Coalition’s lunch policy shows the Party ‘has listened to small business’
Coalition’s lunch policy shows the Party ‘has listened to small business’
February 2025
Sharing insights from a recent Skynews discussion with Wes Lambert, Deputy Chair of AFAB, on the ongoing debate around government costings for hospitality industry support. Key takeaways:
- The Coalition’s proposed $250M/year policy aims to boost demand in the hospitality sector, which has been hit hard post-COVID, with 1 in 11 businesses facing insolvency in the past six months.
- The policy focuses on small businesses, addressing inequities where larger corporations can claim tax deductions for catering, while smaller businesses struggle.
- Challenges like reduced international tourism, cost-of-living pressures, and slim profit margins (3-4%) continue to weigh heavily on the industry.
This policy could be a game-changer for Australia’s 80,000+ foodservice businesses, driving much-needed demand and supporting recovery. Let’s hope for balanced solutions that empower small businesses and revitalise this vital sector!
Webinar: Technology in foodservice
Webinar: Technology in foodservice
February 2025
Technology is transforming foodservice faster than ever—optimising operations, reducing costs, and driving efficiency. But how can businesses harness AI-driven solutions to stay ahead? Join us for an exclusive AFAB Webinar featuring industry experts from SolBox and FOBOH, who will share real-world insights on:
- AI-powered order management to streamline operations
- Last-mile optimization for efficient and cost-effective deliveries
- The future of foodservice technology and why now is the time to invest
IT managers, this session is especially valuable for you! Learn how to integrate the latest tech solutions into your business and improve operational efficiency.
Welcoming new Standard Member: OmniChannel Consulting Australia
Welcoming new Standard Member: OmniChannel Consulting Australia
January 2025
We are delighted to welcome OmniChannel Consulting to our community!
With a strong focus on customer-centric strategies, OmniChannel Consulting is dedicated to helping businesses unlock their full potential. Their expertise spans FMCG retail, e-commerce, and foodservice, making them uniquely positioned to support organisations in enhancing marketing effectiveness, optimising sales funnels, and identifying new growth opportunities.
OmniChannel Consulting brings tailored solutions that can transform the way businesses engage with their customers. By leveraging data-driven insights and advanced CRM tools like Hubspot, they create seamless workflows that improve customer profiling, retargeting, and engagement strategies. Their ability to analyse category data and deliver actionable recommendations ensures businesses can refine product planning, promotional pricing, and overall operational efficiency.
We are thrilled to have OmniChannel Consulting join us and look forward to the insights and value they’ll bring to our members and the broader foodservice industry.
AFAB advocates for tax relief to revive Australia’s foodservice sector
AFAB advocates for tax relief to revive Australia’s foodservice sector
January 2025
AFAB is thrilled to announce the Coalition’s proposed $20,000 capped tax deduction for business-related meal and entertainment expenses, a policy that could provide a lifeline for small businesses while delivering significant benefits for Australia’s hospitality sector.
This initiative, exempt from Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT), is set to help over 81,000 foodservice outlets nationwide, which employ thousands of Australians and are crucial to our economy. With 99% of hospitality businesses earning less than $10 million annually, and 91.4% earning under $2 million, this policy is designed to address the unique challenges faced by small operators.
Webinar: Explore the future of foodservice technology!
Webinar: Explore the future of foodservice technology!
January 2025
AFAB invites you to an exclusive webinar exploring the transformative role of AI and technology in the foodservice industry.
Date: 20 February 2025
Speakers: Kshitija Deshmukh from FOBOH and Lawrence Micalizzi from SolBox
This engaging session will provide valuable insights into:
- AI-driven order management solutions
- Last-mile logistics optimisation strategies
- Practical approaches to improving efficiency and enhancing customer satisfaction.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how cutting-edge technology is reshaping the foodservice landscape, helping businesses streamline operations, reduce costs, and drive growth.
