Texas Bans Lab-Grown Meat Sales; Iran's Supply Crisis Drives Up Produce Prices
Key Takeaways
- Texas bans lab-grown meat sales starting September 1, 2025, until September 7, 2027.
- Iran's supply crisis, influenced by geopolitical factors, drives up produce prices regionally.
- Anjoy Foods Group plans Southeast Asia and Europe expansion after Hong Kong listing, aiming to raise $336.3M.
- New yogurt production method reduces bacterial cultures by 80% and extends shelf life.
- Private label brands are growing due to affordability and quality; 50% of consumers buying more.
Top Stories
Texas bans lab-grown meat sales, effective September 1, 2025.
Texas has banned the sale of lab-grown meat, becoming the seventh state to do so, with the ban going into effect on September 1, 2025, and lasting until September 7, 2027. The Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association supports the law, viewing it as a consumer protection measure.
Iran's supply crisis drives up produce prices across the region.
Iran's supply crisis, influenced by actions from Israel and the U.S., has driven up produce prices across the region. This crisis affects countries like Russia, which has increased its reliance on Iranian produce.
Anjoy Foods Group plans expansion into Southeast Asia and Europe.
On June 25, 2025, Anjoy Foods Group, China's largest frozen hotpot ingredient producer, announced plans to expand into Southeast Asia and Europe following its Hong Kong listing. The company aims to raise US$336.3 million by selling approximately 40 million shares.
New method for yogurt production reduces bacterial cultures.
Researchers at the Technical University of Denmark's DTU National Food Institute have developed a new method for yogurt production. This method reduces the use of expensive bacterial cultures by up to 80% and extends shelf life.
Private label brands experiencing growth due to affordability and quality.
Private label brands are experiencing growth, driven by affordability and quality, with 50% of global consumers buying more private label products. Both stories highlight the strategic importance of private labels for retailers, offering higher margins and differentiation.
Eat Well
Report highlights excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods in Italy.
A report by the Aletheia foundation highlights the excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods and the lack of fruits and vegetables in children's diets in Italy. The report indicates that 9.6% of children and adolescents are obese, and 27.3% are overweight.
Study shows combination of chicory-derived inulin-type fructans with 2’-FL has synergistic effects.
A new preclinical study indicates that combining chicory-derived inulin-type fructans with 2’-fucosyllactose (2’-FL) has additive and synergistic effects on toddler gut microbiota. Findings showed that the combination enhanced butyrate production and increased beneficial bacteria.
Eco-Friendly Foods
Danone Canada invests $9M in new yogurt cups made from rPET.
On June 25, 2025, Danone Canada announced a $9 million investment in its Boucherville plant to produce new individual yogurt cups made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin. The company aims to integrate recycled PET (rPET), targeting 30% recycled content.
Industry Insights
EU investigates Mars' $36B Kellanova acquisition over competition concerns.
The European Union is investigating Mars Inc.'s planned $36 billion acquisition of Kellanova, expressing concerns about the excessive power of a new food giant. The EU Commission has initiated an in-depth review of the deal, which could delay its closure.
AI transforming food sector, improving food safety and quality.
AI is transforming the food sector, improving food safety and quality by helping farmers increase productivity and address challenges in food manufacturing. AI-driven systems predict contamination risks and monitor transport and storage conditions, reducing food spoilage.
Coffee industry faces supply-demand imbalance due to climate change.
The coffee industry faces a 'massive' supply-demand imbalance due to climate change and geopolitical tensions, with demand rising and production struggling to keep up. Startups are exploring new methods to create coffee and alternatives.
US ranchers expanding cattle herds after 70-year low.
JBS NV reported on June 25, 2025, that US ranchers are expanding their cattle herds after reaching a 70-year low. This expansion is expected to lead to a recovery in beef supplies by 2027.
General Mills anticipates profit decline due to macroeconomic uncertainty.
General Mills anticipates a profit decline due to macroeconomic uncertainty and reduced demand, reporting a 2% year-over-year decrease in FY25 sales. The company will focus on restoring organic sales growth through investments in consumer value, product innovation, and brand building.
Maestrani acquires Belgian pralines producer Delafaille.
On June 25, 2025, Swiss chocolate manufacturer Maestrani acquired Belgian pralines producer Delafaille and its chocolate packaging subsidiary Ostrapack. The deal expands Maestrani’s product range to include Belgian praline and truffle specialties.
Philippines to import onions to stabilize prices.
The Philippines Department of Agriculture plans to import onions to stabilize prices amid projections of insufficient supply lasting until December. The country requires nearly 32,000 metric tons of red onions and 13,500 metric tons of yellow onions for year-end sustainability.
Sweet goods industry remains optimistic despite economic challenges.
The sweet goods industry remains optimistic despite economic challenges, with center-store doughnuts growing 4.2% to $1.9 billion in 2025. The industry expects continued growth driven by innovations and consumer demand for healthier, globally-inspired products.
Snack bar category evolves with nutritious ingredients.
The snack bar category has evolved to offer nutritious ingredients and convenient options, with the category seeing $10.1 billion in sales and a 1.9% increase. Trends include high-protein and functional snack offerings, clean labels, and transparent ingredients.
