Catering Sector Action Plan report
Catering Sector Action Plan report
April 2025
AFAB and its members are committed to sustainability by tackling food waste and promoting eco-friendly practices. Our partnership with End Food Waste Australia offers strategies for catering businesses to save food, reduce costs, and minimize environmental impact. Simple changes like measuring food waste can cut it by 30%, while reducing waste helps lower methane emissions from landfills. AFAB aims to halve food waste by 2030 and encourages collective action. Together, we can create a greener, more sustainable future.
AFAB applauds $12,000 apprentice and trainee wage subsidy in Coalition Budget reply
AFAB applauds $12,000 apprentice and trainee wage subsidy in Coalition Budget reply
March 2025
The Australian Foodservice Advocacy Body (AFAB) has welcomed the Coalition’s $12,000 wage subsidy for hospitality apprentices and trainees, announced on March 27, 2025. AFAB’s CEO, Tony Green, called it a crucial step to attract new talent to an industry facing staffing shortages and high apprentice attrition.
The subsidy signals a national priority to revitalise the foodservice sector, offering tangible support for small businesses. AFAB will continue working with all sides of politics to secure further reforms to benefit Australia’s hospitality industry.
Cafe Sector Action Plan report
Cafe Sector Action Plan report
March 2025
AFAB and its members support the Cafe Sector Action Plan to help cafés reduce food waste. With cafés wasting food equivalent to 70,000 cups of coffee per employee yearly, it’s time to act, especially as costs rise and margins tighten. End Food Waste Australia’s plan provides tips like offering flexible portion sizes, using customer insights to adapt menus, and encouraging takeaways for leftovers. These changes can significantly benefit both the environment and cafés' profits.
Securing Australia’s farming future
Securing Australia’s farming future
March 2025
The AFAB State of Play report 2024 highlights the pressure Australian farmers face due to rising inflation and production costs, threatening food security. With farmers essential to providing food and clothing, it’s critical that politicians in Canberra support policies that protect the farming industry. Currently, one in three families face food insecurity, and Australia has lost 15% of its farmland in the past 30 years. Proposed water diversion plans could cut farm production by $9 billion. To safeguard our food supply, the next government must back policies that support farmers and protect Australian agriculture.
SolBox wins MYOB New App of the Year 2024
SolBox wins MYOB New App of the Year 2024
March 2025
On behalf of AFAB, we congratulate our Standard Member, Solbox, on winning the MYOB New App of the Year 2024! Solbox’s innovative last-mile delivery platform for distributors is transforming the industry by reducing costs and minimizing manual labor, improving both financial performance and quality of life for all stakeholders.
Ecolab again recognised by CDP for water and climate leadership
Ecolab again recognised by CDP for water and climate leadership
March 2025
Congratulations to Ecolab, an AFAB Founding Member, for being recognised by CDP for its leadership in water and climate! Ecolab earned an A for climate and A- for water security, marking six years for water security and four for climate leadership. This recognition reflects Ecolab’s commitment to sustainability as a core part of its strategy. In 2024, CDP evaluated over 22,000 companies, with Ecolab ranking in the top 1%! This achievement highlights their continued efforts to enhance environmental practices and transparency.
Labor not listening to small businesses around Australia
Labor not listening to small businesses around Australia
March 2025
AFAB's Deputy Chair, Wes Lambert, criticises Labor for rejecting tax breaks for small business meals and entertainment, calling it a vital support for struggling hospitality businesses. He argues that small, family-run businesses are disadvantaged compared to large corporations, which already receive tax breaks for in-house catering. Lambert highlights the challenges facing the hospitality industry, including potential closures and stagnating growth, and supports a policy that allows small businesses to deduct meal costs without facing extra taxes. He views this policy as essential for the recovery of small businesses and the hospitality sector.
Payroll tax complications
Payroll tax complications
March 2025
Payroll tax in New South Wales (NSW) is 5.45% for companies with wages over 1.2 million annually, expected to generate 12.9 billion in 2024-25. Small businesses face audits and unexpected charges, including taxes on subcontractor fees. This has sparked protests in industries like cleaning and healthcare, along with a NSW parliamentary inquiry. Disputes, such as with a ride-sharing company, highlight confusion over tax laws. Some want payroll tax extended to gig platforms, while others warn of higher costs. Revenue NSW denies retroactive tax application and calls for clearer regulations to aid small businesses.
