Breaking news

Coca-Cola Unveils American Cane Sugar Beverage Amid Regulatory Pressure

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

July 30, 2025

Coca-Cola has announced plans to launch a new beverage this fall in the United States, crafted with American cane sugar. The decision comes amid mounting pressure from the Trump administration and an ongoing public debate over the quality of ingredients used in soft drinks.

Responding to Government and Public Demands

The move aligns with a directive issued by President Donald Trump, who recently took to social media emphasizing that Coca-Cola should utilize “real” cane sugar in products distributed within the American market. This policy change reflects broader governmental concerns about food quality and the use of artificial ingredients in widely consumed products.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

Aligning With Nationwide Health Initiatives

The new initiative is part of the larger “Make America Health Again” campaign led by U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The campaign is focused on reducing the reliance on highly processed foods and eliminating artificial additives, including colorants and preservatives, thereby encouraging a shift to more natural ingredients in everyday consumer products.

A Shift in Ingredient Strategy

In its recent second-quarter financial report, Coca-Cola outlined plans to expand its product line by introducing a beverage produced with domestically sourced cane sugar. Although the company already offers a version known as “Mexican Coke” – which uses cane sugar – the majority of its products in the United States traditionally rely on high-fructose corn syrup, a standard that emerged in the 1980s due to favorable tariffs and corn subsidies.

Market and Consumer Implications

While this shift may cater to changing consumer preferences and regulatory requirements, it is noteworthy that even high-profile figures like President Trump continue to favor products such as Diet Coke, which utilizes artificial sweeteners. The evolving ingredient policies have also influenced other major players in the food industry, with companies like PepsiCo, Nestlé, and General Mills committing to remove synthetic additives from their product lines by year-end.

The strategic adjustment by Coca-Cola underscores the dynamic interplay between market demands, regulatory directives, and consumer health trends. As this new product prepares for its debut, it remains to be seen how the industry and consumers will respond to an era defined by a return to more natural, locally sourced ingredients.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Cyprus Foreclosure Reform Debate Intensifies Amid Rising Non-Performing Loans

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 18, 2026

Political Stakes And Foreclosure Regulation

Cypriot political parties are engaging in a high-stakes debate in parliament as they deliberate changes to the legal framework governing foreclosures ahead of the May parliamentary elections. The proposed shifts are aimed at curbing the rapid escalation in the value of non-performing loans, a trend that has sparked significant public and legislative concern. Confidential data from the Central Bank of Cyprus indicates that the nation has not yet moved away from its longstanding issues related to so-called “red loans.”

Non-Performing Loans: A Mounting Financial Challenge

Recent figures show that the value of distressed loans has continued to rise, surpassing €20 billion following transfers involving banks and credit recovery companies. This level exceeds the approximately €15 billion recorded during the economic crisis period. Central Bank data indicates that after loan sales, credit recovery firms now manage portfolios totaling €19.7 billion, of which €18.5 billion are classified as non-performing. About 87% of these loans are considered terminated, while the firms acquired 141,478 loans for €3.2 billion, roughly 80% below their original value.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

Credit Recovery Companies: Overshooting Investment Returns

By June, credit recovery companies had recovered €5.7 billion through a combination of cash repayments, judicial asset auctions and property-for-debt exchanges. Cash repayments accounted for €3.6 billion, judicial recoveries contributed €619 million, and property swaps added €1.5 billion. These recoveries exceeded the original purchase cost of many loan portfolios while overall balances continued to increase due to accrued interest, a development that remains a concern for policymakers.

Bank Portfolios And The Impact On Financial Stability

Data from the State Guarantee Fund for Deposits and Loans shows that 77,561 loans valued at €7.5 billion were transferred, leaving a remaining balance of €5.7 billion by June 2025, of which €5 billion are non-performing. Within the banking sector, non-performing loans totaled €1.45 billion across 24,736 accounts as of last June. Since December 2024, these figures have improved by approximately €86 million due to repayments and asset recoveries. The reduction in problematic loans has lowered bank exposure compared with levels recorded during the 2013 crisis.

Legislative Proposals And Government Considerations

Political leaders argue that adjustments to foreclosure procedures can be introduced without undermining banking stability. Parliament’s Economic Committee is scheduled to begin discussions on March 9, with an estimated 20 to 30 legislative proposals currently pending from multiple parties. While the Ministry of Finance has not announced immediate legislative action, officials are evaluating the potential reintroduction of elements of the Rent-Versus-Rate plan for vulnerable borrowers, subject to fiscal impact assessments.

Advocacy From AKEL And Environmental Groups

Proposals supported by the AKEL party and several civil organizations focus on strengthening legal protections for borrowers. Among the suggested measures is restoring the right to seek judicial relief to delay foreclosures in cases involving disputed charges or alleged abusive contract clauses. AKEL representative Aristos Damianou criticized the pace of foreclosure proceedings and warned of risks to primary residences and small businesses.

Proposals Targeting Guarantors And Foreclosure Processes

The Democratic Rally party has introduced a proposal aimed at limiting guarantor liability during foreclosure procedures. Under the draft measure, if a property is auctioned or repossessed, the guarantor’s responsibility would be capped at the original loan amount adjusted by recovered sums. The proposal also requires that enforcement actions against guarantors be suspended until a court ruling is issued if the borrower formally disputes the debt.

Revisions Proposed By The Democratic Party of Cyprus

The Democratic Party is also preparing new legislative measures to be introduced on Thursday. Party leader Mario Karogian outlined plans to suspend the foreclosures of primary residences valued up to €350,000 until the end of the year, allowing time to address legislative gaps. Additional proposals include broadening the powers of the Financial Ombudsperson to make binding decisions on disputes up to €50,000, enforcing the Central Bank’s code of conduct, and ensuring strict adherence to refinancing guidelines for first residences.

Outlook And Strategic Implications

The range of proposals reflects an ongoing effort to balance financial system stability with stronger consumer protections. Decisions made in the coming months are expected to shape the regulatory environment for foreclosures and influence broader confidence in Cyprus’ financial sector and economic outlook.