In the latest FI Fast Break news podcast, we discuss the latest in M&A in the food and beverage industry.
In other news, McDonald’s, Starbucks, and Chick-fil-A claimed the first three slots of the top 50 restaurants for 2026, according to Circana research. These 50 businesses account for 61% of restaurant industry spending despite representing only 24% of locations. Full Story
Elsewhere, new research suggests that stopping GLP‑1 drugs may increase risks of heart attack and stroke. As quit rates climb, experts warn that short‑term use carries long‑term consequences that food businesses can’t afford to ignore. FI Focus … and you can learn much more about the risks of quitting GLP-1 drugs abruptly in an article you can find right now … on the homepage of foodinstitute … dot-com.
Meanwhile, Sysco has acquired Jetro Restaurant Depot for an enterprise value of roughly $29.1B. The deal will allow Sysco to enter the cash-and-carry channel, which is reportedly a $60B-70B addressable market. Full Story
And lastly, McCormick & Co. entered into an agreement to combine with Unilever’s food business, excluding India and other businesses. Unilever and its shareholders are expected to own about 65% of the new entity, and the company will receive a one-time $15.7B cash payment. Full Story
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