This weekend is huge for Australian football with the NRL grand final on Sunday 2 October, the last pool game in the Rugby World Cup and the AFL grand final on Saturday 1 October. And while footy fever sweeps the nation, Eagle Boys Pizza, Australia’s second largest pizza company is preparing for a spike in sales. Eagle Boys CEO Todd Clayton said the franchise is expecting to make more than 100,000 pizzas over the weekend, increasing sales by over 20 per cent.  Read More →

McDonald’s has released its global sales results for the second quarter, with earnings up 15%, including a 4.6% rise in the Asia/Pacific, Middle East and African region, thanks to strong sales in Australia and China. Chief Executive Officer Jim Skinner said “McDonald’s second quarter reflects strong top-line and bottom-line results with each area of the world generating higher comparable sales, traffic and profits”. “This performance demonstrates the popular appeal of... ...Read more »

February results for McDonalds showed a 4.8% increase in sales worldwide.  The results included a 10.5% rise in the Asia/Pacific, Middle East and African region, on the back of strong sales in Australia, Japan and China. Sales for the year to date were up 7.2% in the region, compared to last year’s more sluggish 5.6%. McDonalds reported that strong demand for core favourites drove the US growth, including an Olympic-themed Chicken McNugget promotion, the Breakfast Dollar Menu and McCafe beverages. ... ...Read more »

McDonald’s New Zealand yesterday became the first McDonald’s market in the world to offer customers Weight Watchers Approved Meals. Weight Watchers’ business development director Chris Stirk told AAP in a phone interview from NZ after the launch that the meals are available in McDonald’s outlets across NZ only with “no deal struck to bring them to Australia”. “I’m not ruling that out but at this point there are no discussions,” he said. Stirk... ...Read more »

The performance of burger chain McDonald’s has again highlighted the resilience of fast food, with relatively cheap convenience at the forefront of customer minds. Global comparable sales were up 2.8 per cent year-on-year, with Europe (+5.2%) the best performed region. Revenue growth was more subdued in the fourth quarter, however, with comparable sales up 2.3 per cent. “McDonald’s 2009 results reflect the broad-based strength of our global business,” McDonald’s Chief... ...Read more »

ASX-listed Retail Food Group has told shareholders that they expect a 10-15% increase in profit for the first half, while expansion activity continues apace with a deal to acquire a Donut King competitor and the Brumby’s master franchises in north Queensland and New Zealand. “The Brumby’s North Queensland master franchise territory represents the best performing Brumby’s territory in Australia,” RFG CEO Tony Alford said during the company’s AGM on Friday. “Further,... ...Read more »

McDonald’s, the world’s largest burger chain, has announced a 3.3 per cent rise in comparable sales for the month of October as fast-food continues to draw in convenience and value-conscious customers. The result was led by Europe (sales up 6.4%), while Australian sales continued to surge – helping the Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa region to a sales boost of 4.7%. “The 4.7% increase in Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa’s October comparable sales was fueled... ...Read more »

McDonald’s reported better-than-expected third quarter sales figures overnight, fueled by positive comparable sales in every area of the world. In constant currencies, the fast-food giant achieved higher sales and profit compared with the prior year.”Alignment behind McDonald’s long-term business strategy, the Plan to Win, is clear as our growth continues to be a systemwide effort with each area of the world contributing,” McDonald’s Chief Executive Officer, Jim Skinner,... ...Read more »

Profits at Yum! Brands have jumped by 15 per cent in the third quarter despite headwinds created by a weak US dollar. The owner of the Taco Bell, KFC and Pizza Hut brands saw sales remain relatively flat, however, despite a strong performance in China. “I’m pleased to report we are raising our full year 2009 EPS growth forecast to 12% based on our strong year-to-date profit performance,” David Novak, Chairman and CEO of Yum!, said. “China and Yum! Restaurants International... ...Read more »

Fast-food giant McDonald’s has reported a 2.2% lift in sales in August, moderating after a 4.3 per cent rise in July. By segment, their American sales were up by 1.7%, European sales rose 3.5% and Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa declined 0.5% despite a robust Australian performance. Systemwide sales rose 1.1%, or 4.1% in constant currencies, for the month. “Our commitment to providing customers with menu variety, value and convenience is delivering sustained global comparable sales... ...Read more »