A forecast Super El Niño could lift global food prices significantly, disrupting CPG, retail and foodservice supply chains as coffee, cocoa, wheat, rice and other key commodities face weather-driven production and logistics risks.
Despite news of an agreement between the U.S. and Iran, a wide-ranging decrease in prices is not expected in the near-term.
A Scotch bonnet pepper shortage has tightened CPG supply chains, raising costs for Caribbean hot sauce makers. The shortage has complicated procurement for brands dependent on authentic Jamaican peppers.
Fast-growing QSR and beverage brands are winning on personalization, customization, and protein-driven demand, with 7 Brew, dirty soda innovators, and chicken chains like Bojangles capturing surging consumer interest across CPG, foodservice, and retail in 2026.
