AGP Executive Report

Foodborne Health Watch: Michigan’s cyclosporiasis outbreak has surged to nearly 1,000 cases, with about 40 hospitalizations, and the source still hasn’t been identified—investigations are also active across 28 other states, including nearby Ohio. Local Hospitality & Dining: West Vancouver council has approved a plan to redevelop Horseshoe Bay’s iconic Troll’s Restaurant corner into a five-storey boutique hotel with shops, with Troll’s set to celebrate 80 years before closing at the end of 2027. Canadian Food & Drink Innovation: Saskatchewan’s alpiste (canary seed) is drawing fresh interest from Canadian bakers as a high-protein ingredient that can improve nutrition without changing flavour much. Retail Beverage Buzz: 7-Eleven Canada is marking Slurpee’s 60th anniversary with new Collective Arts Slurpee sodas, plus free small Slurpees and anniversary promotions. Community Food Events: Elora’s Longest BBQ returns July 28 as a free Food Day Canada launch event featuring local restaurants and Ontario wines, beers, ciders and spirits. Industry/Operations: Jersey Mike’s is opening its first Manitoba location in Steinbach on July 15, aiming to use the town as a training hub for further Manitoba growth.

Restaurant Relaunch: Chef Claudio Aprile’s Bar Origin is reopening near Toronto in Burlington (July 8), bringing back the concept’s Toronto roots with a refreshed, travel-inspired menu and reworked classics like devilled eggs, a revamped burger, and a beet salad. Pop-Up Dining: The Malibu Barbie Cafe lands in Toronto Aug. 13 at The Esplanade, mixing a retro 1970s Malibu vibe with an all-day fast-casual menu and a roller rink. Cybersecurity for QSRs: VikingCloud reports a big confidence gap in Canada-linked restaurant chains: 94% say they’re confident in cyber defenses, but 76% saw sensitive data leaks in the past year. Food Safety Watch: Michigan’s cyclosporiasis outbreak is nearing 1,000 cases, with officials still hunting for a common source—an ongoing reminder for food and water safety. Local Public Safety: Toronto police are treating an Eglinton Avenue restaurant fire as suspected arson after an overnight blaze forced evacuations. Summer Menu Buzz: Starbucks is rolling out five orange cream drinks for a limited time, including cold brew, lattes, matcha, chai, and a frappuccino.

Food Prices & Groceries: Loblaw’s latest Food Inflation Report points to May food inflation of +4.3% for “food purchased from stores,” with weather, harvest conditions, freight and global disruptions adding uncertainty. Retail & Jobs: T&T Supermarket is gearing up for a fall 2026 opening of its biggest Ontario store in Toronto’s North York, and is running a July 15 job fair for roles like meat and seafood cutters, produce staff, and cooks. Packaging & Sustainability: Single Cup Coffee launches commercially compostable coffee pods (BPI-certified) across three brands, timed for Plastic-Free July. Dining & Community: Food Day Canada’s launch event, Elora’s Longest BBQ (July 28), is set to bring 20+ restaurants plus Canadian wines, craft beer, ciders and spirits to downtown Elora. Water Safety: Osoyoos issues a water quality advisory after manganese levels exceed Health Canada’s limit, urging residents to use alternate drinking water for baby formula and noting boiling won’t remove manganese. Health Watch: Michigan reports cyclosporiasis cases have climbed to 700, with no single produce source identified yet. Brand Merch: Tim Hortons and Crocs drop a limited-edition collection starting July 13.

Restaurant Revival: Ottawa’s Chinatown is getting back a longtime dim sum anchor, with the former Yangtze Restaurant at 700 Somerset St. W. set to reopen this fall as “Yangtze – Modern Chinese Dining,” keeping much of the original menu and cart-service dim sum. Tourism & Local Brews: Edmonton’s KDays is getting a fresh local-collab boost: North Central Co-op and Sea Change Brewing Co. have launched Lime Crush, a KDays-inspired beer available now at select stores and the festival grounds. Food Safety Watch: A Michigan cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to foodborne illness continues to climb, with health officials reporting 700+ cases across 33 counties and dozens hospitalized—no specific source has been identified yet. Agri-Tech Funding: Two Saskatoon startups (ABAzyne Bioscience and B.Nature Biotech) are among nine Canadian companies selected for HARVEST agri-tech accelerator funding to scale new crop protection and food-waste upcycling tech. Drink & Retail Promotions: 7-Eleven Canada marks Slurpee’s 60th anniversary with free small Slurpee offers and new drops, including Slurpee Soda flavours via a Collective Arts collaboration. Spirits Rollout: Tequila Partida is launching in Canada through Breakthru Beverage Group, starting in B.C. with an exclusive retailer rollout. World Cup Spillover: Kelowna is reporting a record Canada Day visitor surge and says World Cup energy is lifting sales at local pubs, bars, and restaurants.

