Australian Foodservice Advocacy Body

24/07/2025

🌟 You're invited to the 1st Annual Hostplus ARCA & AFAB Industry Gala! 🌟

In proud partnership with Fine Food Australia, join us for an unforgettable night celebrating the heart and soul of our industry — YOU!

📅 Monday, 8 September 2025
📍 Doltone House Jones Bay Wharf, Sydney
⏰ 6:30pm–11:00pm (Doors at 6:30pm, Dinner from 7pm)
🎟️ Tickets: https://zurl.co/Qwbyj

More than a Gala, this night celebrates the grit, creativity and leadership shaping Australian foodservice and hospitality. Whether you're in the kitchen, leading a team or innovating in foodservice — this is your moment. Connect, be inspired and take pride in how far we’ve come.

✨ Featured MC: Kate McCreedon, 9News Journalist & Presenter
✨ Enjoy a top class 3-course meal, cocktails, drinks & canapés
✨ Special guest speakers and industry leaders
🎶 Dance to live music from The Ellian Collective
🏆 Honour key industry achievements
🤝 Network with the best in foodservice

💥 Limited seats available! $249 + GST | 20% off tables of 10
🎟️ Book now: https://zurl.co/Qwbyj

Let’s raise a glass to YOU — and the future of foodservice and hospitality. 🥂

22/07/2025

💬 AFAB's Deputy Chair, Wes Lambert examines why wage increases alone aren’t translating into higher productivity in Australia.

"With the Albanese Government’s productivity roundtable approaching, we must move beyond talk and focus on real, actionable solutions."

💰 The issue:
Despite regular Award wage increases from the Fair Work Commission, Australia’s productivity has barely moved. Why? Some key reasons identified are:

🔹 Wages ≠ output: Raising pay doesn’t improve efficiency. Productivity requires better systems, tech and processes.

🔹 Low margins limit investment: Award-heavy sectors like hospitality, retail and aged care often can’t afford to invest in automation or training.

🔹 Labor-heavy industries have limits: In people-driven sectors, big productivity gains are hard without rethinking how services are delivered.

🔹 No link between pay and performance: Annual wage rises apply regardless of output, weakening incentives to innovate.

📈 The way forward?
Sustainable wage growth depends on: 🧠 Innovation, 💻 Digitisation, ⚖️ Smarter regulation and 🧰 Targeted small business support

“Productivity doesn’t rise by decree — it grows through strategy.”

🤔 How can we better align wage growth with real productivity gains — especially in industries where people power is the core of the service?

21/07/2025

✨ Help us celebrate the outstanding individuals shaping Australia’s vibrant foodservice community! 🍽️

🏆 Nominations are now open for the 2025 Hostplus AFAB & ARCA Gala Recognitions, recognising those who lead with purpose 💡, go above and beyond 🚀 and inspire excellence 🌟 across our industry. Winners will be honoured at the 2025 Hostplus AFAB & ARCA Gala on Monday, 08 September 🎊🗓️

We’re calling on foodservice professionals 👨🍳👩🍳 to nominate team members 👥 or your business 🏢 (where applicable) who embody the very best of our sector ❤️🍴.

🗳️ Vote here 👉 https://zurl.co/x8VTv
Voting ends 29 July 2025

There are no costs for any nominations or awards. The Award categories are:

🚀AFAB Innovation Hero
Celebrating bold thinking and smarter ways of doing business in foodservice.

🌱AFAB Sustainability Hero
Recognising real leadership in building a more sustainable foodservice future.

🦸 AFAB Industry Hero
Acknowledging outstanding service and long-term impact in foodservice.

🗳️ Vote here 👉 https://zurl.co/x8VTv
Voting ends 29 July 2025

We also would like to sincerely thank our Industry Gala Sponsors:
Doltone House Darling Island Tip Top Foodservice VistaPrint and Volume

18/07/2025

🍔🍺 For many foodservice and hospitality workers, perks like a free meal or end-of-shift drink feel like rewards for hard work. But a new survey of 383 Australian hospitality staff reveals a troubling pattern:
📄 34% had no written contract
⏱️ Nearly half missed legally required breaks
💸 Many missed out on overtime or were underpaid

Meanwhile, 44% received perks like free food or alcohol. While appreciated, these "extras" may distract from unmet legal rights – especially for younger workers.
As one chef put it: “Free steak dinners don’t pay my rent.”

