition warnings similar to Canada’s pictorial approach, after delays drew Supreme Court scrutiny.

Trade & Tariffs: Ottawa has dropped retaliatory seafood tariffs on the U.S. after industry feedback, while other dollar-for-dollar counter-tariffs stay in place as the Canada–U.S. trade fight escalates. Community Food Programs: Lazeez Shawarma is making its “Pay It Forward” meal program permanent year-round across its Ontario locations, adding $100,000 to keep the kindness cards in restaurant windows. New Menu Buzz (Canada): KFC Canada launches a Flamin’ Hot Cheetos lineup, including a Cheetos-topped “Dirty Soda,” with app ordering now and nationwide rollout starting Aug. 31. Food Safety Recall: Fromm Family Foods recalls two wet dog pâtés in Canada over potential metal contamination, urging owners to stop feeding and check lot codes. Local Hospitality Watch: Owners and agents are reviewing bids for Winnipeg’s historic Fort Garry Hotel, with the Manitoba Métis Federation among bidders. Tech Meets Food Retail: Apple Maps ads are now live in Canada, with no way to turn them off—potentially reshaping how diners discover restaurants. AI & Infrastructure: Saskatchewan unveiled a framework policy for AI data centre development focused on Canadian ownership and data sovereignty.

Canada-U.S. Tariff Fallout for Food: Canada’s retaliatory tariffs are set to hit U.S. seafood exporters, with Washington oyster and shellfish groups warning deals could stall as margins get squeezed. Trade Uncertainty for Restaurants: Fast-food and food operators are bracing for higher input costs and pricing pressure as the tariff back-and-forth continues. Local Food & Drink Spotlight: Vancouver’s Oh Sweet Day! Bake Shop owner pushes back on requests for free birthday cakes from a celebrity couple, arguing social media exposure doesn’t pay the bills. Food Tech & Farming: Oyster-farming innovation from Australia and New Zealand is gaining attention for improving handling, storage, and farm efficiency. Canadian Flavour Tourism: BC’s Similkameen Valley fruit stands, including Parsons Farm Market, are drawing visitors for seasonal farm-made goods. Disaster Watch (Not Food, But Tourism Impact): Nepal–Tibet flash floods leave nearly 1,500 missing, including hundreds of foreign tourists, underscoring how travel disruptions can ripple into food and hospitality demand.

Trade War Watch: Uncertainty is the top worry for Canadian food and beverage manufacturers as the U.S. moves ahead with 50% tariffs on $27.6B of Canadian goods and Canada counters with 15–50% rates starting Sept. 8, hitting items like cheese, fish/seafood, dairy inputs and packaging. Snack Trends: Canada’s snack market is booming and shifting fast—snacking is now more frequent and more “functional,” with Gen Z and millennials driving demand for bold flavours and health-forward ingredients. Lunch Affordability: Subway Canada is rolling out its Fresh For Less Menu with items under $5, citing a “Lunch Squeeze” where most employed Canadians say it’s harder to find fresh lunch options at a comfortable price. Local Food & Community: Esquimalt Ribfest returns Sept. 11–13 with ribs, food trucks, breweries and live music, and organizers say “every bite helps make a difference” for local charities. Egg Price-Fixing Fallout: New York’s AG announced delivery of 270,000+ eggs to a regional food bank as part of a multistate settlement over alleged egg price-fixing. Restaurant Expansion: A Winnipeg restaurateur is reopening the city’s iconic revolving rooftop space, aiming to launch a new skyline concept in October.

Brand x Streaming: Stella Artois and Netflix teamed up for “The Gentlemen’s Serve,” a global campaign built around the show’s Season 2 launch, with Theo James and David Beckham spotlighting a five-step “perfect pour.” Restaurant & Hospitality: Freshslice Pizza CEO Ray Russell was ordered to pay $85K after a BC Human Rights Tribunal found he created a toxic workplace over derogatory comments about Muslim and Iranian people. Trade & Pricing Pressure: Restaurants Canada says Canada’s latest retaliatory tariff plan avoids many priority food items, but it’s still flagging concerns (including some packaging and restaurant equipment) and is pushing for targeted exemptions to limit menu price hits. Alcohol Exports Under Fire: B.C. winery Lightning Rock says the new 50% U.S. tariff on Canadian alcohol has killed a planned U.S. expansion. Food Safety: Fromm and Oma’s Pride recalled specific dog foods in the U.S. and Canada due to potential metal contamination and Salmonella risk—owners are urged to check UPCs and lot codes. Canada Business Watch: Goodfood Market’s TSX delisting review moved to a remedial track, giving it 60 days to meet listing requirements while its asset sale process continues.

Canada-U.S. Tariff Fallout: Restaurants Canada says the latest U.S. retaliatory tariffs could still hit restaurant operators, but it’s encouraged some priority food items were avoided; it’s asking Ottawa for targeted exemptions and support like extending the federal fuel excise tax suspension. TSX Listing Update: Goodfood says the TSX moved its delisting review to a remedial process, giving it 60 days to meet listing requirements while its CCAA sale process runs to late September. New Product on Shelf: Organika launched Sparkling Electrolytes in three zero-sugar, 10-calorie flavours (Raspberry, Lemon Lime, Pineapple Passion Fruit). Restaurant Expansion Watch: Chuck’s Roadhouse is advertising a Moose Jaw location in the former Boston Pizza building, signalling a possible new franchise opening. Casino & Dining Mix: Gateway Casinos Sudbury added live dealer table games, creating about 24 jobs and adding to its existing dining lineup. Local Food & Culture: The Food and Art Cafe in Whitby won a second straight Consumer Choice Award for 2026. Trade Timeline Context: Multiple reports track the escalation of 50% U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods and Canada’s planned dollar-for-dollar response.