Canada Grocery: Toronto is set to get a new premium gourmet grocery store, McEwan Fine Foods, opening in 2027 at Bayview Village, bringing chef-curated shopping from Mark McEwan’s brand. Restaurant & Retail Expansion: Jollibee Canada shared that Prime Minister Mark Carney and Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. visited its Vancouver Granville location, highlighting the chain’s ongoing Canada growth. Liquor Trade Tension: A U.S. lawmaker is pushing the CANADA Act to investigate Canadian provincial limits on American alcohol imports, after several provinces restricted U.S. booze during the tariff fight. Convenience Store Watch: Winnipeg’s Slurpee crown is under threat as Calgary closes in on 7-Eleven Slurpee sales, while Winnipeg store closures tied to theft and safety concerns continue. Food Safety: Health officials in Michigan say cyclosporiasis cases have climbed sharply (nearly 700 reported), with no single produce source identified yet. Brand/Drink Marketing: Pernod Ricard is rolling out a global Altos tequila campaign that expands into Canada, aiming to make tequila cocktails feel easier to nail at home. Recall: Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo was recalled in the U.S. and Canada after Pluralibacter gergoviae was detected.

Alcohol Trade Tension: A U.S. Republican lawmaker has introduced a bill targeting Canada’s provincial booze bans, arguing American wineries and distilleries are being “held hostage” after retaliatory tariff moves. Food Safety Alert: Michigan health officials say cyclosporiasis cases have surged to 572, with no specific produce source identified yet, and they’re urging safer food-handling and produce washing. Canadian Dining & Retail Buzz: Taco Bell Canada is rolling out Mountain Dew Baja Midnight and new Crispy Chicken Nuggets, while a Michelin-trained chef is set to open a tapas spot in Elora. Market Watch: A new report projects rapid growth for waterborne epoxy resins, with food-and-beverage quality and safety cited as a driver for related inspection tech. World Cup, Food & Hospitality: Canadian fans and bars across North America are leaning into match-day crowds and local eats as watch parties and viewing specials keep rolling.

Food Safety Watch: Michigan health officials say cyclosporiasis cases have surged to 572 and issued fresh guidance for preventing foodborne illness tied to fresh produce, with no single grower or product identified yet. Shellfish Rules: In B.C., officials are reminding would-be shellfish harvesters that a tidal waters sport fishing licence is required and closures must be followed to avoid contamination risks. Plant-Based Retail Shakeup: Odd Burger’s last B.C. location in Vancouver will close July 12, with owners blaming head office decisions to discontinue key in-house products. Local Hospitality & Community: Toronto’s Fran’s Restaurant founder Francis Deck has died at 89, marking the end of an era for the diner chain built on comfort food and long-running community ties. Whisky Science: Vancouver Island’s Shelter Point Distillery was selected to represent North America in a first-of-its-kind global study on how climate shapes single malt whisky maturation and flavour. Seafood Trade: China’s imports of Vietnamese lobster topped $506M in five months, up 44.3% year over year, driven by demand for live seafood. Outbreak on the Move: A norovirus outbreak sickened 102 passengers and 23 crew on Princess Cruises’ Ruby Princess, with the ship reported to have stopped at Prince Rupert, B.C.

Food Safety Alert: Health officials say a norovirus outbreak sickened 125 people aboard Princess Cruises’ Ruby Princess on a 20-day trip that included a stop in B.C., with the CDC reporting mostly vomiting and diarrhea and noting enhanced sanitation after cases were identified. Shellfish Rules: B.C. officials are warning shore harvesters to follow licensing and closure rules, stressing that contaminated clams, oysters, crab and prawns can cause serious gastrointestinal illness. Recall: Health Canada says more than 1.2 million Thermos food jars and bottles sold in Canada were recalled after reports of stoppers ejecting, causing impact injuries and lacerations. World Cup & Food Culture: Canada’s World Cup run is drawing crowds to restaurants and watch parties, while Toronto’s patio season is in full swing with new Portuguese-leaning menus and drink specials. Community Food Moments: A Filipino restaurant in Richmond, B.C., got a visit from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., highlighting how migrant grocery-and-food spots keep traditional dishes alive.