Welcoming AFAB Board Advisor: Emily Ng
Welcoming AFAB Board Advisor: Emily Ng
January 2025
We’re thrilled to introduce Emily Ng as the newest member of our board of advisors! Emily is a dynamic leader with over 17 years of expertise in general management, marketing, and brand strategy across Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. Emily specialises in crafting seamless end-to-end user journeys and creating exceptional brand experiences, from concept to market launch.
Emily’s career spans impactful roles at Unilever Food Solutions ANZ, where she led marketing strategies for some of the world's most beloved foodservice brands like Knorr and Hellmann’s. As the Head of Marketing for ANZ, she guided transformative projects, spearheaded innovation, and delivered award-winning initiatives that have shaped the foodservice landscape. Her experience also includes significant contributions in Southeast Asia and Singapore, driving category growth and operational excellence through cross-functional collaboration.
Beyond her marketing expertise, Emily is deeply committed to unlocking growth opportunities for businesses and fostering innovation. Her track record includes successful strategy development, portfolio management, and go-to-market execution across diverse industries.
As a board advisor, Emily brings unparalleled expertise, a global outlook, and a passion for shaping the future of businesses. We are excited about the insights and energy she will bring to our community.
Welcoming AFAB Board Advisor: Neil Parker
Welcoming AFAB Board Advisor: Neil Parker
January 2025
We’re excited to welcome Neil Parker, Managing Director at BridgePoint Group, to the AFAB community! With over 20 years of experience in business advisory, Neil has dedicated his career to helping privately-owned small and medium enterprises (SMEs) grow, innovate, and succeed in competitive markets.
Known for his commitment to the manufacturing sector, Neil emphasises its importance to the economy, often referring to it as 'our right to exist'. His expertise spans strategy development, financial analysis, business planning, forecasting, and process optimisation, making him a highly valued board member and advisor. Neil is also recognized for his bold thinking and his willingness to challenge the status quo.
We’re thrilled to have Neil on board and look forward to his contributions to our vibrant community. Join us in welcoming Neil Parker!
Welcoming new Standard member: Food Stax Australia
Welcoming new Standard member: Food Stax Australia
Dec 2025
With over 200+ hospitality outlets, Food Stax is revolutionising the way businesses access high-quality food at competitive prices.
As one of the most influential players in hospitality, Food Stax operates on a trusted and audited business model that prioritises its members' success. By leveraging their unmatched scale, members benefit from access to preferred suppliers, unbeatable prices, and exclusive specials—driving profitability and efficiency across the board.
Supported by a $560 million liquor business, Food Stax has helped it's members unlock significant profit growth while enabling chefs and managers to focus on innovation and the ultimate customer experience. This partnership marks a significant milestone for AFAB, further strengthening our hospitality network.
Welcoming new Individual member: Dineshkumar Subramani
Welcoming new Individual member: Dineshkumar Subramani
Dec 2025
We’re thrilled to introduce our newest individual member, Dineshkumar Subramani, an experienced Catering Manager whose career spans over 17 years in the hospitality industry. From leading hotel services at Mecwacare to training aspiring chefs at the National Training College of Australia, Dineshkumar has continually demonstrated his dedication to excellence in foodservice.
Dineshkumar's expertise lies in catering, budgeting, food & beverage management, and operations. His role as a Regional Hotel Services Manager showcases his leadership in handling multi-site operations, ensuring safety compliance, and delivering exceptional customer satisfaction. His experience also includes innovative training programs that empower teams and elevate service standards.
As a Cookery Trainer, Assessor, and Director at ADMS Training Kitchen, he combines his passion for teaching and culinary arts, nurturing talent and helping shape the future of the industry. And let’s not forget his entrepreneurial spirit—Dineshkumar runs a YouTube channel, DineshKitchen, sharing his culinary expertise with a global audience.
Dineshkumar’s contributions extend beyond kitchens to driving operational planning, project management, and elder care services, showcasing his versatile skill set. He brings a wealth of knowledge, a proven track record of innovation, and a deep commitment to excellence that will undoubtedly enrich our community.
Australian Hotelier: A deep dive into Australia’s foodservice landscape!
