Global soft-drink maker; venerable brand navigating modern health and supply-chain pressures.
PepsiCo has reported a mixed second quarter, with North American volumes flat or down and international markets driving overall growth. Revenue rose 6.4% to $24.18 billion, but North American beverage volumes fell 4% and per-share earnings narrowly missed expectations. The company has signaled a slower but steady recovery in North America as inflation pressures persist.
Tokyo-based Nichirei has resumed operations after a ransomware incident. The company says it has worked with an external cybersecurity specialist and plans to sequentially restore affected operations starting July 17.
Glasgow Pride has marked 30 years since the first Pride event in 1996 with this year’s march through Glasgow, featuring corporate sponsors and performers. The event faced criticism over Coca-Cola sponsorship amid calls for a boycott linked to Middle East conflict and the broader debate over Pride branding vs. liberation.
The 2026 World Cup has reshaped markets and national feelings, with host nations counting big GDP gains while fans grapple with ticket prices, hydration breaks, and shifting loyalties. The event has intensified debates over money, mobilized nationalism as a consumer brand, and spotlighted soft power through sponsorships.
Most Valuable Promotions has merged with the Professional Fighters League to create a single combat-sports company led by MVP founders Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian, with PFL CEO John Martin on the board. The combined group will bring together nearly 300–400 fighters, combine boxing and MMA rosters, and keep broad global media partnerships including Netflix and ESPN.
Northern Ireland is considering measures to curb obesity by restricting where unhealthy foods are placed in shops and online, mirroring policies in England and Wales. The Department of Health and the FSA have launched a consultation, arguing that price, placement and marketing influence purchases and contribute to obesity. Critics warn about effects on low-income families.
Canada and the United States have resumed intensive talks to avert steep US tariffs that could take effect this week. Ottawa has offered concessions, including removing a retaliatory auto tariff, while Washington has pressed provinces to lift bans on US alcohol and pushed demands on market access and content rules for autos. Negotiators are still finalising details.
Berkshire Hathaway has reduced its cash pile to $365.5 billion and heavily increased stock buybacks and equity purchases in Q2 under new CEO Greg Abel, signaling a shift in capital allocation while Buffett remains involved as chairman.
The FDA has moved to close the GRAS loophole by requiring safety data for new ingredients and creating a public inventory. A parallel step defines ultraprocessed foods to help future regulation. Officials say the measures increase transparency but are not expected to alter consumer diets immediately.
A curated selection of playful decor pieces is redefining livable luxury, blending bold pastels with eclectic furnishings. Designers say whimsy brings personality, while careful layering keeps spaces polished rather than kitschy.
Independent and New York Post report recalls and new menus; Chick-fil-A is adding Chicken & Waffles Sandwiches and S’mores drinks in a fall line-up, while McDonald’s is reviving Spicy Chicken McNuggets and Mighty Hot Sauce, alongside new desserts and fizzy drinks.
A UK study finds most pouch-based baby foods do not meet guidelines for complementary foods, showing high sugar and salt levels and misleading labeling. Regulators are urged to tighten rules and consider mandatory standards to protect infant health; the research covers 298 products across six supermarkets.
Berkshire Hathaway has expanded its Alphabet stake and outlines how it plans to use energy assets to support hyperscale computing, while facing renewed community resistance to data-centre projects. Abel says Berkshire will sell energy to AI customers only if it wouldn’t raise costs for other customers, and Buffett’s Alphabet investment continues to loom large as AI reshapes the portfolio.
This week has seen several medical research and regulatory developments. Insilico Medicine has reported that its experimental drug rentosertib changed blood‑protein patterns that aging clocks read as three to four years younger in a small trial. Stanford teams have published studies showing they can grow hindbrain neurons separately and implant human cortical organoids into mice. The US health department has appointed permanent directors for three FDA centers.
Independent reports that experts advise parents to use Junior ISAs rather than Premium Bonds, with guidance on cash vs stocks and shares JISAs, annual limits, and potential returns; examples include Santander 123 Mini bonuses and practical tips from Holly Mackay of Boring Money.
A UK study involving nearly 1 million adults has found that drinking beverages at very hot temperatures is associated with a higher risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The risk rises with frequency, but overall numbers remain small. Experts urge cooling drinks before consumption and maintaining other protective habits.
Saphier has been nominated to serve as surgeon general. She is navigating questions about vaccine policy, credentials, and potential conflicts of interest as lawmakers scrutinize her readiness to lead public health messaging.
Warren Buffett has stepped down as chairman of Berkshire Hathaway and has become chairman emeritus, remaining on the board. His son, Howard Buffett, has become non-executive chairman while Greg Abel continues as chief executive. The move completes a long‑planned succession more than nine months after Buffett handed the CEO role to Abel.
Lawsuits allege McDonald’s uses an AI-augmented pricing system that shares nonpublic sales data across franchises to set menu prices, a claim McDonald’s denies, saying pricing decisions remain with franchisees. The suit seeks class-action status and damages.
The Medway West branch of a pet charity has launched a low-cost clinic to provide affordable care for pets of people on low incomes or benefits. The service aims to keep animals at home while reducing vet costs, with the branch noting high demand and a growing pet food bank
KFC US restaurants will switch from PepsiCo to Coca‑Cola beverages starting in January, with full rollout expected by Q1 2027. International locations keep PepsiCo. The move aims to refresh the brand’s appeal and support Yum Brands’ US comeback amid shifting consumer tastes and on‑premise beverage competition.