Why is AB Foods experiencing declining U.S. cooking oil sales, according to its CEO?

AB Foods' CEO George Weston attributed the decline in U.S. cooking oil sales to financial and immigration-related pressure on its core Hispanic customer base, stating: 'Our heavy use consumer is that Hispanic population who are under financial pressure, who are under pressure from ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) and are feeling a bit miserable.' He added that this has led to behavioral changes, including increased reuse of cooking oil — shifting from three to four uses before disposal — and that this trend 'is not going to change into 2027.'

How are GLP-1 appetite-suppressing drugs affecting AB Foods' U.S. foodservice oil business?

According to CEO George Weston, GLP-1 drugs are negatively impacting demand for fried food in the foodservice sector, which in turn is affecting Stratas Foods — AB Foods' U.S. joint venture supplying oils to foodservice — as he stated: 'We are undoubtedly seeing the consequences of GLP-1s on foodservice demand, particularly for fried food.'

AB Foods says US cooking oil sales hit by ICE pressure on Hispanic customers

Jul 1, 2026

Associated British Foods reported declining US cooking oil sales driven by financial pressure on Hispanic consumers and increased oil reuse amid ICE actions. Its foodservice joint venture faces reduced demand due to the uptake of appetite-suppressing GLP-1 drugs.

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AB Foods says US cooking oil sales hit by ICE pressure on Hispanic customers

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AB Foods says US cooking oil sales hit by ICE pressure on Hispanic customers

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