Industrial push in Egypt: Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly toured new production lines and expansions in automotive, pharmaceutical, and food, signaling a push for deeper local manufacturing and export growth. Saffron boom: Market forecasts peg global saffron growth to US$822.07m by 2033 (from US$532.50m in 2026), led by Middle East & Africa with Asia Pacific fastest growth—fuelled by food, wellness, pharma and beauty demand. India beverage shift: FMCG earnings point to beverages outpacing broader categories as coffee, RTD drinks, protein products and low-sugar juices win younger consumers. Food safety pressure: California Proposition 65 enforcement activity is rising over aflatoxins, with food companies urged to tighten supply-chain checks and warning readiness. Climate + food innovation: WFP launched Nepal’s climate innovation accelerator to back startups piloting solar irrigation, clean energy, farmer digital tools and climate-smart insurance. Protein product innovation: Thailand’s Betagro is turning chicken into noodles via extrusion, aiming to ride the protein trend with ready-meal convenience. Beverage tax debate: Nigeria’s LCCI warns Senate SSB tax moves could strain an already pressured manufacturing sector and ripple through the value chain.