Global Scans · Beverages · Weekly Summary

• [New] USDA expects stronger gains for fresh vegetables, sugar and sweets, and nonalcoholic beverages. RFD-TV
• [New] Several grocery categories were expected to rise faster than average in 2026, including beef and veal, fresh vegetables, sugar and sweets, nonalcoholic beverages, and some processed food categories. The Peasant's Daughter
• [New] Mexico's front-of-pack labelling rules have triggered reformulation across categories, particularly in snacks, beverages and dairy, as companies work to stay below thresholds tied to warning labels. BakeryAndSnacks.com
• On the menu front, McDonald's is placing greater emphasis on chicken, beef, and beverages - categories where it sees growth potential beyond its core burger business. Yahoo Finance
• New year in Dubai, for 2026, the UAE is going to introduce a new tiered sugar tax system on all beverages. Seven Century Real Estate
• Food & beverages are expected to dominate, with nearly a 35% share in 2026, due to FDA and EU approvals that permit direct food-contact applications. Persistence Market Research
• Texas will prohibit SNAP funds for sweetened drinks and candy, and Virginia plans to bar SNAP dollars for certain sweetened beverages. NPR
• Taco Bell is hoping to turn its beverage menu into a $5 billion business by 2030, thanks in part to the Live Mas Cafe, which serves a lineup of beverages designed to appeal to younger consumers including premium coffee options. Restaurant Dive
• There are opportunities for companies that can develop products that deliver high nutritional value in smaller formats, such as 'protein - forward snacks, fibre-rich foods that support satiety, portion-controlled products, and nutrient-dense mini-meals or functional beverages'. FoodNavigator-Asia.com
• UPFs such as processed meats and sugar-sweetened beverages are associated with significant increases in the risk of type 2 diabetes, colorectal cancer, and ischemic heart disease. TorHoerman Law, LLC
• Beverages represent a more than $100 billion opportunity globally. American Recruiters
• Who's to say, but we predict that beverages in 2026 will expand beyond hydration and offer a more textured experience. EatingWell
• In 2026, fertility health is expected to expand beyond supplements to include beverages, snacks, and condiments. Ingredients Network
• Indonesia has introduced a color-coded nutri-level labeling system for sweetened beverages to help consumers manage sugar intake and curb rising health risks, with phased implementation for industry compliance. Brief

Last updated: 21 June 2026