Breakfast launch: State of Play Foodservice Report 2025
Breakfast launch: State of Play Foodservice Report 2025
June 2025
AFAB is excited to launch the 4th annual State of Play Foodservice Report 2025 in partnership with Fine Food Australia. Join us for an exclusive breakfast on 9 September at The Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre to discover the latest trends and insights across Australia’s foodservice supply chain. Don’t miss this key industry event.
June 2025
It’s live! As a proud AFAB Founding Member, we’re excited to launch the Miller Leith 2025 Employment Insights & Salary Guide Survey — and we want YOU to join in! Take just 5 minutes to share your views on pay and workplace benefits in foodservice for a chance to win a $250 Visa Gift Card. The survey is anonymous and your input will help shape the industry’s future.
T&Cs apply, open to Australian residents 18+.
T&Cs apply, open to Australian residents 18+.
May 2025
Mars Food Australia, an AFAB Founding Member, has been named Metcash’s Supplier of the Year for 2025, recognising its strong partnership and commitment to supporting independent Australian retailers. The award celebrates Mars Food’s sustainable growth and trusted local brands like Masterfoods, Bens and Dolmio. At the event, 19 category awards were presented, with AFAB members winning across multiple categories, including Ingham’s Enterprises, Real Dairy, McCain Foods, Stuart Alexander & Co and Unilever Australasia. Congratulations to all winners for driving success in the food industry!
May 2025
AFAB Deputy Chair Wes Lambert has been nominated for the Board of Directors of the Australasian Society of Association Executives (AuSAE) — a recognition of his dedication to advancing professional and industry associations. A Certified Association Executive (CAE), CPA and Fellow of the Governance Institute, Wes also serves as CEO of ARCA and holds board roles with AFAB, COSBOA and The Children’s Tumour Foundation. With expertise in governance, finance and advocacy, he’s committed to supporting AuSAE’s mission. Eligible members should check their inbox for a TrueVote email to cast their vote.
May 2025
With new food and nutrition standards starting in July 2025, aged care providers must deliver quality meals around the clock. In response, AFAB member Meyer Food Co, with UNOX and Birch & Waite, launched Choice Collective — a collaborative initiative sharing practical solutions. From sous vide meals to hot fridge tech and premium condiments, they're transforming aged care dining. The first event united industry leaders, with the next set for 28 May 2025 at Meyer Food Co, Kings Park NSW.
May 2025
We’re proud to be the 'Industry Partner' Sponsor for Fine Food Australia 2025 — the country’s biggest trade event for foodservice, hospitality and retail! Held at The Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre from 8–11 September, the event will feature 900+ exhibitors, industry competitions, workshops and exciting new show features. Don’t miss this chance to join 25,000+ professionals for four days of inspiration and innovation.
May 2025
AFAB member Fonterra has partnered with Circular Communities Australia’s Big Bag Recovery program to recycle hard-to-process industrial plastic bags into useful products like school chairs and water covers. With 14,000 bulk bags used annually, this initiative could cut over 57,000 kg of CO₂e and divert 40 tonnes of plastic from landfill each year. “It’s a key step in our sustainability goals,” says Fonterra’s Rosie Cotter. The new Toowoomba recycling plant marks a major win for Australia’s circular economy.
May 2025
AFAB’s Deputy Chair, Wes Lambert, highlights the deepening crisis in Australia's hospitality and foodservice sector. The latest ABS report (March 2025) shows spending has dropped by $27.8M, with cafes and restaurants hit hardest. Since 2023, the industry has faced flat spending, a 9.4% closure rate and rising debt. Key pressures include inflation, labour shortages and changing consumer habits. While interest rate cuts may offer short-term relief, long-term survival depends on strategic adaptation.
May 2025
AFAB’s Director Brett Boyle and Phil Boss recently showed what RiseUp is all about — taking real action to help others. A heartfelt thanks to the Pegorer family for donating sleeping bags and to our generous partners Carla Seyfferdt (PFD Food Services), Nicholas Best (Kraft Heinz) and Trish Pegorer (Mutti Australia) for their food donations and unwavering support. Together, we proudly support SWAG and the spirit of community.
May 2025
We’re proud to again partner with Unilever Food Solutions for the launch of Future Menus as part of our AFAB State of Play Foodservice Report. With a growing focus on sustainability and efficiency, this year highlights low-waste menus—featuring practical insights, chef-driven recipes, and real-world case studies. UFS also surveyed local chefs on global trends shaping Australian dining, with low-waste practices and modernised comfort food emerging as key themes. Stay tuned as we explore why these trends matter and how they’re reshaping the future of food.
May 2025
AFAB’s Deputy Chair, Wes Lambert, will be speaking at Foodservice Australia from 18–20 May at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre — a must-attend event for anyone in the restaurant, catering, or hospitality industries. Discover bold ideas, learn from top hospitality leaders and explore the latest in food trends, kitchen tech and sustainable solutions. Attendees will gain new supplier contacts, profit-boosting strategies, team development insights and tools to future-proof their operations — all under one roof.
May 2025
This Sunday, 18 May at 2:30pm at Foodservice Australia (Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre), AFAB CEO Tony Green leads a powerhouse panel, “Shift happens: Mastering the art of scheduling without losing your mind.” Learn how top operators simplify rostering, adapt to last-minute changes, and boost team satisfaction using smart scheduling tech. Featuring insights from Stephen Anderson, Alexandra Preece and Spencer Patrick, the session includes live discussion and Q&A. Visit all four Food & Hospitality Week events: Foodservice Australia, Pizza Pasta & Italian Food Show, Commercial Kitchen Show and Restaurant Technology Show.
