Middle East Focus: UAE healthier system, OSK growth and Iran food casualties

Inside the UAE’s push towards a healthier food system: The UAE National Strategy for Healthy Nutrition 2031 aims to revamp health and nutrition in the UAE. Approved by the UAE cabinet, this strategy is a collaborative effort between the UAE Food Cluster and the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP). It seeks to improve overall nutritional health, reduce diet-related diseases, and promote a more resilient population. Japan’s food price hikes are expected to intensify in 2026, with processed foods seeing the biggest increases due to the Middle East conflict. Teikoku Databank’s July 2026 survey reported that 5,780 processed foods—including instant noodles, canned goods, and frozen foods—are projected to experience price hikes. OSK, a Japanese tea brand, is expanding its caffeine-free tea range to capitalize on health trends and international growth. The brand highlights increasing demand for caffeine-free beverages, particularly among pregnant and breastfeeding women, and those seeking to limit caffeine intake to avoid sleep disruption. The Iran conflict has caused significant disruptions in the global food system, affecting food security and supply chains. Ongoing fertiliser shortages and rising energy costs are major impacts. Fertiliser supply uncertainty persists, with potential long-term effects on agricultural markets. According to the International Fertilizer Association, a prolonged conflict could delay market recovery and influence farm input decisions, affecting the 2027 growing season.