Welcoming AFAB’s NEW Individual member: Glenn Dawson

November 2023

We're thrilled to introduce Glen Dawson as our newest Member. Glenn is the Business Owner and Founder of The Only Straw, a company dedicated to providing compostable, eco-friendly single-use drinking straws to the hospitality industry in Australia. With over 20 years of experience in the hospitality sector and the ownership of two eco-boutique hotels in Lombok, Indonesia, Glenn brings a wealth of knowledge to our community. His mission is to transform the fast-food industry and help customers make a positive environmental impact with a product that truly works. Glenn's commitment to sustainability is evident. Unlike traditional paper straws, his straws are made from rice flour and tapioca starches, making them degradable, home compostable, and zero waste. They not only last in a drink but also provide a pleasant experience without the cardboard taste. Since founding The Only Straw in 2020, Glen has become a recognised leader, earning the title of grand finalist in the Startup Gippsland awards. His passion for making a difference and offering eco-friendly solutions that don't cost the earth truly sets him apart.
Join us in welcoming Glenn Dawson to our community!

 

John McFadden makes history World Seafood Championship titles!

November 2023

AFAB had the incredible opportunity to catch up with the culinary maestro, John McFadden, who recently secured his second consecutive victory at the World Food Championship in Dallas, earning a staggering score of 97.5/100 across 5 judges. As the proud sponsor through AFAB, I'm thrilled to share the highlights of our conversation. The World Food Championships Australia served as John's gateway to the global stage. His journey to Dallas unfolded with a golden ticket, leading to a seafood category win last year, followed by an overall World Food Championship title in May. Returning this November, John etched his name in history by clinching back-to-back titles. John, already a two-time Seafood World champion and the reigning overall World Food Champion, is aiming for a historic back-to-back win. The prospect of securing a fourth world title of World Food Champion after a 30-year hiatus from competition is a significant personal milestone for him, making it his ultimate goal and the "holy grail" of his culinary journey.
Read more on John McFadden's incredile back-to-back win

 

Supply chain volatility is shaping the foodservice industry

November 2023

As per the 5 key takeaways from AFAB's State of Play Report 2023, supply chain volatility continues to shape the foodservice industry, requiring adaptability, resilience and strategic planning for all stakeholders.
Learn more about the key foodservice trends and insights

 

AFAB's Data Centric Goals

November 2023

One of the main goals AFAB sets for itself is being a trusted source of data, trend tracking and insights for the wider foodservice community. We believe that sharing information is key to driving growth and innovation in the industry. One of the ways we achieve this is through our Annual State of Play Report, which provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of the foodservice industry for stakeholders at every level. We also aim to set a foodservice data standard, which would help to streamline data sharing and improve transparency across the sector.
Get our full State of Play report to learn more

 

Welcoming AFAB’s NEW Standard member: RMKG

November 2023

RMKG specialises in talent acquisition and career placement services within the foodservice and hospitality industry. Their mission, as you mentioned, is to provide exclusive career opportunities to exceptional candidates in this field. As a standard member, RMKG will be able to benefit from AFAB’s ability to advocate to the media on their behalf while having access to our foodservice advice, members-only events, special interest committees and regulatory & legislative updates. We’re excited to see what the future holds for their incredible business with AFAB by their side.
Visit RMKG to learn more

 

Welcoming AFAB’s NEW Supporter member: Queen Professional 

October 2023

The Queen brand is renowned for its top-quality vanilla and maple products, proudly crafted in Australia for over 125 years. Queen Professional, a division of Dr. Oetker Queen, offers premium ingredients and innovative flavors, backed by our food industry expertise and commitment to sustainability. With its products enjoyed in over 40 countries, Queen is a trusted choice for commercial kitchens and food manufacturers worldwide. As a Supporter member, Queen Professional will be able to take advantage of the insights, analysis and forecasting available from the latest State of Play Report, endorsement of labour agreements as well as engaging in member-only events, industry projects, and much more.
Visit Queen Professional to learn more

 

Big news for our Founding Member at All G Foods and friends at vEEF!

