State of Play Foodservice Report 2025
August 2025
Launching at Fine Food 2025, the AFAB State of Play Foodservice Report 2025 offers exclusive data and strategic insights tailored for the foodservice industry. Covering market size and forecasts to 2026, the report dives deep into sectors, cuisines and regions, while spotlighting major trends such as cost pressures, technology, labour challenges and sustainability. It explores shifting consumer behaviours, innovation through AI and automation and offers detailed category profiles across meat, dairy, beverages and more. With expert commentary, workforce analysis and food waste action plans, this report is a powerful decision-making tool for AFAB Members (Supporter level and above), equipping businesses with the foresight and competitive edge needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving market.
Championing family-owned foodservice distribution
August 2025
As Australia's foodservice sector continues to evolve, Countrywide, celebrating its 30th anniversary, is reaffirming its commitment to independent, family-owned distributors. CEO Jeff Dhu highlights the group's journey from its 1995 inception to becoming a national leader by embracing innovation, technology, and strong industry ties. A prime example is Galipo Foods—founded by Sebastian Galipo—which grew from a garage operation to a thriving 230-person team through its people-first culture and dedication to service. In an industry rooted in trust, Countrywide champions the vital role of family-run businesses at the heart of foodservice.
Lab-grown meat hits Australian menus
August 2025
Lab-grown meat has officially landed on Australian menus, with local startup Vow receiving approval from Food Standards Australia New Zealand to launch the country’s first cultured meat products. Grown in Andromeda—the world’s largest food-grade bioreactor—Vow’s offerings include foie gras, whipped parfait, and even an edible tallow candle, set to debut at top restaurants like Bottarga in Melbourne and Nel in Sydney. Unlike others, Vow focuses on luxury, original dishes rather than replicating common meats, positioning itself among only three companies globally approved to sell cultured meat.
Tip Top leads the way with 100% recycled packaging
August 2025
AFAB Founding Member Tip Top Foodservice has advanced its sustainability efforts by switching to 100% recycled cardboard boxes across all Tip Top Bakeries operations. This change will remove around 500 tonnes of virgin cardboard from the supply chain annually, significantly reducing environmental impact while preserving product quality and freshness. AFAB proudly supports initiatives like this that demonstrate true leadership in building a more sustainable foodservice industry.
DON KRC and Chef Adrian Richardson unveil COOKT
August 2025
AFAB Founding Member DON KRC has partnered with renowned Chef Adrian Richardson to launch the innovative COOKT range — designed to inspire the foodservice industry with easy-to-prepare meals, flavourful recipes, and smart plate solutions. Made from 100% Australian-sourced protein, COOKT meets real kitchen needs with long shelf life, portion control, minimal stock loss, and labour-saving simplicity. Chef Richardson highlights its ease and quality, especially for kitchens with limited equipment. The launch promises fresh menu inspiration, engaging content, and profit-driving ideas — just in time for the new season.
Labor pushes for 50 / 50 Uni & VET split
August 2025
The Albanese Government is pushing for half of all school-leavers to choose vocational education (VET) over university to address nationwide skills shortages. With 90% of NSW’s critical shortage jobs requiring only VET qualifications, the expansion of free TAFE and added incentives aims to rebalance education pathways. For the foodservice industry, this means more skilled chefs, kitchen hands, and food safety professionals — thanks to VET’s practical, job-ready training and a stronger talent pipeline to meet growing demand.
Brett Boyle appointed Co-Deputy Chair of AFAB
August 2025
The Australian Foodservice Advocacy Body (AFAB) is pleased to announce the appointment of Brett Boyle MAITD as Co-Deputy Chair, effective 5 August 2025. A Board Member since January 2023, Brett has played a key role in AFAB’s growth as a respected, independent voice for the foodservice industry. With over 20 years of leadership experience across foodservice, hospitality, FMCG, and healthcare — including a decade working across the Middle East and Africa — Brett brings valuable global insight and expertise. As CEO and co-founder of RiseUp Group Australia, he continues to drive innovation in foodservice and aged care catering. The Board congratulates Brett and looks forward to his continued leadership.
KPMG’s Luke Grima to lead insights at AFAB Foodservice Report launch
August 2025
We’re excited to announce Luke Grima, Partner at KPMG, as the first panelist for the AFAB State of Play Foodservice Report 2025 Breakfast Launch on 9 September at ICC Sydney. With over 15 years advising privately-owned businesses and a recent promotion to Partner, Luke is known for his strategic insight and client-focused leadership—qualities that resonate with AFAB’s mission. He’ll share his expert views on the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the foodservice industry.
AFAB Announcement
August 2025
The Australian Foodservice Advocacy Body (AFAB) Board announces that CEO Tony Green will step down effective 31 July 2025, to focus on his health. We thank Tony for his exceptional leadership since AFAB’s founding in 2021, which has positioned the organisation as a respected voice in the foodservice sector. He will remain on the Board to continue contributing his insight. In the interim, Acting Treasurer Rod Fowler and Chair Sissel Rosengren will lead day-to-day operations, fully supported by the Board as we begin the search for a new CEO. AFAB’s advocacy, Member services and strategic initiatives will continue without interruption, and we remain confident in the strength and direction of the organisation.