What workers really want:
✅ Fair pay
✅ Contracts
✅ Basic protections

Fixing this starts with written agreements, stronger oversight and support for small business owners to meet standards. Let’s make fairness the norm – and let perks just be perks.

👉 Read more: https://zurl.co/f1Goc

As one chef put it: ‘Free steak dinners don’t pay my rent or stop my boss docking pay for smoke breaks.’

17/07/2025

Australia’s foodservice industry is shifting as consumers prioritise value 💰, convenience 🚗 and local experiences 🌏.

In response, QSR brands are:
🥗 Expanding affordable, healthier menu options
📱 Investing in digital tools like mobile ordering 📲 and personalised loyalty programs 🎁 to boost retention
🍔 Leaders like McDonald’s, Grill’d and Domino’s are driving innovation through cultural tie-ins 🎬 and exclusive digital engagement 🧠.

However, the sector still faces key challenges:
📅 From July 01, minimum wage will go up 3.5%
📈 Rising costs
🧑 Labour shortages
⬇️ Declining order values

Success will depend on how well foodservice brands balance affordability 💵, quality ⭐ and technology 🤖 to remain competitive in an evolving market.

👉 Read more: https://zurl.co/tUBUU

From budget-friendly menu additions to digital loyalty innovations, operators are refining their approach to retain customers in a rapidly changing market.

15/07/2025

🎉 AFAB is proud to announce the launch of our 4th annual State of Play Foodservice Report 2025! We’re thrilled to once again partner with 🤝 Fine Food Australia for the official launch on 📅 09 September 2025 at 📍 ICC Sydney.

🍽️ Join us for an exclusive breakfast event and be among the first to uncover the latest data, trends and insights to unlock the potential of the entire Australian foodservice supply chain, including 🌾 producers, 🏭 manufacturers, 📦 distributors, 🏨 hospitality and 🛎️ service providers.

✨ Don’t miss this must-attend industry event—see you there! 👋
👉 Secure your spot now: https://zurl.co/0Uutt

13/07/2025

🍟 International French Fries Day — or as we say down under… Hot Chips!

Today, we’re celebrating one of the world’s most iconic comfort foods: French fries. But here in Australia, it’s all about the hot chips — a true Aussie staple enjoyed everywhere from cozy pubs 🍻 and bustling cafés ☕ to franchises and full-service restaurants 🍽️.

So, what makes hot chips a permanent favourite on Aussie menus?
✅ Locally grown 🥔 and available all year round 📅
✅ Loved by all ❤️ and incredibly versatile 🔄
✅ A high-value winner 💰 for both customers and operators
✅ The perfect partner 🍔🥩 — whether it’s with classic burgers, schnitzels or plant-based delights 🌱

Hot chips aren’t just a side dish — they’re a star player ⭐, a customer favourite 💛 and a key ingredient in menus that are both inviting and profitable 📈.

Whether you call them French fries or hot chips, today we celebrate this golden classic ✨ — a delicious tradition that brings everyone together.

Have you explored the delicious and versatile potato range from:
🍟 Farm Frites, 🍟 McCain Foodservice and 🍟 Simplot Foodservice?

11/07/2025

The Fair Work Commission has announced a 🔼 3.5% increase to the National Minimum Wage and minimum award wages, effective from the first full pay period on or after 📅 1 July 2025. This will directly affect the foodservice and hospitality sector, where many employees are casual and award-covered.

At the same time, the 💼 superannuation guarantee will rise from 11.5% to 12%, further increasing staffing costs. For an industry already operating on tight margins, these changes may require quick adjustments to operations and staffing.

Key impacts for foodservice and hospitality operators:
🍽️ Higher base wages for staff like waiters, kitchenhands & baristas
💸 Increased super contributions from employers
⏱️ Possible need to adjust rosters, reduce hours or raise menu prices
📋 Updated pay rates under Hospitality & Restaurant Industry Awards
🖥️ Payroll systems must be updated to reflect new rates

Now’s the time to prepare—review budgets, talk with your team and ensure you're compliant with awards and agreements. These changes form part of the 2024–25 Annual Wage Review and reflect a continued push to uplift employment standards across Australia.