Tourism & Travel: A new survey from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business finds 84% of small businesses worry higher fuel costs will hurt summer tourism, with CFIB urging Canadians to spend locally. Food Safety: Health Canada has recalled 1.2M Thermos food jars and bottles in Canada after reports of stoppers ejecting and causing impact injuries and lacerations. Public Health: Cyclosporiasis cases in Michigan have more than tripled since June 30, with no specific produce source identified yet. Hospitality & Dining: Toronto’s official FIFA World Cup hosting duties are ending, and data suggests the city saw limited economic gain in the first two weeks. Local Economy: B.C. Interior leaders warn a proposed West Coast pipeline could strain small communities, citing past boom-and-bust impacts. On-the-ground Food Culture: A B.C. wine story spotlights Grüner Veltliner’s growing promise in the province, as a few producers plant tiny amounts. Summer Lifestyle: Chefs share eco-friendly grilling tips, weighing electric, gas, wood and charcoal for lower smoke and better sourcing.

Fuel-Cost Pressure on Tourism: A new CFIB survey says 84% of Canadian small businesses worry higher fuel costs will hurt summer tourism, squeezing them through higher operating and supply-chain costs and weaker customer spending. World Cup Costs vs. Benefits: Toronto’s official FIFA hosting run delivered little economic gain in the first two weeks, with a Parliamentary Budget Office estimate putting the bill at about $1.066B for Canada’s 2026 hosting, while critics argue hosts carry most costs. Norovirus Hits Cruise Ship (Food Safety): Princess Cruises’ Ruby Princess was hit by norovirus, with the CDC reporting symptoms in about 120 people during a June 12–July 2 voyage that included a stop in B.C., prompting enhanced sanitation protocols. Beef Prices Still Climbing: Statistics Canada data shows fresh/frozen beef up nearly 13% year over year, while industry sources point to low cattle supply and rebuilding herds as key drivers. B.C. Wine Watch: Grüner Veltliner is being planted in tiny amounts in B.C., but producers say the Austrian grape could be a promising new white variety for the province. Pipeline Planning for Rural Communities: North Thompson leaders in B.C. say a proposed Alberta-to-west-coast pipeline could bring jobs, but rural areas need federal/provincial support to handle construction impacts.

Jollibee Expansion: Jollibee says it’s launching a five-year push to add more locations across Canada as it nears its 10-year anniversary, with 28 restaurants already operating nationwide. Diplomacy Meets Dining: Prime Minister Mark Carney and Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. visited the Vancouver Jollibee on Granville St., underscoring growing Canada–Philippines business ties. Restaurant Growth: Olive Garden opened its first Eastern Canada location in Ontario (Vaughan Mills) and is already mapping more Ontario openings. Food Safety Watch: A norovirus outbreak sickened 125 people aboard Princess Cruises’ Ruby Princess on a Canada/Alaska trip, with the CDC reporting 102 passengers and 23 crew ill. Beverage Business: A B.C. distributor sued Bondi Distillery, alleging contract breach tied to a short termination notice ahead of new distribution deals. City Food Culture: Vancouver extended the Granville Street Pedestrian Zone and FIFA-linked patio expansions through Labour Day, keeping the summer dining buzz going.

Fast-Food Expansion: Jollibee is plotting a five-year push to grow from 28 Canadian locations, aiming to bring its fried-chicken brand to more communities as it marks its 10th anniversary in Canada. Political Spotlight on Food Trade: Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and PM Mark Carney stopped at a Vancouver Jollibee, underscoring Canada–Philippines business ties as the chain targets 85+ locations. Restaurant Growth in Ontario: Olive Garden opened its first Ontario spot in the GTA at Vaughan Mills, with more Ontario openings (including Ottawa and Ajax) planned. Food Tourism & Events: Toronto’s Summerlicious returns July 3–18 with discounted three-course menus at 230+ restaurants, timed alongside the World Cup buzz. Local Beverage Launch: Temagami Dry is hosting a community kickoff during the region’s farmers’ market season, with sampling and local networking. Public Health Watch: A norovirus outbreak sickened 125+ passengers and crew on Princess Cruises’ Ruby Princess, prompting enhanced sanitation. Food Safety/Trade Debate: A U.S.–Canada mushroom dispute is heating up, with claims Canadian producers are gaining ground via lower prices.