October 2023

A new era for plant-based meat: vEEF and LOVE BUDS unite under The Aussie Plant Based Co.
In a landmark move that will reshape the plant-based meat landscape in Australia, two Australian plant-based brands have announced their merger under a new entity, The Aussie Plant Based Co. The new business aims to capitalise on steadily increasing demand within the plant-based meat category. An increasing number of Australians are choosing to consume less meat due to the enhanced taste of plant-based alternatives and a growing awareness of its positive effects on the environment.
Read the media launch

 

Welcoming AFAB’s NEW Standard Member: Madhouse Bakehouse

October 2023

Madhouse Bakehouse is an all-Australian and family-owned wholesale bakery and they've spent decades building their reputation as a quality commercial food supplier. They care about the quality they send out each day. We’re excited to see what the future holds for their incredible business with AFAB by their side.
Visit Madhouse Bakehouse

 

Welcoming AFAB’s NEW Standard Member: Mulberry MC

October 2023

Mulberry Marketing Communications is a full-service marketing and communications agency specialises in developing strategic business-to-business campaigns, and offers an array of services!
We’re excited to see what the future holds for their incredible business with AFAB by their side
Visit Mulberry MC

 

AFAB is proud to be sponsoring John McFadden in his attempt to retain the title of World Food Champion!

October 2023

.John McFadden will be competing at the World Food Championships (WFC) scheduled for 8-12 November at Dallas’s Fair Park to retain his current World Title. John will also doing Champions Table showcasing Tyson Food Company products with a 4 course menu for 8 people in an hour. 
AFAB is proud to be sponsoring as you continue to represent Australia incredibly well Chef!
More info on the World Food Championships

 

Thank you for upgrading to a Supporter level membership: Huhtamaki

September 2023

Huhtamaki is helping address our industry’s sustainability issues by dedicating themselves to providing the best in high quality, eco friendly food packaging solutions. Sustainability has always been a priority of ours, as demonstrated in the SOPR, and their new level of support will help us work towards a better, more sustainable future for Australian foodservice.

Visit their website to learn more about Huhtamaki

 

The AFAB 2023 State of Play Report has launched!

September 2023

Thanks to all the members that joined us for a insightful breakfast event. Special thanks to our incredible panelists Wes LambertRod FowlerPrimo DanielettoSam Oakden & John McFadden for sharing their insights on inflation, staff, food waste, latest tech & supply chain volatility! Together, we made today a huge sell out success! Our State of Play Report showcases our detailed findings on the latest data, trends and direction our industry is headed.

Obtain your copy here

 

Behind every great menu with Comcater and Tony Green

September 2023

Comcater recently sat down with Tony Green, CEO of the Australian Foodservice Advocacy Body, to improve the quality and standard of the industry in Australia. 
Comcater has been along for the ride with AFAB from the beginning, the ability to share knowledge, action-provoking concepts and industry-leading methodologies has been of great value to us both.

Watch the interview

 

Foodservice insights

September 2023

Did you know that it takes a budget of over $1 billion to support and expand the agriculture industry? This increasingly large figure reflects the significant investments required to ensure our foodservice industry continues to develop and thrive. From implementing eco-friendly practices to investing in innovative technologies, the agriculture industry is always looking for new ways to improve. So next time you sit down for a meal, take a moment to appreciate the hard work that goes into making it possible.

For more snapshot foodservice industry insights like these, visit

 

AFAB and R U OK? team up to support the fs sector and mental health

September 2023

AFAB is delighted to stand alongside R U OK? as they unveil the inspiring 2023 theme: "I'm here to hear." This theme encourages all Australians to make a positive impact by simply being present, actively listening, and genuinely asking, "R U OK?" The hospitality industry places significant pressure on staff to meet high standards and maintain a positive attitude despite challenges.
R U OK? and AFAB have joined forces to create a mateship manual, offering insights on how to navigate the industry's mental challenges and support one another when the emotional toll of the job becomes overwhelming.