Founding Member, Bega Group's Half Year 2025 results
Founding Member, Bega Group's Half Year 2025 results
March 2025
AFAB Founding Member, The Bega Group, recently announced its Half Year 2025 results, with a normalised profit (EBITDA) of $110.3 million, up 44% from the previous year. Key growth drivers included the strength of the bulk business, a resilient brand portfolio and innovative growth strategies. Despite challenging consumer conditions, the company acknowledged the contributions of people, partners, and stakeholders, whose support was crucial in successfully implementing the Strategic Plan.
Key insights on food delivery trends in Australia
Key insights on food delivery trends in Australia
March 2025
A recent ING report shows 3 in 4 Australians are cutting back on food delivery due to rising costs, with 68% saying they’d order more if fees were removed. Despite the cost, 42% enjoy it, and full-time workers are the most frequent users. Millennials (51%) are reducing spending, though nearly half still wish they could order weekly. ING’s Dina Kotsopoulos highlights that Aussies are tightening their belts even on things that bring them joy.
The vital role of localised manufacturing in Australia’s food and beverage sector
The vital role of localised manufacturing in Australia’s food and beverage sector
March 2025
Australia’s food and beverage industry, contributing $31.8 billion to the economy in 2022-23, faces challenges like supply chain disruptions and climate change, requiring localised manufacturing for resilience and sustainability. With support from government initiatives, companies like Burkert offer local expertise and innovative solutions to improve efficiency and safety for manufacturers. Localised production strengthens food security, mitigates supply chain risks and promotes sustainable growth, ensuring the industry’s long-term success.
Without action, your favourite local spot could close
Without action, your favourite local spot could close
March 2025
AFAB’s Deputy Chair, Wes Lambert, urges action to save Australia’s restaurants and cafés. His budget recommendations include abolishing Fringe Benefits Tax, freezing alcohol excise, exempting tips from income tax, increasing apprenticeship subsidies and offering a $10,000 digital tax rebate. Lambert emphasises the need for immediate government action to protect businesses, jobs, and affordability.
1st Annual ARCA & AFAB Industry Gala
1st Annual ARCA & AFAB Industry Gala
March 2025
On behalf of the Australian Foodservice Advocacy Body (AFAB) and the Australian Restaurant & Cafe Association (ARCA), we are excited to invite you to the 1st Annual ARCA & AFAB Industry Gala on Monday, 08 September 2025, at Doltone House, Jones Bay Wharf, Sydney. This special evening, in partnership with Fine Food Australia, celebrates the leadership, resilience and innovation in the foodservice industry. Enjoy a top-class dining experience, hear from industry leaders and celebrate key achievements while networking with fellow foodservice professionals. Limited seats are available, so secure your tickets now. We look forward to raising a glass with you at this milestone event!
Challenges facing Australia’s hospitality sector
Challenges facing Australia’s hospitality sector
March 2025
AFAB’s Deputy Chair, Wes Lambert, highlights challenges in Australia’s hospitality sector, such as flat demand, rising costs and workforce shortages. His recommendations include tax reforms, expanding workforce support through vocational training and wage subsidies and adjusting migration policies to address labor shortages. These proposals aim to stabilise the sector, boost economic growth and sustain the hospitality industry.
What the new visa rules mean for hospitality workers
What the new visa rules mean for hospitality workers
February 2025
AFAB’s Deputy Chair, Wes Lambert’s view on what the new visa rules mean for hospitality workers. New visa rules in Australia are worsening the shortage of baristas and café managers, with thousands of roles unfilled and no sponsorship pathway under the new visa system. Caps on international student work hours and limited working holiday visas are deepening the crisis, causing high turnover, lower service quality, and business uncertainty. The full impact is expected by October 2025, with calls for better training and permanent residency pathways.
Proud to be a Chef program
Proud to be a Chef program
February 2025
Proud AFAB Support Member - Anchor Food Professionals, Proud to be a Chef program, co-led by Fonterra Oceania, celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2025, empowering apprentice chefs across Australia! The 4-day event included masterclasses, degustation menus, market visits, dairy milking and a competition at William Angliss Institute in Melbourne. Daniel Yin from TAFE Ryde NSW won the international scholarship and Best Savory Dish, recognised for his talent and teamwork. Special thanks to mentors George Calombaris, Angelica Iuliano (MoVida), Mark Normoyle and Todd Thorburn (Fonterra). 2026 applications opens soon!
