Australia’s largest manufacturing sector – food and grocery – has forged a landmark new alliance with the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) industry to work together to address important health, nutrition and chronic disease issues in Australia. Officially announced during the NSW Food Forum in Sydney today, the formal partnership between the Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) and the QSR industry involves the establishment of a QSR Forum of AFGC. One of the main aims of the... ...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 »

Yum! Brands, the owner of the KFC and Pizza Hut brands, has reported global system-sales growth of 7%, excluding foreign currency translation, driven by record international development of 1,495 new units. Operating profit growth rose 8%, with strong international growth offsetting weakness in the US market. David C. Novak, Chairman and CEO, noted that the results had exceeded their annual target but remained cautious about the future. “These results for 2008 again exceeded our annual target... ...Read more »

Yum! Brands is to test a co-branding of their Pizza Hut outlets in Australia in a bid to boost market share. The company has seen Domino’s assume the market leadership in the fast-food pizza market after they held top spot at the turn of the century. Pizza Hut Chief Executive Albert Baladi said Pizza Hut would maintain its strong focus on pizza but wants to now become just as famous for pasta. “The launch of tuscani pasta, along with testing the Pasta Hut brand, is the first step in Pizza... ...Read more »