Global

FAO warns that ongoing disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz due to the Middle East crisis are causing global fertilizer shortages, threatening lower crop yields and tighter food supplies through late 2026 and into 2027.

As the market kneads its way toward that US$963.7 billion mark, the future looks remarkably bright for anything baked in an oven.

In South Asia, aflatoxins were detected in 85% of samples, marking a 30% increase from the previous year.

FAO reported that cereals continued to dominate global cropping systems over the past two decades.

Consumer demand for healthier, cleaner-label foods and heightened interest in sustainable diets are driving manufacturers to broaden plant-based offerings, while innovations in ingredients and processing are improving texture, shelf life, and nutritional profiles to better match traditional bread products.