May 2025
AFAB warmly congratulates Tristan Butt on his appointment as CEO of End Food Waste Australia (EFWA). With leadership experience at Woolworths, Harris Farm, Kerry Foods and Mars, Tristan brings a strong track record in sustainable growth and stakeholder engagement. As EFWA leads efforts to halve Australia’s $37 billion food waste by 2030, his role will be key in driving science-based, commercial, and collaborative solutions across the food value chain — from government to industry and communities. As Tristan says, “Food waste is not inevitable. It’s a solvable problem — and together, we will solve it.”
May 2025
Australia’s foodservice and supply chains are under pressure from rising costs and ongoing disruptions, with 43% of businesses now prioritising cost reduction over customer satisfaction. Most face challenges from natural disasters and infrastructure failures, leading to supplier diversification and calls for more government investment in freight and resilience. While 74% plan to adopt AI and automation to offset labour shortages, sustainability regulations and shifting consumer preferences toward organic and minimally processed foods are reshaping strategies. AFAB warns that these issues not only impact businesses but also threaten food security, consumer prices, job growth, and Australia’s global competitiveness.
May 2025
AFAB member Farm Frites has launched the first edition of Serve!, a new magazine for food professionals, packed with fresh inspiration—from RE burger’s rise and Gen Z’s demand for sustainable snacks to trending flavors like smash burgers, sweet & spicy combos and all things pickled. It features smart menu tips, global success stories and craveable recipes like Harissa & Honey Fries — all focused on serving happiness from field to plate.
May 2025
Foodservice Rep’s first “Let’s Talk About It” survey has exposed persistent bullying in the hospitality industry, especially psychological abuse from managers or senior staff, often normalised in fast-paced, customer-focused environments. Most affected were those over 35, with 85% reporting serious personal impacts and 90% saying no disciplinary action was taken. Common issues included disparaging comments, unreasonable demands and intimidation, leaving many feeling anxious, insecure or burnt out—some even quit. Despite efforts to speak up, most didn’t seek internal support, and the bullying often remained unresolved. The survey calls for a cultural shift toward respectful leadership and mentorship, aligning with AFAB’s support for industry-wide change, including its partnership with R U OK? to promote mental well-being.
New Partner Member: Goodman Fielder Foodservice
New Partner Member: Goodman Fielder Foodservice
May 2025
We're excited to welcome Goodman Fielder Foodservice as AFAB’s newest Partner Member! A leading food company across Australia, New Zealand, and the Asia Pacific, Goodman Fielder produces everyday staples under trusted brands like Meadow Fresh, Helga’s, and CSR Sugar. With a vast distribution network and a focus on innovation and efficiency, they’re set to thrive as a Partner Member—gaining exclusive insights, strategic support, industry access, and more. Welcome to the AFAB family, Goodman Fielder!
How to scale beyond 7 figures - finance, strategy and accounting
How to scale beyond 7 figures - finance, strategy and accounting
April 2025
AFAB Board Director Luke Grima joined James Price on the "Let’s Talk Business" podcast to share practical insights for scaling beyond a 7+ figure business without losing profitability or burning out. Luke highlights the difference between growth and value creation, the importance of governance and financial visibility, common founder blind spots, and how to build sustainable systems that reduce owner dependency. The discussion is perfect for business owners ready to move beyond daily hustle and build a bigger, more stable, and valuable enterprise.
Australian Food Pact – food waste reduction working
Australian Food Pact – food waste reduction working
April 2025
AFAB is proud to highlight that our Industry Partner, End Food Waste Australia, and Partner Member, Goodman Fielder Food Service, are making a real impact through the Australian Food Pact—cutting food waste by 13% (16,000 tonnes) between 2022 and 2024, saving $57 million, and preventing 505,000 tonnes of CO₂-e emissions. Despite a 19% production increase, they’ve donated 254 million meals, repurposed 76% of food waste, and achieved full adoption of the Food Waste Hierarchy among signatories, driving industry-wide change. This collaboration shows how working together can turn food waste into a solution, not landfill.
5 Tech-driven ways to power down and green up your QSR
5 Tech-driven ways to power down and green up your QSR
April 2025
Quick-service restaurants (QSRs) can use technology to reduce their environmental impact by adopting digital receipts to save paper, integrating POS systems to lower energy use, implementing smart inventory management to cut food waste, using digital kitchen displays for efficiency, and offering digital loyalty programs to reduce plastic waste—together, these tools boost sustainability and efficiency.
Victoria’s hospitality industry bearing the brunt of cost-of-living crisis
Victoria’s hospitality industry bearing the brunt of cost-of-living crisis
April 2025
AFAB’s Deputy Chair, Wes Lambert, told 7NEWS Australia that Melbourne’s hospitality industry is struggling due to rising costs and lower spending, with venue insolvencies rising from 7% to 9.3% in a year. Industry leaders are urging the government to support the sector by funding Tourism Australia, freezing the digital tax, and removing stamp duty on insurance.
New tool to verify Australian food product claims
New tool to verify Australian food product claims
April 2025
CSIRO has launched Isotopes, a new tool that consolidates isotopic data to verify Australian food claims about origin, sustainability, and trade compliance. By using isotopic “fingerprints” to trace where food is grown and its environmental impact, the tool supports transparency and helps develop sustainability standards in agriculture and food exports. Developed with Geoscience Australia, ANSTO, and the National Measurement Institute, Isotopes will expand to include fisheries and aquaculture data, aligning with industry goals for supply chain trust and food safety as part of the National Agricultural Traceability Strategy.
