Freddy's Announces First Southeast Asia Development Agreement with Five-Unit Deal in the Philippines

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, the fast-casual restaurant concept, has signed a five-unit development agreement to bring the brand to the Philippines, marking Freddy's first development agreement in Southeast Asia.

OMG Holdings OPC will lead the expansion, establishing a new foothold for Freddy's as the brand expands its international presence. Through the five-unit agreement, the group will introduce Freddy's signature menu and hospitality-driven experience to consumers in the Philippines, with the first restaurant anticipated to...

Philippines: BAI Clears First ASF Vaccine for Commercial Sale

The Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) has approved the commercial sale of AVAC ASF LIVE, the first African Swine Fever (ASF) vaccine for fatteners cleared for public sale, giving the battered hog industry a new weapon as the government races to rebuild the country's swine herd.

Developed by AVAC Vietnam Joint Stock Company, AVAC ASF LIVE is a live, attenuated, gene- deleted freeze-dried vaccine designed to protect pigs against the African swine fever virus. Its approval comes nearly seven years after ASF first hit the Philippines in 2019, cutting the...

USTR 2026 National Trade Estimate Report: Highlights Global Barriers to Trade for Commodity Markets 

On March 31, leaders at the United States Trade Representative (USTR) released its 2026 National Trade Estimate (NTE) report, outlining US market access via country specific details that intends to reshape how US trade policy views global markets. The 500+ page report is divided into sections which address the trade environments present between US markets and those of each trading partner as a baseline for producers, importers, and exporters. It seems that the...