KFC has announced that its iconic red KFC bucket will turn pink at US outlets, in support of breast cancer charity Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The Colonel’s suit and the KFC headquarters will also turn pink as part of the “Buckets for the Cure™” campaign, which began today and will run until May 23. “Through our Buckets For the Cure campaign, the KFC family nationwide is helping to reach millions of women and men with breast health education, and attempting to make the single... ...Read more »

The latest ABS retail trade figures show that sales in February fell 1.4%, seasonally adjusted, compared with a rise of 1.1% the previous month. Most states experienced a drop in sales this February, except for Tasmania, which rose by 1.5%, and the Northern Territory which rose by 0.8%. In original terms, Australian turnover decreased 11.9% in February 2010. On the positive side however, Australian turnover increased 3.4% in February 2010 compared with February 2009. The only industry category with... ...Read more »

Yum! Brands announced the opening of its first Indian Taco Bell outlet yesterday in Bangalore. Yum! is focused on developing Taco Bell into its third global brand after KFC and Pizza Hut, currently the second most profitable brand in the United States. Over the past few years, the Company has expanded Taco Bell beyond Canada and Puerto Rico to other markets including Guatemala, Costa Rica, Panama, Dominican Republic, Guam, Iceland, Philippines, Dubai, Spain and Cyprus. “We’re delighted to... ...Read more »

As part of the health care legislation passed by the US House of Representatives on Sunday, chain restaurants with 20 or more locations will be required to provide nutritional information to diners at the point of purchase. The information will mirror the kind available on packaged foods.  Caloric information would be highlighted on menus, menu boards and drive-through boards. The provision has been praised by America’s National Restaurant Association. “The passage of this provision is a... ...Read more »

World-famous restuarant El Bulli is to become a non-profit foundation from 2014 after a two-year closure, announced chef and owner Ferran Adria on Monday at the Santiago Gastronomic Forum. The Catalan restaurant, with three Michelin stars and winner of the S.Pellegrino World’s Best Restaurant four years running, is set to become a “foundation for all avant-garde gastronomy lovers… a breeding ground for new ideas and for new talents.”  Adria will offer scholarships for chefs and... ...Read more »

The latest ABS retail trade figures show that sales in December fell 0.7%, seasonally adjusted, although restaurant and takeaway outlets were big winners. Sales declined in every category except Cafés, Restaurants & Takeaway Food Services – where sales surged 2.5%, continuing on recent positive sales trends for the sector. Restaurants and cafés had a difficult end to 2008 and start to 2009 but an economic resurgence has helped many return to more prosperous times. High levels of consumer... ...Read more »

The award-winning Transport Hotel, home to one of Melbourne’s best restaurants – Taxi, is set to be sold by owners the Sovereign Hotel Group. The Group announced their intention to sell today, with the Transport Hotel – including Taxi Dining Room and Transit Cocktail Lounge – and Feddish Bar and Restaurant all set to have new owners. “The decision to capitalise on this investment will strategically position Sovereign Hotel Group to develop further growth opportunities... ...Read more »

Consumers, cafés and restaurants need to be aware of the potential health risks associated with eating poorly handled raw egg products, NSW Primary Industries Minister Steve Whan has warned.The advice was issued following confirmation of a Salmonella outbreak associated with a food retailer in Albury that saw over 130 people reporting to local health authorities with food poisoning symptoms after eating at the outlet. Some of the victims required hospitalisation. “Investigations by NSW Food... ...Read more »

El Bulli, consistently voted as the world’s best restaurant over recent years, will close for two years as chef Ferran Adria looks to lighten his 15-hour a day workload. The Spanish chef, widely regarded as the father of molecular gastronomy, will close his famous restaurant in 2012 and 2013 but is likely to return. “No meals will be served at El Bulli in 2012 and 2013,” he told a shocked audience at culinary conference Madrid Fusion. “With a format like the current one it... ...Read more »

Emerging global cuisines are opening up a whole new world of culinary experiences to consumers of all ages due to the nearly infinite range of ingredients, forms and flavours they offer, according to Emerging Global Cuisines: Culinary Trend Mapping Report from the American-based Center for Culinary Development (CCD) and Packaged Facts. According to CCD, leading emerging global cuisines include Peruvian, Moroccan, Korean, and Japanese. Driven by a host of forces, such as immigration, international... ...Read more »