Australian Hotelier: A deep dive into Australia’s foodservice landscape!
Nov 2024
The November issue of Australian Hotelier is online now, looking at the status of the foodservice industry across Australia, the new trend of celebrity chefs in pubs, wine's growing presence in pubs, and so much more!
Primo Foodservice 2025 Planning Days
Primo Foodservice 2025 Planning Days
Nov 2024
We were thrilled to contribute to the Primo Foodservice 2025 Planning Days, sharing key insights, trends, and data from our latest State of Play Report 2024.
A big thank you to Barton Beverley-Smith and the Primo Foodservice team for the warm welcome and for fostering such an engaged, energetic environment. Together, we’re shaping the future of Australia’s foodservice industry!
Catering toolkit: Don't let your profits go to waste
Catering toolkit: Don't let your profits go to waste
Nov 2024
AFAB proudly advocates for sustainability, taking bold steps to combat food waste and drive eco-friendly practices. Our latest initiative supports the comprehensive toolkit developed by End Food Waste Australia, which outlines actionable strategies for catering businesses to save food, reduce costs, and minimise environmental impact.
Key takeaways:
- Simple changes, like separating and measuring food waste, can cut waste by up to 30%.
- Reducing and recycling food waste helps save natural resources and combat climate change, as food in landfills produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
- AFAB is committed to supporting these sustainable practices as part of our goal to halve food waste by 2030.
- Get everyone involved! Reducing food waste requires team effort.
Welcoming new Standard Member: FOBOH
Welcoming new Standard Member: FOBOH
Nov 2024
We’re excited to introduce our newest standard member, FOBOH, a forward-thinking digital solution that helps suppliers grow and scale in the competitive food distribution industry. FOBOH empowers food distributors and manufactures to retain customers, deepen relationships, boost revenue, and operate more efficiently with their innovative technology. With their powerful AI-driven platform, FOBOH simplifies wholesale ordering by automatically extracting sales orders from emails—including body text and attachments—and seamlessly integrating them into downstream systems. Their mission is clear: to create a smarter, simpler, and more sustainable wholesale ecosystem.
Shorter menus could reduce food waste and save cafes thousands: study
Shorter menus could reduce food waste and save cafes thousands: study
Oct 2024
A recent study led by RMIT University for End Food Waste Australia has revealed that simplifying menus can help small to medium-sized cafes significantly reduce food waste and save thousands of dollars. Our CEO, Tony Green, commented, 'With the rising costs of doing business putting pressure on the hospitality sector, we're proud to contribute to this impactful report aimed at reducing waste and, in turn, lowering food costs.' The research highlights that one of the main drivers of waste and reduced profitability is the difficulty in finding time to plan and streamline menus, coupled with the tendency to overproduce food.
Welcome new Supporter Member: National Media
Welcome new Supporter Member: National Media
Oct 2024
National Media is a leading platform that connects businesses and professionals, providing access to insights, trends, and opportunities across various industries. Their commitment to innovation and engagement helps businesses discover new products, meet customers and forge valuable partnerships. Their expansion into the Food & Beverage sector with the launch of Foodservice & Hospitality Week. This premier event will incorporate Foodservice Australia, Commercial Kitchen Show, Pizza Pasta & Italian Food Show, Restaurant Technology Show, and much more, setting a new standard for industry events.
AFAB Member Christmas Party
AFAB Member Christmas Party
Oct 2024
The Australian Foodservice Advocacy Body invites all members to a festive afternoon of barefoot bowls to celebrate the holiday season! Bring your team to Wenty Leagues for an afternoon of delicious food, refreshing drinks, and a friendly game of barefoot bowls. It’s the perfect opportunity to unwind, connect, and toast to the year ahead with industry friends!
Proudly supported by Tip Top FS & Inghams FS
Webinar 06 Nov: Unlock the future of Australian Foodservice with Big Data
Webinar 06 Nov: Unlock the future of Australian Foodservice with Big Data
Oct 2024
Join us for an exclusive Members-only webinar where you'll get an early preview of BRIZO FoodMetrics, a state-of-the-art AI-powered data platform specifically created for the Australian and New Zealand foodservice industry. Learn how this powerful tool can help you identify new business opportunities, boost your sales, and stay ahead of market trends.
