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Food, Beverage & Agriculture · Week of Nov 2, 2026

KFC's partners and parent dominate: the week in food and agriculture

KFC's network drove much of the week, from Yum China's store growth to a Marvel menu and a PepsiCo renewal, alongside a $915 million ethanol deal.

· Times Beats newsroom

KFC ran through several of the week's releases. Yum China, which operates KFC and Pizza Hut in China, reported third-quarter revenue up 8% to $3.5 billion and raised its 2026 net new store target to over 2,400. KFC announced what it says is its largest global collaboration to date, a Marvel-inspired menu in 100 countries. PepsiCo said it renewed its beverage partnership with KFC in eight international markets. Yum China also added a 13th director to its board.

The largest deal came from agriculture and fuels. The Andersons agreed to acquire Harvestone Low Carbon Partners for $915 million, adding three ethanol plants, and says about half the price is attributed to expected 45Z and 45Q tax credit cash flows. Elsewhere, Paris Baguette opened its first drive-thru, Omaha Steaks expanded its corporate gifting program ahead of the holidays, and Mohegan Sun began a $30 million arena renovation that includes upgraded food and beverage outlets.

  1. Yum China Holdings, Inc.

    Yum China Reports Third Quarter 2026 Results

    Yum China reported third-quarter revenue up 8% to $3.5 billion, operating profit up 13% to $451 million and diluted EPS up 20% to $0.91, with a quarterly record of 692 net new stores bringing its total to 19,989. The company raised its 2026 net new store target to over 2,400, added $1 billion to its share repurchase authorization and says it is on track to return $1.5 billion to shareholders in 2026.

  2. Kentucky Fried Chicken

    KFC Brings the Doom: New Marvel-Inspired Menu Lands Ahead of Marvel Studios' "Avengers: Doomsday"

    KFC announced a limited-time Doctor Doom-inspired menu tied to Marvel Studios' "Avengers: Doomsday," available from 9 November in select markets through January 2027 across 100 countries. KFC calls it its largest global collaboration to date, though the menu will not be offered in the United States, India or China.

  3. The Andersons, Inc.

    The Andersons, Inc. to Acquire Harvestone Low Carbon Partners, Expanding Ethanol Production Capacity and Low-Carbon Fuels Capabilities

    The Andersons agreed to acquire Harvestone Low Carbon Partners from Energy Capital Partners for $915 million, adding three ethanol plants in North Dakota and Indiana and about 215 million gallons of annual production, for combined capacity of about 730 million gallons. The company says about half the price reflects expected 45Z and 45Q tax credit cash flows and expects the deal to be immediately accretive, with closing targeted for the fourth quarter of 2026 or early in the first quarter of 2027.

  4. Yum China Holdings, Inc.

    Yum China Board Welcomes New Board Member

    Yum China appointed former GE General Counsel and Sotera Health Co. general counsel Alexander Dimitrief to its board, effective November 4, 2026. The board grows to 13 directors, 12 of whom are independent.

  5. PepsiCo, Inc.

    PepsiCo Secures Renewal Across Select KFC International Markets

    PepsiCo said it renewed its beverage partnership with KFC in Australia, India, UK, Spain, Germany, France, the Netherlands and Belgium, without disclosing length or financial terms. PepsiCo says it will support KFC's plans for new beverage offerings aimed at Gen Z consumers.

  6. Mohegan Sun

    Mohegan Sun Arena Embarks on $30 Million Transformation

    Mohegan Sun announced a multi-phase, $30 million renovation of its 10,000-seat arena, including upgraded concessions and Marketplace concepts with more than 30 taps, one using Amazon's "Just Walk Out" technology. The arena closes from December 15th and is slated to reopen February 28th, with a VIP lounge planned for 2027.

  7. Omaha Steaks

    Omaha Steaks Nears 5 Million Corporate Gifts, Expands Business Gifting Program and Holiday Resources

    Omaha Steaks expanded its business gifting program with redesigned gift certificates, simpler online redemption and holiday planning resources, and says it expects to pass 5 million corporate gifts sent since 2000 by the end of 2026. Certificates carry no minimum order, with mailed certificates to be ordered by Dec. 11 and e-certificates through Dec. 23 for Christmas.

  8. Paris Baguette

    Paris Baguette Opens First-Ever Drive-Thru Location in Moore, Oklahoma, Marking a Major Brand Milestone

    Paris Baguette opened its first drive-thru café on Nov. 3 in Moore, Oklahoma, its 346th North American location and 62nd opening this year. The company says it has 600 more locations in development, and the franchisees plan cafés in Lee's Summit, Missouri, and New Mexico in 2027.

This roundup is written with AI assistance from the press releases listed above, using only what they state. The releases are the companies' own announcements, not Times Beats reporting.