Our Scans · Food · Weekly Summary

• [New] As the global population dynamics shift, adopting innovative and sustainable food sources like insect-based proteins will be crucial to ensuring food security and economic stability in the affected regions. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] With appropriate regulatory support and technological advancements, insect-based proteins have the potential to significantly contribute to global food security and sustainability efforts. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] The National Health Commission is expected to progressively expand its positive list of permitted functional food ingredients. Persistence Market Research
• [New] Yemen continues to experience one of the world's most serious hunger crises, with earlier estimates showing more than 18 million people could face severe food shortages. UN News
• [New] 89% of chief economists expect global growth to weaken over the coming year and 94% expect inflation to increase, principally because of higher energy and food prices. Crawford School of Public Policy
• [New] The synthetic biology segment is predicted to witness the highest CAGR of 34.2% between 2026 and 2034 due to grassroots innovation in community labs and academic spin-outs developing programmable biological systems for personalized nutrition, environmental sensing, and cellular rejuvenation. Market Data Forecast
• [New] Rise in food security pressures driven by climate volatility and a global population expected to reach 9.8 billion by 2050 are compelling both public and private stakeholders to prioritise platform-based agricultural solutions at an unprecedented pace. Persistence Market Research
• [New] This year's (2026-2027) El Nino weather phenomenon can significantly affect global commodities, and food price inflation can be expected, especially if it is confirmed to be what is commonly known as a 'Super El Nino'. SeafoodNews
• [New] Climate risks in other countries are likely to impact UK food supply chains. GOV.UK
• [New] Ongoing challenges and risks could impact food availability in the UK in the future, whilst also highlighting areas of resilience. GOV.UK
• [New] In the UK, the main risks to food security are not long-term yield changes, but variability in food access due to supply-side disruptions from weather variability and potential cascading risks. GOV.UK
• [New] Warmer climates are linked to the spread of pests and diseases that threaten yields making formerly productive land less reliable for food cultivation and increasing systemic risks to global food supply chains. GOV.UK
• [New] Rising temperatures is likely to increase weather variability and the likelihood of extreme weather events, representing significant risks to UK food security. GOV.UK
• [New] As food cold chain infrastructure expands rapidly across Southeast Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa to reduce post-harvest losses, estimated by the FAO at 14% of food production globally, ammonia refrigeration demand is projected to grow substantially through 2033. Persistence Market Research
• [New] El Nino-related weather risks later in 2026 could further threaten food production and food security in countries already facing severe food crises. CNS Media
• [New] For the food and flavour industry, enhanced trade and investment ties with China represent potential opportunities for export growth, ingredient production, and supply-chain development. flavorist.com
• [New] Functional pet treats and supplements, fresh and refrigerated pet food meal subscriptions, and personalized AI-driven nutrition platforms represent the three highest-growth investment vectors through 2034. IMARC Group
• [New] Fastest-Growing Country / Segment: Plant-based wet pet food is expected to grow at 8.9% CAGR during 2025-2032, reflecting rising demand for sustainable, clean-label, and health-oriented diets for pets. / Germany Persistence Market Research
• [New] Food inflation is expected to peak at 3.7% in the second quarter of 2027, reflecting increasing domestic food commodity prices related to higher energy and fertiliser costs, as well as other indirect effects of the energy price shock. European Central Bank
• [New] The US is already forecasting that food prices will rise in 2026 by between 2.2% and 4.7%, largely owing to the impacts of the war in Iran. The Guardian
• [New] Demand for biofuels is likely to leap by nearly a third in 2026, which could send food price inflation soaring further and push the world closer to a global food crisis. The Guardian
• [New] Research in Discover Artificial Intelligence points to food and beverage as one of the sectors where AI-driven innovation will deliver the most measurable gains over the next decade. Dassault Systemes blog
• [New] International food companies have increasingly sought opportunities to invest in African agricultural supply chains as global demand for sustainable sourcing and traceability continues to grow. flavorist.com

Last updated: 21 June 2026