Spanish Government Approves €23.1M Investment Package for Canary Islands' Primary Sector

The Spanish Government has approved a €23.1 million investment package designed to strengthen the competitiveness, sustainability and long-term resilience of the Canary Islands' primary sector, with funding targeting agriculture, fisheries, water infrastructure and workforce development.

Approved by the Council of Ministers following a proposal from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, the package combines €17.9 million in direct financial support with €5.2 million for strategic investments in irrigation infrastructure and maritime training.

The funding will be distributed through...

QDOBA Adds Atlanta and Nashville Development Deals as Franchise Growth Ramps Up

QDOBA Mexican Eats is accelerating franchise-led expansion with two new development deals that will add 50 restaurants in Atlanta and Nashville, plus an acquisition that boosts its Pacific Northwest footprint.

The brand, now the No. 2 player in Mexican fast casual, and its franchise partners operate more than 865 restaurants. QDOBA has set aggressive goals: roughly doubling to about 2,000 units in eight years, opening about 100 restaurants a year, and growing franchised locations to roughly 85% of the system.

"We're thrilled to partner...

FMI Report Finds Food Retailers Doubling Down on Value, Health and Tech Amid Economic Pressure

Food retailers and suppliers are continuing to invest in affordability, health-focused products and technology despite ongoing economic strain, according to The Food Retailing Industry Speaks 2026 report released by The Food Industry Association (FMI).

The report found industry leaders concentrated on five core priorities: managing macroeconomic volatility, meeting consumer demands for value and health, improving the shopping experience, adopting new technologies and building business resilience.

“Consumers are increasingly sensitive to both the cost of food and the nutritional...

H-E-B Plans to Invest $700 Million to Expand Supply Chain Operations

Reinforcing its commitment to being a powerful economic driver for Texas, H-E-B has announced plans to invest $700 million to expand its supply chain operations, a project that includes refrigerated and bakery operations.

While not yet finalized, the retailer has identified its Foster Road campus on San Antonio’s East Side as a potential location for the expansion. For the project, preliminary plans include construction of a state-of-the-art bakery, refrigerated warehouse, transportation building, and additional facilities as...

Nomad Foods Invests £2.2 Million in Potato Waffle Production Line

On June 2, leaders at Nomad Foods announced a £2.2 million investment in a new potato waffle production line at their Lowestoft factory in the UK, according to a press release from the owner of frozen vegetable brands like Birds Eye.

The announcement comes as the UK and EU potato markets prepare for the start of the 2026/27 season, and participants keenly await indications of crop volumes, following a year of high supply, according to Expana’s Market Reporter, Craig Elliott...

Starboard Delivers Letter to Lamb Weston

Starboard Value LP (together with its affiliates, “Starboard”), a significant stockholder of Lamb Weston Holdings Inc. ("Lamb Weston" or the "Company") (NYSE: LW), today announced that it has delivered a letter to the Company’s Board of Directors.

The full text of Starboard's letter to the Company can be viewed here.

New York Butcher Shoppe Taps Foundry Group for Nationwide Franchise Expansion

The New York Butcher Shoppe, known for its Certified Angus Beef® steaks and fine wines, has joined with the Foundry Group in a strategic partnership to strengthen the company's foundation and position it for nationwide franchise expansion through targeted investments.

"This is a defining moment for our brand," said Jim Tindal, Chief Executive Officer, of New York Butcher Shoppe. "We were intentional in selecting a partner that brings more than capital. The Foundry Group shares our vision and has the operational...

Starbucks Divests Chinese Business to Boyu Capital; Invests in US Operations and Personnel

On April 2, Starbucks Coffee Company leaders divested 60% of their business in China to local firm, Boyu Capital, according to a press release. On the same day, company leaders announced investment in US employees with an incentive package aimed at positioning Starbucks employment as the “most competitive total compensation and benefits packages in the industry,” read the separate release. 

In terms of the deal in China, the “joint venture oversees approximately 8,000 company-operated coffeehouses today, which will transition to a licensed operating model..."

Aldi Marks 50 Years in the US With Expansion, Investment, and Digital Upgrades

Marking its 50th year in the US, Aldi is pursuing nationwide expansion and online shopping improvements to build on its success.

After adding more than 17 million customers in 2025, the company is expanding its footprint, with plans to open 180 new stores across 31 US states in 2026. As budget-conscious shopping persists, Aldi’s strong private-label offering continues to anchor its value proposition amid ongoing cost pressures.

"One in three US households shopped at ALDI this...

Hormel Foods Announces Corporate Restructuring to Support Strategic Priorities and Long-Term Growth

Hormel Foods Corporation, a Fortune 500 global branded food company, today announced a corporate restructuring designed to thoughtfully align resources with the organization's strategic priorities, support future growth and strengthen the overall business.

To ensure the company remains efficient and well-positioned for long-term success, Hormel Foods has implemented a voluntary early retirement program for a portion of its non-plant workforce, is closing many open roles and will reduce certain positions across its office-based workforce. These actions are expected to...

European Investment Bank Backs French Dairy Cooperative Sodiaal’s €70 Mln Investment

The European Investment Bank (EIB) has approved a €70 million loan to Sodiaal, France’s largest dairy cooperative. The loan, guaranteed by the InvestEU programme, will go to research and development, the EIB said.

“The French and European agri-food industry is facing strong international competition – an issue that can be addressed by accelerating research and innovation,” EIB vice-president Ambroise Fayolle said.

Sodiaal represents around 14,500 member farmers, and owns the Yoplait, Candia and Entremont brands.

“The agricultural industry and the dairy...

Moldovan Poultry Producer Axedum to Invest €9 Mln in Expansion

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and Moldovan bank Maib have approved €9 million in financing for the poultry producer Axedum, both banks announced.

The funds “will finance the construction of a modern feed mill and enable Axedum to expand into a new business line of egg production,” the EBRD said.

Axedum is seeking to export its products into the European Union. Moldova holds EU accession candidate status...