Food Shock Watch: South Africa’s Reserve Bank raised the repo rate by 25 bps, warning of a possible “food shock” as higher borrowing costs hit household spending while farmers already face rising fuel and input costs. El Niño & Fertiliser Strain: Myanmar rice growers say the Iran-linked fuel and fertiliser squeeze is making planting harder and more expensive, with El Niño risks adding pressure to already fragile harvest prospects. Trade & Supply Disruptions: With Strait of Hormuz tensions still in play, negotiators discussed extending a ceasefire and reopening modalities—an oil-route risk that can quickly translate into higher food and energy prices. Regulatory Push in Produce: Sri Lanka tightened agricultural export controls after EU regulators flagged excessive pesticide residues, requiring SL-GAP certification and authorised exporters for EU-bound fruits and vegetables. Dairy Expansion: Sri Lanka’s Pelwatte Dairy will invest Rs. 1.86bn to build a liquid milk plant, targeting flavoured milk and iced coffee-style beverages from 2027. Packaged Foods Deal: India’s AWL Agri Business licensed Shree Renuka Sugars’ “Madhur” brand to expand refined sugar sales via AWL’s distribution network. Cultivated Protein Enters DC: José Andrés’ Barmini will start serving Wildtype cultivated salmon in Washington, DC from June 3, as cultivated meat faces growing consumer and regulatory debate. Hospitality VAT Relief: The UK’s “Great British Summer Savings” cuts VAT on some children’s menus and family activities to 5% for summer, aiming to lift restaurant footfall. Food Safety Training: Penn State Extension is running ServSafe food safety manager courses in June for restaurant and food service managers. Eid Retail Boost (Qatar): Qatar expects a strong Eid Al Adha lift for groceries and hospitality-linked retail as footfall rises ahead of the holiday.