Alcohol Policy Shake-Up: B.C. Conservatives are pushing to let bars and restaurants serve earlier during World Cup mornings, arguing for temporary licences so businesses can keep the party going. City-Backed Hospitality Boost: Vancouver City Council extended the Granville Street Pedestrian Zone pilot and FIFA-related patios through Labour Day, aiming to keep foot traffic and support local restaurants. World Cup, Food & Spending Reality Check: New Moneris data suggests Toronto bars and restaurants saw only a small bump during the World Cup (up 3% year over year), while hotel occupancy was lower than the prior year. Canada’s Dining Scene Gets Ranked: Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants list for 2026 crowned Restaurant Pearl Morissette (Ont.) at No. 1, with the broader national lineup reflecting continued strength in wine-country and destination dining. Travel Tech Meets Food Tourism: Uber’s hotel booking feature is set to roll out to Canadians soon via Expedia, making it easier to bundle trips with dining and local experiences.

Food Safety Watch: Salmonella-linked onion recalls hit the U.S. (396 cases in 34 states) and Canada is mentioned in the coverage, while separate peach recalls in multiple states also point to Salmonella risk. Ontario Industry Spotlight: MK Kosher is urging Ontario food and beverage makers to use certification as summer planning ramps up for fall/winter launches. Trade & Pricing Pressure: The U.S. moves to put USMCA on “probation,” raising uncertainty for cross-border grocery and everyday costs; a related piece flags food safety complexity when Canadian firms expand into new markets. Functional Drinks Trend: Bone broth is breaking into beverage formats, including RTD and powdered mixes, as brands chase protein- and gut-health demand. Retail Staffing: A grocer-focused HR interview says front-line hiring is getting tougher as restaurants and other retail compete for minimum-wage workers, with employee discounts and benefits pitched as key differentiators. Canada Business Notes: Loblaw sets its Q2 2026 earnings release for July 30. Cruise Health Alert: A norovirus outbreak sickened 120+ on a Princess Cruises ship on an Alaska/Canada route.

Manitoba Grocery Relief: Manitoba’s 7% PST cut on store-bought food took effect July 1, with shoppers in Winnipeg saying they barely noticed price changes; the province estimates about $100 a year in savings, but restaurants, bakeries and bars still charge PST. Food Waste Savings Trend: “Surprise bags” apps are spreading as shoppers look for cheaper groceries; Too Good to Go says deals can be 50% off retail (often closer to one-third) while helping cut food waste. World Cup Food & Drink Pricing: International fans are complaining about World Cup concession costs, especially beer that can top $20, with sticker shock showing up in Toronto and other host cities. Canada Day Food Culture: Canada Day celebrations in Fort Langley included heritage food demos like butter making and tomato grading at the B.C. Farm Museum. Local Dining Shift: A London, Ont., downtown restaurant (J Dee’s Market Grill) closed and is being renovated for a cocktails-and-tapas concept focused on Latin American and Caribbean small plates. Tourism Boost for Eateries: Vancouver cruise season is expected to be record-breaking, with each ship call pumping about $3M into the local economy and boosting spending at restaurants and shops.

World Cup watch-party economy (B.C.): B.C. Tourism says the province’s historic FIFA run is boosting bars, restaurants and retailers, with some Vancouver venues reporting sales up to 40% on match days as the team extends the tournament by at least six more days. Provincial food tax cut (Manitoba): Manitoba is removing 7% PST from store-bought food starting July 1, cutting tax on items like chips, rotisserie chickens and baked goods, while restaurants, bakeries and bars still charge PST. LCBO push for Ontario alcohol: The LCBO reports an 8% rise in sales of locally produced spirits over the past year, adding more Ontarian VQA wines, beers and Canadian products after U.S. alcohol access tightened. Transit costs (Metro Vancouver): TransLink’s July 1 fare increase lifts adult three-zone cash to $6.70, keeping bus fares lowest but raising commuter costs—relevant for food and drink foot traffic. Food & drink retail expansion (Czech Republic, Canada tie-in): Cushman & Wakefield says food and beverage led new brand entries, including Canadian confectionery Choco Choo.