Foodservice is one of the fastest-growing industries in Australia. Years after the pandemic, the industry has evolved rapidly with many new trends emerging along with its growth.

Foodservice providers need to understand these trends to better provide consumers with what they need and want as their tastes evolve. Below we've listed the top five trends in Australian foodservice you can leverage to better meet what your consumers seek.

Emphasis on Sustainability

Many Australian diners are becoming more conscious of packaging and resource waste, thus demanding foodservice businesses to have a more sustainable alternative. A company's adherence to sustainable practices is becoming one of the deciding factors for consumers when choosing what to eat and where to dine. A survey conducted among 3,000 consumers around the world showed that Australian consumers are willing to turn their backs on unsustainable businesses. Hence, ethical movements like cutting down on food waste through upcycling, growing food onsite, and sourcing food locally can ultimately help companies win their consumers over.

Growing Demand for Plant-Based Food

Australians are among the many people who have been adopting healthier dietary habits and plant-based eating. In fact, research shows that despite the devastating effects Covid has had on the food industry, retail sales of plant-based food skyrocketed a staggering 46% in FY20 with the number of new jobs created reaching a stunning 106% growth, and seeing manufacturing revenues rise from $35 million to $70 million in the developing sector.

As demand for plant-based options and meat alternatives grows, restaurants are expected to grow their vegan options beyond tofu and soybeans to cater for these dietary requirements.

Consumers Seeking a New Experience

The hospitality industry is a competitive market. Naturally, foodservice businesses will look for ways to set themselves apart, leading to the rise of experiential dining. What started as a trend in Australian foodservice has now become a bigger and more permanent concept. Restaurant goers are now seeking new and different experiences, which means we can only expect more adventurous and unique dining venues to emerge in the industry.

Need for Transparency

Following COVID-19, health and safety has become everyone's biggest concern. Consumers are paying closer attention to their product purchases and require more information about where their products come from. According to new research, 93% of Australians prefer to see a clear label of where their food was sourced. While it may sound bothersome, this trend in Australian foodservice is actually an opportunity for foodservice companies. Providing consumers with the transparency they seek establishes trust and highlights what value your business offers, creating a strong point of difference from other, less proactive businesses.

The role of Technology

Incorporating technology in the hospitality industry may have initially been a response to the pandemic, but this trend is here to stay. These changes dramatically improved restaurant operations and resulted in an easier and more convenient consumer experience. Some foodservice technologies that are expected to continue include: QR code systems, online ordering, and kitchen display systems.

Key Takeaways

These trends in Australian foodservice show how consumers' preferences have changed over time. At present, they prefer companies that offer sustainability, plant-based options, and new experiences while maintaining transparency and providing a sense of convenience. We are expecting these trends to continue for 2023 and beyond.

AFAB has always had its finger on the pulse of emerging trends and found ways to maximise their benefits for consumers, business owners and employees through advocacy. Make sure you’re keeping up with all the latest changes in the foodservice industry by reading our news feed, so you too can be up to date on how you are being advocated for and represented as the landscape continues to change.

The foodservice industry encompasses producers, manufacturers, distributors, operators and service providers, and each of these stakeholders offers great value to the Australian economy. That being said, a career in foodservice is also highly rewarding for the individual. Here are the top seven benefits a career in foodservice brings.

Job Security 

The foodservice industry is one of the most stable and secure industries (outside of World pandemics!). As the world’s population continues to grow, so does the demand for foodservice professionals. It’s an industry that’s constantly growing and changing, so plenty of job opportunities are available at any time. Whether you want to work in a restaurant, catering business, or another related field, something will always be available.

Variety 

No two days are alike when working in the foodservice industry. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities to learn something new. Each day is an adventure waiting to be explored! You could find yourself working on anything from menu planning to recipe development to customer relations—endless possibilities!

Opportunity for Creativity 

Foodservice professionals can express their creativity daily by creating incredible dishes and unique recipes for their customers. By combining ingredients, flavours, and textures into something new and exciting, chefs can make art on a plate! It’s also an excellent way to showcase their skills and express themselves as professionals.

Interpersonal Skills Development 

Working in the foodservice industry requires excellent interpersonal skills—such as communication, problem solving, collaboration, and teamwork—all of which help develop your professional understanding over time. Even if you don’t plan on taking on managerial roles right away (or ever), these skills will only benefit you throughout your career by helping you communicate more effectively with colleagues, peers, vendors and customers alike!

Sense of Community 

One of the best things about working in the foodservice industry is that it’s like one big family! Everyone works together towards a common goal—creating fabulous meals for customers—and has each other’s backs along the way! Being part of such a close-knit community allows employees to build strong relationships with those around them while feeling supported within their workplace environment.

Flexible Hours 

Depending on your role in the foodservice industry (e.g., back of house vs front of house), there are often plenty of flexible hours available that accommodate different lifestyles or schedules. This makes it easy for employees who may also have other commitments outside work (e .g., children or other hobbies) to balance their responsibilities without sacrificing too much time away from home or leisure activities.

Financial Rewards 

Finally, working in this highly demanded field often results in generous compensation packages, which can translate into higher salaries, bonuses, promotions, etc. On top of that, if you decide to pursue higher education, many employers offer tuition assistance programs so that individuals can hone their skills even further!

Conclusion

Despite the challenging conditions in recent times, there are many reasons to stay in or enter the foodservice industry. The stability of jobs in foodservice, the opportunity to use existing skills in a new context and the satisfaction that comes from feeding others are just some of the motivations for working in this industry. If you're looking to jump into the thrilling foodservice industry, you'd be hard-pressed not to find a door that's open. No matter if hospitality is your thing or manufacturing makes your mouth water - there are plenty of paths for exploration!

Through determination and perseverance, you can realise your full potential and become a driving force in the foodservice industry. AFAB CEO Tony Green is one such example of how you can transition between roles and grow in your career. He started off in the industry as a chef and later went into Sales and Marketing in manufacturing and distribution. The Australian Foodservice Advocacy Body can support you through these changes with quality information, resources and programs. Keep an eye on our website and social media channels for updates.