Welcome Lamb Weston: Elevating foodservice with crispy excellence
August 2025
AFAB is thrilled to welcome Lamb Weston APAC as a new Supporter Member, a global leader with over 70 years of expertise in frozen potato products. Serving cafés, restaurants, hotels, and franchises, Lamb Weston offers premium, consistently crispy fries that enhance menu quality, boost profitability, and improve back-of-house efficiency with pre-cut, snap-frozen products that save prep time and labor. Known for their focus on customer satisfaction and sustainable sourcing, Lamb Weston combines global experience with local support to meet diverse business needs across 100+ countries.
ACCC approves Woolworths’ acquisition of Beak & Johnston subsidiaries
August 2025
The ACCC has approved Woolworths Group’s acquisition of Beak & Johnston (B&J), a major supplier of ready meals and pastries, allowing Woolworths to take full ownership of B&J’s subsidiaries — excluding its Greenacre sauces and slow-cooked meats division. The deal includes well-known brands like Strength Meals Co, Simmone Logue, Pitango, Pasta Master and Artisano. The ACCC concluded the acquisition is unlikely to reduce competition significantly, noting rival suppliers will still have access to other major retailers and distribution channels. Meanwhile, the New Zealand Commerce Commission is conducting a separate review.
Ordermentum’s ‘F&B Leaders After Hours’ returns with AI insights and networking
July 2025
AFAB Supporter Member Ordermentum is excited to bring back its popular ‘F&B Leaders After Hours’ event series, touring Australian cities in late 2025. This evening offers food and beverage leaders a chance to connect, gain insights, and learn how AI is transforming foodservice—perfect for those ready to innovate and grow smarter. Featuring panelists like Ordermentum CEO Adam Theobald, Rustica’s Operations Manager Eoin Pehm, and AFAB CEO Tony Green CFSP, the Melbourne event is on 1 July 2025 at Greenfields Albert Park, with limited seats available.
ACCC approves Fonterra-Lactalis partnership, sparking industry shift
July 2025
The ACCC has approved a proposed partnership between AFAB Member Fonterra and global dairy giant Lactalis, combining two of Australia’s largest processors and reshaping the dairy industry landscape. Both companies source raw milk from Victoria and Tasmania, with the ACCC noting limited product overlap and ongoing competition, especially as Lactalis holds a minimal market share in Tasmania. Despite approval, concerns remain about the top three processors controlling around 70% of the market. Fonterra continues to explore both public and private sale options, marking a significant shift affecting farmers, processors, and rural communities nationwide.
Why wage increases alone won’t boost productivity
July 2025
AFAB Deputy Chair Wes Lambert highlights that wage increases alone aren’t boosting Australia’s productivity, emphasizing the need for real solutions ahead of the Albanese Government’s productivity roundtable. Despite regular Award wage rises, productivity remains stagnant because higher pay doesn’t equal more output—improvements require better systems, technology, and processes. Low-margin, labor-heavy sectors like hospitality and aged care struggle to invest in automation or training, and annual wage rises unlinked to performance weaken innovation incentives. Sustainable productivity growth depends on innovation, digitisation, smarter regulation and targeted small business support, with Wes stressing that productivity grows through strategic action, not just wage hikes.
Hospitality perks can't replace fair pay and protections, survey finds
July 2025
A new survey of 383 Australian hospitality workers reveals concerning issues: 34% lack written contracts, nearly half miss legally required breaks, and many are underpaid or miss out on overtime, despite 44% receiving perks like free meals or drinks. While appreciated, these extras often mask unmet legal rights, especially for younger staff—one chef summed it up, “Free steak dinners don’t pay my rent.” Workers want fair pay, contracts, and basic protections, and addressing this requires stronger oversight, clear agreements, and support for small businesses to ensure fairness becomes the standard, with perks remaining just that.
Adapting to change: How Australia’s foodservice industry is meeting consumer demands
July 2025
Australia’s foodservice industry is evolving as consumers seek value, convenience, and local experiences, prompting QSR brands to offer healthier, affordable menus and invest in digital tools like mobile ordering and loyalty programs. Industry leaders such as McDonald’s, Grill’d, and Domino’s are innovating with cultural tie-ins and exclusive digital engagement. However, the sector faces challenges including a 3.5% minimum wage increase from July 1, rising costs, labor shortages, and declining order values. Success will hinge on balancing affordability, quality, and technology to stay competitive in a changing market.
Hot chips: Australia’s beloved comfort food classic
July 2025
Today we celebrate hot chips, Australia’s beloved version of the iconic French fry, enjoyed from pubs and cafés to franchises and restaurants. Their local, year-round availability, universal appeal, versatility, and strong value make them a menu favourite and a profitable choice for operators. Hot chips perfectly complement classics like burgers, schnitzels, and plant-based dishes, making them more than just a side—they’re a star attraction that unites customers and boosts menus across the country.
We thank our Founding Members
