McDonald’s Corporation, the world’s largest burger chain, announced a lift of 4.3 per cent in sales in July led by the European division. In their primary market of America, the maker of the Big Mac saw comparable sales rise 2.6%, with European sales up 7.2% and their Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa sector seeing moderate growth of 2.1% as weakness in China was offset by another strong performance in Australia. “Comparable sales in Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa increased... ...Read more »

Retail Food Group, one of Australian’s largest retail food brand managers and franchisors, has today announced a 33 per cent surge in net profit after tax as consumer demand for comfort food fails to wane. The owner of the Brumby’s, Donut King, Michel’s Patisserie and bb’s café franchise brands expects the growth to continue as menu innovation and store developments continue apace. “The Company has … focussed on delivering further menu innovation and supply chain... ...Read more »

Cafés, restaurants and takeaway stores (C/R/TS) recorded their worst monthly sales performance of the year, along with general food retailing – which includes grocers, bakeries, fishmongers and butchers. On seasonally adjusted figures, the ABS saw both divisions falter, with food retail down 0.7 per cent on May figures and the C/R/TS sector declining 1.7 per cent month-on-month. It was the second time this year that the sectors had recorded a fall in sales, however the declines can largely... ...Read more »

Consumer cut backs on discretionary spending have been well documented over the past year, but how has the economic downturn affected the simple Australian family dinner? New research from leading parenting site www.kidspot.com.au, together with www.bestrecipes.com.au and www.birth.com.au, has revealed insights into the changes made in food preparation, takeaway purchases and dining habits due to the economic conditions. The recent survey of over 5,000 Australian families across the 3 female-skewed... ...Read more »

The world’s largest fast-food chicken company is bringing their new grilled chicken options to Australia. KFC, famous for its fried chicken, introduced grilled chicken with success into America via a trial last year, with an official launch made in April. The move was made to help stagnant American sales at the chain and attract more health-driven customers to their stores. “The introduction of Kentucky Grilled Chicken is a defining moment in our brand’s storied history,”... ...Read more »

Convenience and an improved menu have led to another strong result in Australia by the world’s largest burger chain, while low prices have ensured continued growth around the world. The seemingly recession-proof fast-food giant posted global comparable sales growth of 5.1% in May – which was surprisingly below analyst expectations. “May’s strong performance tells us that customers around the world continue to choose McDonald’s for the convenience, menu choice, quality... ...Read more »

KFC is set to sponsor the new series of Network Ten’s Australian Idol, launching in August. The fast-food company will help execute an integrated marketing campaign; including both television and web-based marketing components. Television commercials, outdoor media, competitions and promotions on the official Australian Idol website will all be part of leveraging the brand across all media channels. KFC had previously sponsored Network Ten’s Big Brother series, and was keen to continue... ...Read more »

Following an unprecedented response to a free offer of a Kentucky Grilled Chicken meal in America, KFC has announced that it can no longer accept the free coupon, and will instead introduce a rain check program for inconvenienced customers. KFC, best known for their fried chicken, introduced grilled chicken for the first time this year in the US and their complimentary offer to give sales a boost far exceeded their expectations. “We would like to apologise to our customers who have been inconvenienced... ...Read more »

McDonald’s has announced another strong rise in global comparable sales as cost-conscious diners continue to frequent the fast-food restaurant. “By continuing to provide the menu variety and value consumers want with the fast, friendly service they expect from McDonald’s, we’ve strengthened our connection with customers and driven comparable sales growth for six consecutive years,” Chief Executive Officer, Jim Skinner, suggested. Comparable sales rose 6.9% in April,... ...Read more »

Food retail sales rose again in March, according to the latest ABS data, but the rate of growth has fallen as restaurants and take-away outlets received a more substantial boost. The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) said the 2.2 per cent growth in retail turnover for March was in line with predictions and showed signs of slow recovery as cashed-up consumers re-entered the market. ARA Executive Director Richard Evans suggested the better-than-expected figures were the result of economic stimuli... ...Read more »