AFAB CEO, Tony Green talks to Convenience World
AFAB CEO, Tony Green talks to Convenience World
February 2025
AFAB CEO Tony Green spoke with Convenience World about the factors shaping the foodservice landscape in the Petrol & Convenience (P&C) sector. In 2023, foodservice accounted for 36.4% of household food spending, with P&C outlets expanding their offerings beyond snacks to include healthier options and ready-to-heat meals. Key trends include longer stops due to EV charging boosting food demand, a coffee craze encouraging repeat visits, health-conscious choices for tradies and a continued need for quick meals. However, challenges such as limited parking, staffing shortages, high investment cost, and shifting consumer perceptions remain. The future looks bright, with opportunities for P&C outlets to innovate and cater to local needs while embracing quality food and convenience.
Is nuclear energy the key to our future?
Is nuclear energy the key to our future?
February 2025
Energy-intensive industries, including AI, require reliable power. Major companies like Amazon and Apple are turning to nuclear energy, which is clean, reliable and cost-effective. In Australia, electricity costs are three times higher than in nuclear-powered regions like Tennessee or Ontario. Transitioning to nuclear could cut costs by 44%, attracting global investment, especially for data centers. With our stable environment, we need to engage tech and media companies to secure investment. Currently, our Members are paying too much for their energy needs! What are your thoughts?
Welcoming new Founding Member: DonKRC Foodservice
Welcoming new Founding Member: DonKRC Foodservice
February 2025
We’re excited to announce that DonKRC Foodservice has upgraded to Founding Member! Since 1947, DonKRC has been a trusted name in Australian ham, bacon and smallgoods, producing award-winning products at their Castlemaine site. As part of the GWF family, they continue to blend farming, butchery and craftsmanship with a focus on sustainability, optimising supply chains and caring for people, communities and the planet. As a Founding Member, DonKRC will access exclusive insights, forecasting and Member-only opportunities. Thank you, DonKRC, for joining the AFAB family as our latest Founding Member!
Welcoming new Standard Member: Brand Partnerz
Welcoming new Standard Member: Brand Partnerz
February 2025
We are excited to welcome Brand Partnerz as the newest Standard member of AFAB! Specialising in empowering Australian FMCG brands, Brand Partnerz offers tailored services to help businesses unlock their market potential, scale operations and strengthen their presence. They provide strategic sales brokerage, market analysis, relationship building and growth strategies across key channels such as foodservice, retail, vending and more. With a data-driven approach and extensive network, Brand Partnerz helps brands achieve their goals through customised strategies. We're thrilled to have them on board and look forward to the value they'll bring to our community and the foodservice industry!
Coalition’s lunch policy shows the Party ‘has listened to small business’
Coalition’s lunch policy shows the Party ‘has listened to small business’
February 2025
Sharing insights from a recent Skynews discussion with Wes Lambert, Deputy Chair of AFAB, on the ongoing debate around government costings for hospitality industry support. Key takeaways:
- The Coalition’s proposed $250M/year policy aims to boost demand in the hospitality sector, which has been hit hard post-COVID, with 1 in 11 businesses facing insolvency in the past six months.
- The policy focuses on small businesses, addressing inequities where larger corporations can claim tax deductions for catering, while smaller businesses struggle.
- Challenges like reduced international tourism, cost-of-living pressures, and slim profit margins (3-4%) continue to weigh heavily on the industry.
This policy could be a game-changer for Australia’s 80,000+ foodservice businesses, driving much-needed demand and supporting recovery. Let’s hope for balanced solutions that empower small businesses and revitalise this vital sector!
Webinar: Technology in foodservice
Webinar: Technology in foodservice
February 2025
Technology is transforming foodservice faster than ever—optimising operations, reducing costs, and driving efficiency. But how can businesses harness AI-driven solutions to stay ahead? Join us for an exclusive AFAB Webinar featuring industry experts from SolBox and FOBOH, who will share real-world insights on:
- AI-powered order management to streamline operations
- Last-mile optimization for efficient and cost-effective deliveries
- The future of foodservice technology and why now is the time to invest
IT managers, this session is especially valuable for you! Learn how to integrate the latest tech solutions into your business and improve operational efficiency.