AFAB Members Only: Plus, receive a $1,000 discount on a BRIZO annual subscription.
Welcome new Standard Member: Flora Food Group
Welcome new Standard Member: Flora Food Group
Oct 2024
As a global leader in plant-based food, Flora Food Group is driven by a passionate team of 4,800 'Flora Foodies' who live their values of 'Performance, Care, and Passion' every day. They deliver natural, nutritious and sustainable food across 100 countries, offering a compelling alternative to dairy products in categories like butters, spreads, creams, and cheeses. With over 150 years of heritage and deep R&D expertise, Flora Food Group’s commitment to sustainability and innovation aligns perfectly with AFAB’s advocacy for sustainable practices in the foodservice industry. Together, we aim to shape a future of nutritious, affordable, and environmentally friendly food solutions.
Flora Food Group’s iconic brands, such as Flora, Becel+ProActiv, Violife and I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter, are enjoyed by millions worldwide. Their dedication to building a sustainable future resonates with AFAB’s mission to advocate for environmentally responsible practices across the food industry.
Australian dairy authority backed by U.S. family business
Australian dairy authority backed by U.S. family business
Oct 2024
Pure Dairy is thrilled to announce an exciting new partnership with Great Lakes Cheese!
This collaboration marks a significant milestone, strengthening their global footprint while reinforcing their commitment to delivering premium Australian dairy products. Preparing to launch their state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Dandenong South, this partnership opens doors for expanded export opportunities and innovation in dairy production. With their expertise driving operations locally, this partnership positions them at the forefront of a new era for Australian dairy, ready to meet the growing demand both domestically and internationally.
2024 NSW Visitor Economy Forum at ICC Sydney
2024 NSW Visitor Economy Forum at ICC Sydney
Oct 2024
Wes Lambert, AFAB’s Deputy Chair, had the pleasure of attending the 2024 NSW Visitor Economy Forum at ICC Sydney, hosted by Destination New South Wales. The event brought together industry leaders, experts, and stakeholders to explore the growing interest in authentic, interactive experiences under the theme ‘Experience NSW.’ Special thanks to Steve Cox for the invitation and to the Hon John Graham, Minister of Jobs & Tourism, for the insightful welcome.
Business failures at the highest rate in more than three years
Business failures at the highest rate in more than three years
Oct 2024
Great job Luke Achterstraat representing small business which is a big part of our Foodservice industries front end on the national stage. AFAB are proud members of Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) for this reason. Continuing to focus on cost of doing business, energy, rent & insurance increased costs is the right direction to ease pressure and help reduce closure rates being at their highest rate in over three years.
Welcome new Partner Member: Unilever Food Solutions (UFS)
Welcome new Partner Member: Unilever Food Solutions (UFS)
Oct 2024
We're excited to share the news that Unilever Food Solutions has upgraded their Membership as a Partner Member! Unilever Food Solutions has a strong presence in the foodservice industry here and overseas and is known for collaborating with chefs to develop new recipes, enhance flavours, and provide valuable resources to the culinary community.
AFAB State of Play 2024 Launch Breakfast!
AFAB State of Play 2024 Launch Breakfast!
Sep 2024
It was an incredible morning at the AFAB State of Play 2024 Launch Breakfast! Thank you to our panelists: Emma Whitting (Miller Leith), Simon Jackson (Compass Group Australia), Jason Ferreira (Bunzl Australia & New Zealand), Vladimir Kalmanovich (KPMG Australia) and Adam Theobald (Ordermentum) for sharing such valuable insights on the pressing challenges and opportunities in Australia’s foodservice sector. From inflation and supply chain disruptions to sustainability and labour shortages, the discussions were thought-provoking and offered a fresh perspective on building resilience and agility in the industry. Excited to see how these insights will drive future growth and innovation!
