On 28 February 2026, Israel and the United States launched surprise airstrikes on Iran. What began as a short, sharp attempt to dismantle Iran’s government quickly escalated into a much broader conflict, engulfing much of the Middle East and sending ripple effects far beyond the region.
For food and beverage, the consequences are already being felt across the supply chain. Rising oil and gas prices are pushing up production costs, pressure on petrochemical supplies is threatening plastic packaging, key imports and exports face disruption, and fertiliser inputs essential to growing food ingredients are also at risk.
We are following developments closely in this rolling coverage of what the Iran war means for the food and beverage industry.
Read the latest below.
16 March 2026: The packaging crisis about to hit food and beverage
Attacks on the world’s busiest oil shipping channel are set to drive unavoidable spikes in plastic packaging prices
12 March 2026: Middle East tensions push grocery prices higher
Supply chain risks and volatile farm inputs add new pressure on brands, retailers and inflation-weary shoppers
11 March 2026: How to protect food supply chains in conflict zones
As conflict proliferates, food companies must be prepare for disruptions
10 March 2026: Middle East turmoil exposes dairy to new challenges
No one expected plain sailing in 2026 – but a fresh conflict in the Gulf introduces new variables
6 March 2026: Confectionery sector braced for shortages as Iran conflict escalates
As conflict disrupts key trade routes and energy supplies, the confectionery sector is among the first to feel the strain
5 March 2026: Bakery, snacks and cereals: The next cost shock may start in the Gulf
Geopolitics rarely stays confined to energy markets. Sooner or later, it reaches the food system
4 March 2026: Iran closes Strait of Hormuz: Which foods will get pricier?
The sudden closure of the Strait of Hormuz is triggering immediate ripple effects across global food markets
3 March 2026: Iran conflict: Implications for the global food sector
Ongoing tensions in Iran could could disrupt supply routes and drive volatility across key food commodities