Welcoming new Standard Member: OmniChannel Consulting Australia
Welcoming new Standard Member: OmniChannel Consulting Australia
January 2025
We are delighted to welcome OmniChannel Consulting to our community!
With a strong focus on customer-centric strategies, OmniChannel Consulting is dedicated to helping businesses unlock their full potential. Their expertise spans FMCG retail, e-commerce, and foodservice, making them uniquely positioned to support organisations in enhancing marketing effectiveness, optimising sales funnels, and identifying new growth opportunities.
OmniChannel Consulting brings tailored solutions that can transform the way businesses engage with their customers. By leveraging data-driven insights and advanced CRM tools like Hubspot, they create seamless workflows that improve customer profiling, retargeting, and engagement strategies. Their ability to analyse category data and deliver actionable recommendations ensures businesses can refine product planning, promotional pricing, and overall operational efficiency.
We are thrilled to have OmniChannel Consulting join us and look forward to the insights and value they’ll bring to our members and the broader foodservice industry.
AFAB advocates for tax relief to revive Australia’s foodservice sector
AFAB advocates for tax relief to revive Australia’s foodservice sector
January 2025
AFAB is thrilled to announce the Coalition’s proposed $20,000 capped tax deduction for business-related meal and entertainment expenses, a policy that could provide a lifeline for small businesses while delivering significant benefits for Australia’s hospitality sector.
This initiative, exempt from Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT), is set to help over 81,000 foodservice outlets nationwide, which employ thousands of Australians and are crucial to our economy. With 99% of hospitality businesses earning less than $10 million annually, and 91.4% earning under $2 million, this policy is designed to address the unique challenges faced by small operators.
Webinar: Explore the future of foodservice technology!
Webinar: Explore the future of foodservice technology!
January 2025
AFAB invites you to an exclusive webinar exploring the transformative role of AI and technology in the foodservice industry.
Date: 20 February 2025
Speakers: Kshitija Deshmukh from FOBOH and Lawrence Micalizzi from SolBox
This engaging session will provide valuable insights into:
- AI-driven order management solutions
- Last-mile logistics optimisation strategies
- Practical approaches to improving efficiency and enhancing customer satisfaction.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how cutting-edge technology is reshaping the foodservice landscape, helping businesses streamline operations, reduce costs, and drive growth.
Welcoming AFAB Board Advisor: Emily Ng
Welcoming AFAB Board Advisor: Emily Ng
January 2025
We’re thrilled to introduce Emily Ng as the newest member of our board of advisors! Emily is a dynamic leader with over 17 years of expertise in general management, marketing, and brand strategy across Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. Emily specialises in crafting seamless end-to-end user journeys and creating exceptional brand experiences, from concept to market launch.
Emily’s career spans impactful roles at Unilever Food Solutions ANZ, where she led marketing strategies for some of the world's most beloved foodservice brands like Knorr and Hellmann’s. As the Head of Marketing for ANZ, she guided transformative projects, spearheaded innovation, and delivered award-winning initiatives that have shaped the foodservice landscape. Her experience also includes significant contributions in Southeast Asia and Singapore, driving category growth and operational excellence through cross-functional collaboration.
Beyond her marketing expertise, Emily is deeply committed to unlocking growth opportunities for businesses and fostering innovation. Her track record includes successful strategy development, portfolio management, and go-to-market execution across diverse industries.
As a board advisor, Emily brings unparalleled expertise, a global outlook, and a passion for shaping the future of businesses. We are excited about the insights and energy she will bring to our community.
Welcoming AFAB Board Advisor: Neil Parker
Welcoming AFAB Board Advisor: Neil Parker
January 2025
We’re excited to welcome Neil Parker, Managing Director at BridgePoint Group, to the AFAB community! With over 20 years of experience in business advisory, Neil has dedicated his career to helping privately-owned small and medium enterprises (SMEs) grow, innovate, and succeed in competitive markets.
Known for his commitment to the manufacturing sector, Neil emphasises its importance to the economy, often referring to it as 'our right to exist'. His expertise spans strategy development, financial analysis, business planning, forecasting, and process optimisation, making him a highly valued board member and advisor. Neil is also recognized for his bold thinking and his willingness to challenge the status quo.
We’re thrilled to have Neil on board and look forward to his contributions to our vibrant community. Join us in welcoming Neil Parker!
We thank our Founding Members