Hilton Food Group building food processing facility in Canada.
Hilton Food Group is building a 230,000-square-foot food processing and distribution facility in Brantford, Ontario, Canada, with a $192 million investment. The plant will supply protein products, including beef, pork, lamb, and seafood.
Keith Belk stresses science-based research in the meat industry.
At the 2025 Reciprocal Meat Conference in Columbus, Ohio, Keith Belk stressed the importance of science-based research in the meat industry. Belk emphasized upholding objectivity and separating personal value systems from the scientific process.
Frost impacts harvests across Ukraine, affecting stone fruits.
Frost has impacted harvests across Ukraine, particularly affecting stone fruits like cherries and apricots. Ukraine's apple export market is expected to see high prices due to the damage.
Mondelez International opens new consumer research center in UK.
Mondelez International opens a new consumer research center in Bournville, Birmingham, UK, investing £3.3 million ($4.5 million) in an 8,675-square-foot facility. The center will focus on product development for brands like Cadbury, Toblerone, and Milka.
Agencies regulating food in the US undergo changes.
Agencies regulating food in the United States are undergoing changes aligned with the Trump administration's national agenda. The USDA and FDA have implemented staff cuts and funding adjustments.
New on the Menu
Bolthouse Fresh Foods introduces Organic Side Dish Sizzlers.
Bolthouse Fresh Foods introduces Organic Side Dish Sizzlers, a value-added rainbow carrot product, at the Organic Produce Summit. The product will hit store shelves this fall and offers a blend of artisan-sliced organic rainbow carrots paired with chef-inspired sauces in three flavors.
Little Spoon and Sauz launch ready-to-eat meals for kids.
Little Spoon and Sauz collaborated to launch a limited-edition line of ready-to-eat meals for kids. The new offerings, Chicken + Parmesan Biteable and Spaghetti + Meatballs Plate, combine classic Italian-inspired dishes with a modern, clean-label twist.
Restaurant Buzz
Six foodservice brands announce new franchising programs.
In the summer of 2025, six early and mid-stage foodservice brands announced new franchising programs across the United States. These brands span health-conscious concepts and bakery trends.
Safety First
DA warns of E. coli in Manila onions, plans confiscation.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) warned the public about E. coli contamination in Manila onions from Paco Public Market, indicating a food safety issue. The DA plans to confiscate affected stocks under the Food Safety Act of 2013 and is investigating seized red onions for contaminants.
FDA updates food labeling requirements, including sesame.
The FDA has updated Compliance Program 7321.005, General Food Labeling Requirements and Labeling-Related Sample Analysis – Domestic and Import. Key changes include incorporating sesame as the ninth major food allergen and guidance on gluten-free labeling.
Trending Flavors
Oatside launches matcha oat latte to boost mental wellness.
On June 26, 2025, Oatside launched a matcha oat latte designed to boost mental wellness, believing matcha’s mental wellness benefits will appeal to health-aware Asian consumers. Each 250ml pack contains 3,750mg of real matcha blended with its signature Barista Blend oat milk.
Sweet Loren's partners with Hello Kitty for limited-edition cookie dough.
Sweet Loren's has partnered with Hello Kitty to launch a limited-edition Birthday Cake cookie dough. The cookie dough is made with wholesome ingredients and is free of the top 14 allergens.
Vegan Focus
V-Label LATAM launches 'Todo Vegan' app for certified vegan products.
On June 25, 2025, V-Label LATAM launched the 'Todo Vegan' app to help Latin Americans find certified vegan products. The free app allows users to search for vegan products by country, brand, or product type.
EU study advocates stricter labeling for plant-based seafood.
A new EU study advocates for stricter labeling of plant-based seafood to distinguish them from conventional products, revealing that 78% imitate seafood. Twelve EU countries have urged the European Commission to propose legislation to protect the names of animal-origin foods.
PepsiCo and NotCo launch plant-based products in Chile.
PepsiCo and NotCo launched plant-based products in Chile on June 25, 2025, including NotMayo Doritos and NotChicken Nuggets Flamin’ Hot. This partnership combines PepsiCo’s brand presence with NotCo’s AI-powered innovation.
Rebellyous Foods expands Spicy Kickin’ line with new products.
Rebellyous Foods is expanding its Spicy Kickin’ line with new Spicy Kickin’ Nuggets, Spicy Kickin’ Tenders, and Kickin’ Popcorn. These products, made from vegan ingredients, will be available for order starting July 7, 2025.
Odd Burger partners with Vegan Supply to expand CPG distribution.
Odd Burger Corporation has partnered with Vegan Supply to broaden the distribution of its consumer packaged goods (CPG). The collaboration will make Odd Burger's products available online and in-store at Vegan Supply locations in Vancouver and Surrey, British Columbia.
Plant-based alternative makers face labeling challenges.
The article discusses the challenges plant-based alternative makers face in complying with shifting labeling laws. The 2025 Florida Farm Bill restricts the use of terms like "milk" and "meat" on plant-based products.