👉 For further info, visit Fair Work Ombudsman > https://zurl.co/9ACB1

10/07/2025

🎉 Big News! We’re proud to announce two incredible talents joining us for the 2025 Hostplus ARCA & AFAB Industry Gala Night 🌟

🎤 Kate Creedon – Esteemed journalist and presenter from Nine News will be our featured MC! With over a decade reporting Australia's biggest stories, Kate brings warmth, professionalism and a sharp storytelling style that will elevate the night.

🎶 The Ellian Collective – Featuring Justine (ARIA-nominated songwriter) and Alex Hirlian (National Jazz Award winner), this powerhouse duo blends timeless music, soulful vocals, guitar and tasteful percussion. With over 1,000 performances worldwide including Montreux Jazz Festival, BlueNote Shanghai and Sydney Opera House, they’ll set a refined and unforgettable tone.

📅 Get ready for a night of celebration, music and excellence!

💥 Tickets selling fast! $249 + GST | 20% off tables of 10
🎟️ Book now: https://zurl.co/Qwbyj

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to our Industry Gala Sponsors:
Doltone House Tanda HQ Tip Top VistaPrint and Volume

08/07/2025

🎉 Help us celebrate the outstanding individuals shaping Australia’s vibrant foodservice community! 🍽️

🏆 Nominations are now open for the 2025 Hostplus AFAB & ARCA Gala Recognitions, recognising those who lead with purpose 💡, go above and beyond 🚀 and inspire excellence 🌟 across our industry.

Winners will be honoured at the 2025 Hostplus AFAB & ARCA Gala on Monday, 08 September 🎊🗓️

We’re calling on foodservice professionals 👨🍳👩🍳 to nominate team members 👥 or your business 🏢 (where applicable) who embody the very best of our sector ❤️🍴.

🗳️ Vote here 👉 https://zurl.co/x8VTv

There are no costs for any nominations or awards. The Award categories are:

🚀AFAB Innovation Hero
Celebrating bold thinking and smarter ways of doing business in foodservice. This recognises a manufacturer, distributor, or operator who’s introduced something genuinely new — a product, service, system, or approach that’s changing the game for our industry. It might solve a longstanding pain point, unlock growth, improve how we serve customers, or simply work better. If someone’s shaking things up and it’s having an impact across the value chain, nominate them as your Innovation Hero.

🌱AFAB Sustainability Hero
Recognising real leadership in building a more sustainable foodservice future. This award honours a business or individual making measurable strides in sustainability — whether through sourcing, production, logistics, operations, packaging, energy, or waste. It’s for those showing genuine commitment to reducing their footprint and contributing to a more responsible, resilient industry. If you’ve seen meaningful action (not just talk), this is the award to acknowledge it.

🦸 AFAB Industry Hero
Acknowledging outstanding service and long-term impact in foodservice. Our most prestigious recognition, this award is for someone who has consistently championed, supported, and strengthened the foodservice industry. They could be a mentor, a connector, an advocate, or a behind-the-scenes force who has made a lasting difference. Think of the person everyone respects — the one who’s always there pushing the industry forward. That’s your Industry Hero.

🗳️ Vote here 👉 https://zurl.co/x8VTv

We also would like to sincerely thank our Industry Gala Sponsors:
Doltone House Darling Island Tip Top Foodservice VistaPrint and Volume

07/07/2025

This is your closing opportunity!

As a proud Founding Member of AFAB, we’re thrilled to announce the launch of Miller Leith 2025 Employment Insights & Salary Guide Survey – and we want YOU to be part of it!

Want to have your say on what really matters in the foodservice industry?
Curious if you're being paid what you're truly worth?

Now’s your chance! It only takes 5 minutes to complete, and you’ll go in the draw to win a $250 Visa Gift Card!

Take the survey now > https://zurl.co/MCgoh

Your voice will help shape the future of salaries, workplace benefits and employee expectations across the industry. The survey is 100% anonymous, unless you choose to enter the prize draw.

Let’s spark change together.

T&Cs apply. Open to Australian residents 18+. Full details here > https://zurl.co/Sha72