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Chartwells Higher Education's 2026 Fall Forecast Highlights Five Key Food and Beverage Trends for College Campuses

🍽 College students in 2026 seek texture-rich meals and functional foods, according to Chartwells Higher Education’s Fall Flavor Forecast. Key trends include micro meals like protein bento boxes, functional beverages with 22% wanting more electrolytes, and global teas beyond pumpkin spice. Focus is on gut health with fiber-rich meals and sensory eating experiences. Chartwells chefs innovate to match Gen Z's evolving preferences for dynamic dining on campuses.
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AI Becomes Integral Business Strategy for Restaurants and Convenience Stores, Enhancing Operations and Product Design

💻 On August 5, in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA, industry leaders at Informa Connect’s Outlook Leadership event discussed AI's transformative role in restaurant and c-store operations. Angell Tsang of Tso Chinese Takeout, Austin, TX, highlighted AI-driven custom code. Joe Hamza of Nouria Energy Corp., Worcester, MA, shared AI's role in product design, noting Nouria's No. 29 rank in CSP’s 2026 c-store list. Leon Davoyan of Dave’s Hot Chicken, Pasadena, CA, emphasized vendor-based AI use.
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CDC and FDA Investigate Multistate Salmonella Javiana Outbreak Linked to Jalapeño Peppers from Sinaloa, Mexico

🍴 Salmonella Javiana outbreak, linked to jalapeño peppers from Sinaloa, Mexico, highlights the need for robust supply-chain safety. CDC and FDA trace the source, emphasizing prevention before products reach consumers. Fresh produce, often raw, poses risks without heating. Prevention demands layered controls: supplier checks, sanitation, traceability, and staff training. Operators must ensure rapid response to outbreaks, maintaining food safety through prevention, verification, and readiness across the supply chain to protect consumers and trust.
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Sustainable Packaging Gains Popularity with 42% of Produce Consumers Prioritizing Recyclable Options, FMI Report Finds

🥥 At the Organic Produce Summit 2026 in Monterey, California, sustainable packaging is highlighted as a key trend. Consumers at Sprouts Farmers Market, operating 485 stores in 25 states, prefer eco-friendly options, with 42% prioritizing recyclable packaging. Price sensitivity varies by retailer; Save Mart Co. notes differences in willingness to pay among its 200 stores. The Power of Produce 2026 report highlights consumer preferences: 32% reduced plastic use and 22% plant-based materials.
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Hotel Executives Question AI Investment Returns, Shift Focus from Adoption to Proving Value at Destination AI Event

🏨 At the Destination AI event in Washington on Wednesday, hotel executives, including Pat Nestor from Hyatt, discussed AI's financial impact. While costs are known, its earnings remain uncertain. Nestor highlighted a shift from "adoption" to "absorption," questioning AI's value on profit and loss sheets. He anticipates more scrutiny in 2027 to ensure the technology's true value is extracted. The industry aims to quantify AI's return beyond mere efficiency gains.
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Indonesia set to overtake Thailand as Southeast Asia’s largest travel market

Indonesia is set to overtake Thailand as Southeast Asia's largest travel market in 2026. The shift comes as a fuel shock from the U.S.-Iran War slows regional growth to 2%, reaching $64.1 billion. Higher fares and route cuts are pressuring airlines and leaving hotel bookings flat. Online bookings keep climbing, set to pass $50 billion by 2029, with OTAs capturing 42% of all bookings. Phocuswright's new report tracks the fallout.
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Vinod Shares Insights on Family Travel Through Tokyo, Sapporo, and Osaka, Comparing Major Japanese Airlines

🗺️ Vinod chronicles a three-week family adventure across Tokyo, Sapporo, and Osaka, navigating choices like Shinkansen versus flight and exploring airports. Paul and Vinod evaluate Air Canada, ANA, JAL, and Zipair, highlighting a notable 24-year-old JAL 767-300. The journey is filled with unique experiences, from QR codes to embarkation cards and surprising services like beef consommé. Japan consistently transforms travel into a memorable adventure.
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  • 7 min

International Travelers Can Experience Istanbul's History, Culture, and Local Attractions During a New Year Visit

🌄 Istanbul is ideal for a New Year break, offering history, culture, and shopping across Europe and Asia. Spend 3-4 days for maximum experience: explore the Historic Peninsula on day one, Galata and Karaköy on day two, and the Golden Horn on day three. Consider staying at Lionel Hotel in Bayrampasa for winter amenities and access. Plan New Year’s Eve in advance due to high demand. Group attractions geographically for a streamlined itinerary.
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