Explore the full mateship manual here

 

Welcome our latest Supporter member: PRG (Panayi Retail Group)

September 2023

As a company striving to make waves in Australian Retail, the tools they have at their disposal through their new membership will help facilitate the growth of their already incredible brands (Christopher’s Cake Shop, Endeka Gelateria, Panayi Providores & Kambi Group), and aid in acquisition & development of emerging ones. Through their immeasurable passion and unwavering dedication to high level performance, PRG’s contributions to the Australian foodservice industry and new collaborative efforts with AFAB is something we’re all excited about.

Visit their website to learn more

 

Welcome our latest Standard member: Piccolo Me

August 2023

Founded by two brothers, during their teenage years, they were naturally drawn into the world of food and coffee, influenced by their father's work in the hospitality industry. The name "Piccolo Me" was inspired by their favourite coffee, the "Piccolo Latte." It also symbolises their humble beginnings, starting with a small store. They believe that something big always starts out small. The Piccolo Me brand is continually expanding since opening its first store in 2012. Piccolo Me currently has 36 store locations and 9 more coming across Sydney, Wollongong and Melbourne, and has 370 staff!

Visit their website to learn more

 

Fine Food Australia 2023 at ICC Sydney, 11-14 September

August 2023

Over four days and hosting over 850 exhibitors which will showcase the very best in retail, hospitality and bakery innovation.

Keynote speakers include Adam Moore, TV chef and 'culinology director' at food consultancy Culinary Revolutions, who’ll be taking part in the Concept to Consumer workshop on Wednesday 13 September at The Source Kitchen. Elsewhere, Australian Foodservice Advocacy Body CEO Tony Green will talk about advocating for change in the food service industry, while former Pittwater RSL executive chef John McFadden will share some of the expertise that led to him taking the top gong at this year’s World Food Championships.

Register to attend Fine Food Australia 2023

 

How Compost Connect is building a world without food waste

August 2023

QSR Media has dropped a fascinating article on Compost Connect, the innovative company taking matters into their own hands with a fantastic solution to the food waste issue.

So what does Compact Connect do? They’re bridging the gap between businesses and local composters for the purpose of reducing food waste, and reducing the carbon footprint left by the businesses who are typically large contributors to both.

In 2022 Compost Connect had made its way into 3 countries, redirected 915 tonnes of food waste from landfill and reduced 976 tonnes of carbon emissions. As a signing signatory on the Foodwaste CRC’s recommendations, you know these are results we can get behind.

Read the full article here

 

AFAB welcomes Bravo Foods!

August 2023

In seeing Bravofoods outgrow their third facility in 13 years, now working on the construction of their state-of-the-art meat portioning plant in NSW, Bravo have truly shown a remarkable ability to grow and improve at a rapid pace.

Through the leadership Jason Giannakos, and the sales team of ex-chefs Chris Wheatley and Adam Cremona alongside General Manager Damian Briscoe-Hough, they’ve created a strong, hard working, and passionate culture that resonates with the wider foodservice industry, and customers alike.
We’re excited to see what the future holds for their incredible business with AFAB by their side.
Visit their website to learn more

 

Welcome our latest Supporter Member: AJN Healthcare Service

August 2023

As an entirely family owned and operated business since 1985, CV understands looking out for one another, and at the core of it, that’s what advocacy is all about.

They take pride in maintaining the highest level of excellence in customer service and quality standards, and it is this commitment to providing a high level of service that has garnered such undeniable success and longevity, and a standard that we can all look towards for inspiration in our own endeavours.
We’re looking forward to having you on board, and seeing how we can build a better foodservice industry together.
Visit CV Garlic

 

Welcome latest Partner Member: CV Garlic

August 2023

As a company that is constantly seeking higher quality standards for their clients, they know as well as anyone that advocacy and a collaborative effort is needed to achieve real results. We’re looking forward to combining our expertise and helping achieve great things together.

If you like to know more, visit

 

Welcome our latest Supporter Member: Blackbook Recruitment

July 2023

Their dedication to cohesively working alongside businesses and job seekers for the purpose of thriving together is a modus operandi that we have always valued as well. Collaboration and corroboration of ideas is core to how we develop our projects, and having a business like Blackbook sign up as a supporting member, that shares that same vision, is a pairing that has the ability to make great things happen.

Visit Blackbook Recruitment