PODCAST: Ep. 40 - Middle East Conflict, Football World Cup, El Nino

In episode 40 of Agri-Food for Thought, we return with a new format, featuring guests.

We kick off with a news round-up (Middle East conflict situation, Super El Nino).

Then follows a FIFA Football 2026 World Cup update (featuring guests Jaime Almeida, Market Reporter - Beef at Expana, talking about Mexican trends; Ryan Gallagher, Editor at Expana, discussing US beer trends; and an account of a recent interview Simon Duke had with the National Restaurant Association).

The episode concludes with a brief segment by Lisa Guiraud

US Restaurants Expect World Cup Lift Despite Financial Pressures, NRA Tells Expana

Despite elevated gasoline prices stemming from tensions including the war in Iran and further geopolitical tensions, the US restaurant and foodservice industry expects consumer demand to remain resilient through the 2026 FIFA Football World Cup, according to Dr. Chad Moutray, Chief Economist of the National Restaurant Association.

In an interview with Expana, Dr. Moutray explained that this outlook reflects a broader consumer behavior pattern where dining out has maintained its status as a priority spending category even as households navigate financial pressures.

7‑Eleven Kicks Off Soccer Season With FanLand Deals and Limited‑Time Menu Offers

The world’s biggest soccer tournament is nearly here, and 7‑Eleven, Inc. is tapping into the excitement with the launch of FanLand. To mark the occasion, stores are turning into fan hubs, rolling out new promotions designed to kick off the summer and drive traffic during soccor's biggest occasion.

FanLand features limited‑time deals on new menu items and customer favorites at participating Laredo Taco Company® and Raise the Roost® locations.

Starting June 11, Laredo Taco Company is offering chicken or cheese...

World Cup‑Themed Meals Fuel McDonald’s Marketing Push Amid Rising Competition

Whether a football (soccer) fan or not, McDonald’s is giving customers a chance to score big with its latest marketing push. The company announced the launch of the FIFA World Cup 26™ Meal and Happy Meals, available for a limited time starting June 4, featuring collectibles inspired by global soccer stars and Squishmallows.

The FIFA World Cup 26™ Meal can be customized with a choice of a Big Mac® or 10-piece Chicken McNuggets®, paired with a limited‑edition, gold‑packaged Big...

DoorDash, Deliveroo and Wolt Launch First Global FIFA World Cup 2026 Campaign

DoorDash is taking its FIFA World Cup 2026 sponsorship global, launching a new international campaign with Deliveroo and Wolt as the three brands come together in a shared marketing push for the tournament.

The campaign, titled “Deliver Us to Fútbol,” rolled out today across TV, BVOD, out-of-home, paid digital, audio and social channels. It marks the first international creative campaign spanning DoorDash and its global portfolio brands, with local activations, events and partnerships planned across the US, Canada, the UK...