Economy

Nestlé is exiting the global ice cream market, a move that will impact its D’Onofrio brand in Peru, according to multiple reports from Peruvian and international news outlets. The multinational food and beverage company announced its intention to focus on core areas of its business, leading to the divestiture of its ice cream operations worldwide.

The decision affects a broad range of ice cream brands owned by Nestlé, but the specific implications for D’Onofrio in Peru are still being evaluated. El Comercio Perú reported that Nestlé stated It’s “evaluating details and next steps in Peru” following the announcement. Infobae and El Popular also covered the potential impact on the Peruvian market, noting the uncertainty surrounding the future of the popular D’Onofrio brand.

Pablo Isla, a representative of Nestlé, indicated the company aims to regain its leadership position in the food sector through this restructuring, according to Expansión. The move is part of a broader strategy to streamline Nestlé’s portfolio and concentrate on areas with higher growth potential.

While the details of the sale are still unfolding, Nestlé’s departure from the ice cream market represents a significant shift in the industry. The company has not yet provided a definitive timeline for the completion of the sale or a specific plan for the D’Onofrio brand in Peru, leaving consumers and industry observers awaiting further clarification.

Belgian households are facing increasing financial pressure, with mortgage rates climbing to levels not seen in over a decade. As of January 27, 2026, the average fixed mortgage rate in Belgium stands at 3.89% for a 25-year term, a significant increase from the low of 1% recorded in 2021. This rise translates to a substantial increase in monthly mortgage payments, impacting affordability for prospective homebuyers.

For a €300,000 loan, the current rate of 3.89% results in a monthly payment of approximately €1,550. Just one year ago, the same loan amount at a rate of 3.14% carried a monthly payment of €1,420. This represents a monthly increase of over €100, and a total additional cost of €35,000 over the life of the loan. Economists at KBC and ING anticipate this upward trend will continue, with a reversal unlikely without a recession in Europe – a scenario not currently predicted.

Beyond mortgages, rising food costs are also significantly impacting household budgets. Approximately 17% of the average Belgian family’s expenditure is allocated to groceries, making it the largest single expense after housing. The price of staple goods like olive oil has surged, increasing by 63% since January 2022. Consumer advocacy groups are advising families to adjust their shopping habits to mitigate these increases.

One key strategy for reducing grocery bills is to switch supermarket chains. A family in Gembloux, for example, could save up to €850 annually by switching from Spar to Colruyt. Choosing store-brand or “first price” products also offers substantial savings, with these options costing, on average, 62% less than international brands and 46% less than distributor brands. Discount retailers like Aldi and Lidl offer even greater savings, with potential reductions of up to 64% on certain items.

Combining these strategies – switching retailers and opting for lower-priced products – can lead to significant savings. Experts suggest that by making these changes, households can potentially save over €4,000 per year on their grocery bills. While specific savings will vary depending on individual consumption patterns, the potential for substantial financial relief is clear.

The increasing cost of living is prompting many Belgians to seek ways to reduce their overall expenses. While no specific national campaign has been launched, financial experts are consistently advising households to review their spending and identify areas for potential savings. The cumulative effect of modest changes, such as adjusting shopping habits and renegotiating contracts, can add up to significant financial gains over time.

Donald Trump has demanded Netflix remove former Obama administration official Susan Rice from its board of directors, threatening unspecified “consequences” for the streaming service if it does not comply. The former president’s demand, made public on Saturday, stems from Rice’s recent criticism of corporate responses to restrictive voting laws.

Trump’s call for Rice’s removal follows a podcast interview where she urged companies to resist “bending a knee” to political pressure, a reference to perceived acquiescence to restrictive legislation. According to reports, Trump views Rice’s presence on the Netflix board as a deliberate provocation.

“Netflix should immediately remove Susan Rice from their Board of Directors,” Trump stated, as reported by multiple news outlets. He further warned of “consequences” should Netflix fail to act on his demand, though he did not elaborate on the nature of those consequences.

Rice served as National Security Advisor under President Barack Obama. Her appointment to the Netflix board in 2023 drew some scrutiny at the time, but Trump’s current intervention marks a significant escalation of opposition. The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump’s statement was made via his social media platform.

Netflix has not yet publicly responded to Trump’s demand. The company’s silence comes as it navigates an increasingly polarized political landscape and faces pressure from various stakeholders on issues ranging from content moderation to political advocacy. Business Insider noted that Trump’s demand specifically targeted Rice’s criticism of corporations.

The Hill reported that Trump’s statement specifically referenced Rice’s warning to corporations against yielding to political pressure. The former president’s attack on Rice appears to be directly linked to her public stance on corporate responsibility and political engagement.

Bloomberg.com and the Financial Times both reported on the developing situation, highlighting the potential for a direct confrontation between Trump and the streaming giant. As of Sunday, February 22, 2026, Netflix has not issued a statement regarding the former president’s ultimatum.