• Latest Foodservice Dollar figures
• What have Foodservice Operators been telling our field team over the past months? 
• Foodservice Distribution - will there be more consolidation?
• Events: 2024 Foodservice Market Review Workshops 

Welcome to our first FOODSERVICE BULLETIN for 2024! Going forward, a new Bulletin will be published regularly – assisting you and your team to keep the FINGER ON THE PULSE of this highly dynamic and exceptional market!

There is no doubt that higher interest rates and general price inflation have started to bite also in the hospitality market with Australians TRADING DOWN in their choice of outlet; not going out as often and not spending as much each time.

FOODSERVICE DOLLAR

However, that being said, we hasten to say that it is not as bad as some general economists make out when it comes to us all dining out in current economic circumstances nor is it correct when we from time to time now see in the media foodservice operators blaming market conditions and inflation when they close down their outlet permanently.  It simply does not equate. 

Click on the graph to read more.

Our interviewers speak with operators nationwide five days per week, eleven months of the year.  Every week, they report in their observations and anecdotal market insights in both the Commercial as well as the Institutional Foodservice sector. Here is a summary that include some interesting recent comments covering School Canteens, Long Daycare, Clubs, Pubs & Taverns, QSR Chains and Independent QSR.

CLICK ON THE IMAGE to read more.

Severe difficulties in obtaining required ingredients; leading to menu substitutions & changes; BUT THIS ISSUE IS EASING with both domestic as well as international supply chain problems lessening.  The domestic supply chain in Australia of food & beverages remains the number one issue or focus as we produce much more than we consume, exporting 70% of our output.  Hence, once there are problems in the domestic supply chain caused, for example, by natural disasters such as floods and fires, it automatically affects our food supply – both in the retail as well as the foodservice market.

Severe lack of front and back of house staff, leading to reduced opening hours and guest numbers; BUT THIS ISSUE IS EASING as we see both increased immigration as well as increase in foreign student numbers.

Rising costs of ingredients, utility costs and salaries contributing to increased menu prices; so, this currently makes GENERAL PRICE INFLATION THE NUMBER ONE ISSUE.

The latest Distributor tie-up between Metcash and Superior Foodservice shows that foodservice distribution channel restructuring continues. Rumours circulating during the Woolworths/PFD acquisition almost three years ago speculated that Coles was also expected to participate. Economies of scale and rising cost pressures would suggest that further consolidation would not be surprising. We analyse the Distribution Channels in Foodservice every year.

Click here for more details.

Foodservice Market Review 2024 - an informative and motivating Foodservice Market Update for your team. Build team confidence, train new colleagues, update and enable your managers with current market insights. A great way to maintain focus!

Taking bookings now for Q2 2024.