Food Dealwatch: James Murdoch’s firm is set to buy a majority stake in a South Indian food chain for $180 million. Separately, Intersnack’s proposed $2.9 billion deal for US snack maker Utz would give the buyer and Utz’s founding family equal ownership. Merger Scrutiny: Britain is threatening a deeper probe into a $65 billion US–UK food merger that could reshape ownership of Knorr and Hellmann’s across Africa. Supply Shock: Ukraine’s leading sunflower oil producer has shut all processing plants after Russian attacks, putting pressure on a key export supply. Food Security: Conflict, displacement, disease and high prices could push acute hunger in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to a record 30.3 million people in the first half of 2027, UN agencies warn. Prices: India’s October inflation reached 6.09%, above the central bank’s upper limit, as food costs climbed. Industry Innovation: Japan and Singapore have agreed to strengthen cooperation on agri-food innovation, as companies explore technology and personalised nutrition to address climate and health challenges. Beverage Launches: Pink Lady apple sparkling water ranked third among new UK soft-drink flavours, signalling interest in fruit-led alternatives.