Plant-Based Drinks Watch: A new report says the global rice milk market could grow from US$1.4bn (2026) to US$2.5bn by 2033, driven by dairy alternatives, lactose intolerance and fortified products. Retail & Manufacturing Pressure: FN+Germany’s food giants are feeling the squeeze as energy costs and minimum wage hikes bite, while consolidation and retailer influence keep reshaping the value chain. McDonald’s in Germany: The chain’s Q2 update highlights early traction for its specialty beverage platform, with Germany offering the full range and seeing strong post-lunch traffic. Packaging Tech for Reuse: Vetropack, CCEP and Myneral Labs won recognition for giving reusable glass bottles a digital identity via permanent Data Matrix codes, aiming to cut losses and improve reuse performance. Food M&A Roundup: Corporate Finance Associates says better-for-you and functional ingredient deals made up 67.7% of branded acquisition activity in 2026 so far, with major ingredient transactions including McCormick–Unilever Foods and Ingredion–Tate & Lyle. Dairy Innovation Hit by Red Tape: The Netherlands’ floating dairy farm is reportedly up for sale after certification issues and sanctions tied to a replacement floor. Industry Infrastructure: KGAL Industries and fluvicon launched a €100m platform to scale industrial water treatment as a contracted service across Europe, including food-and-beverage waste streams.