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The price of a brand new breakfast meal deal from McDonald’s, recognizing that diners have less to spend when eating out
MEASURED GROWTH PREDICTED FOR US RESTAURANTS IN 2026 A cooling labor market, cost pressures and cautious consumer spending will continue to challenge America’s restaurant industry in 2026, according to the National Restaurant Association’s 2026 State of the Restaurant Industry report. Michelle Korsmo, president and CEO of the National Restaurant Association (NRA), said that restaurants remain an economic powerhouse that drives job growth and fosters entrepreneurship even when faced with headwinds. “The industry’s resilience is driven by its people, its adaptability, and its ability to evolve alongside consumers, making continued investment in workforce, innovation, and smart policy solutions essential to long-term growth.” Summarizing the year, the NRA says last year’s uncertainty will persist, and called for operators to be creative and adaptable as they try to stay agile in the changing business environment. Innovative solutions will be at the forefront of their minds, including technology that strengthens guest engagement and removes friction points from the dining experience.
BUSY START TO 2026 FOR FCSI ASIA PACIFIC The regional team in FCSI Asia Pacific has had a strong start to 2026, building on last year’s successful conference in Vietnam and new initiatives in member countries, including a networking session in China.
FCSI IBERIA NAMES THEIR CONSULTANT OF THE YEAR Established two years ago, FCSI Iberia has launched its awards for foodservice consultants in Spain and Portugal. Earlier this year, during the division’s activities at the Hostelco trade show in Barcelona, Juan Umbert FCSI was named the FCSI Iberia Consultant of the Year. Read about Umbert’s project on page 38. Sustainable packaging innovator Notpla was recognized with the award for sectoral impact.
DEEP-FRIED FOOD OFF THE MENU IN ENGLISH SCHOOLS After several iterations of reports into school food in England – most famously by Jamie Oliver, who urged the government to feed children healthier food in 2005 – plans for change have now been revealed. Under the government’s plans, deep-fried food will be banned and high-sugar items will be restricted. Fruit will replace sugary treats and there will no longer be an option to offer children unhealthy ‘grab and go’ foods, such as sausage rolls and pizza, every day. The government has called the changes the most ambitious overhaul of school food in a generation. “Every child deserves to have delicious, nutritious food at school that gives them the energy to concentrate, learn and thrive,” said education secretary Bridget Philipson.
The final school food standards will be announced in September and come into force from September 2027.
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In March, FCSI Senior Associate and board member Rahool Talwar hosted the FCSI India Fellowship dinner in New Delhi, bringing together a significant number of Allied and Professional members. “As the first FCSI event of its kind in India, we received an astounding response, with the event being attended by 74 industry professionals,” said Talwar.
Later in March, the team was present at Thaifex HOREC in Thailand and hosted a panel session focused on the ROI of independent foodservice consultancy in Southeast Asia. “Thaifex 2026 once again highlighted the strength, innovation, and
collaboration that defines the Asia Pacific foodservice industry,” said FCSI APD chair Phil Llewellyn FCSI. “As consultants, we are uniquely positioned to help guide this progress, bridging ideas, technology, and operational excellence to deliver better outcomes for our clients and their customers.”
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