Nov 14
Back
Fast Food Market Australia

Trends: Fast Food Market in Australia

14 November 2023

Several key trends are now shaping the landscape of the fast food market in Australia. These trends, driven by changing consumer preferences and technological advancements, significantly impact the dynamics within the industry.

Online Delivery Is Expanding Reach

One of the most striking trends in recent years is the growing reliance on online delivery platforms.

These platforms offer unparalleled convenience to consumers, allowing them to order their favourite fast food from the comfort of their homes. However, this convenience comes at a cost for fast-food operators. Many of these delivery platforms charge substantial commissions to restaurants, affecting their profitability. As a result, fast food market businesses face the challenge of finding a balance between leveraging the reach of online delivery and managing its impact on their bottom line.

Health-Conscious Consumers Are Changing Fast Food Menus

Another compelling trend within the fast food market in Australia is the increasing health consciousness among consumers.

In today’s health-aware society, people are becoming more mindful of their dietary choices. This shift in consumer preferences significantly transforms the fast food market and the takeaway food services industry. Consumers are now seeking healthier options when dining out or ordering in. Fast food providers are overhauling their menus to incorporate more nutritious choices. Salads, grilled items, and plant-based alternatives are now commonplace on fast food menus.

Restaurants Are Competing More Directly With Fast Food Operators

Moreover, the line between traditional fast food outlets and restaurants is becoming increasingly blurred.

Restaurant chains are expanding their takeaway and fast food market offerings, making them formidable competitors in the industry. Consumers who seek higher-quality and more diverse food options are now turning to restaurants, posing a significant challenge to traditional fast food providers. This intensified competition drives innovation and pushes fast-food operators to explore new avenues to stay competitive.

Premium Fast Food Is Becoming More Mainstream

A notable shift in consumer preferences is the growing demand for premium and healthy fast food market options. Consumers are willing to pay more for high-quality ingredients and nutritious choices. Fast food operators actively respond to this trend by introducing a range of healthier and premium menu items. These offerings cater to the evolving tastes of health-conscious consumers while contributing to revenue growth.

However, while online delivery platforms offer convenience and access to a broader customer base, they also present challenges for profitability. Many fast food operators are balancing leveraging online delivery’s benefits and managing the associated fees. Some businesses have even explored developing their in-house delivery capabilities to reduce reliance on third-party platforms.

How Fast Food Operators Can Stay Competitive

In conclusion, the fast food and takeaway food industry is transforming due to changes in consumer preferences and technological advancements. Fast food operators must adapt and innovate to thrive in this evolving landscape. By offering healthier choices, embracing technology, and finding the right balance in online delivery partnerships, they can position themselves for success in a competitive market that continues to redefine what fast food means in the modern era.

About The Author

Michael Brick is a Partner & General Manager at Meris Food Equipment. For over 20 years he has helped food-to-go businesses boost sales and profitability by introducing innovative food concepts. His passion lies in creating a holistic solution, focusing not just on the right equipment (like Perfect Fryers or Flexeserve displays) but also on perfecting the menu, packaging, and in-store processes for increased sales, basket value, and food traffic.

What Our Clients Say

We have benefited greatly from the individual temperature-controlled shelves, allowing us to hold food at the perfect temperature

“The benefits of the Flexeserve are as promised. We have benefited greatly from the individual temperature-controlled shelves, allowing us to hold food at the perfect temperature, preserving its freshness and increasing the variety of food items we offer, meeting peak mealtimes throughout the day.”

– Clinton & Tanya Loftus, IGA Busselton

We went from $600 to now $5,000 in food a week!

“If you’re not in hot food now, you are 5 years behind. Just go for it and dip your toe in, remember you don’t have to do everything all at once.

We went from $600 to now $5,000 in food a week!”

– John Blazely, Store Owner & Operator, Shell Service Station, Colac

We have benefited greatly from the individual temperature-controlled shelves, allowing us to hold food at the perfect temperature

“The benefits of the Flexeserve are as promised. We have benefited greatly from the individual temperature-controlled shelves, allowing us to hold food at the perfect temperature, preserving its freshness and increasing the variety of food items we offer, meeting peak mealtimes throughout the day.”

– Clinton & Tanya Loftus, IGA Busselton

Country Grocers & Liquor Ballan

Sales increased by a staggering 41%. With year-on-year sales up by 81%

Sales increased by a staggering 41%. With year-on-year sales up by 81%

“The results were almost immediate. Within 2 months, sales were up by 37%. In just six months, sales increased by a staggering 41%. With year-on-year sales up by 81%”.

– Ashlee Plucke, Store Manager, Country Grocers & Liquor Ballan

FoodWorks

“When we were looking to purchase a heated merchandiser for our chickens and hot food, we got a quote on the Flexeserve from Meris as well as an alternate unit from another supplier. The Flexeserve® was more expensive, so we went with the other unit. From day one of installing the other unit we had a myriad of issues.

After three months of this and an inability for anyone to be able to fix it, we re-approached Meris about the Flexeserve® unit, and they helped us out. The Flexeserve has done all the things they told us it would, and we have not had an issue. Clearly, you get what you pay for, and the Flexeserve® is worth it”

Shane Cantania - FoodWorks
Country Grocers & Liquor Ballan

“Our previous hot food display was too hot to touch and was melting the food packaging. The harsh heat was drying the food out, which was limiting shelf life and leading to more food wastage.

With Flexeserve, the results were almost immediate. Within 2 months, sales were up by 37%. In just six months, sales increased by a staggering 41%. With year-on-year sales up by 81%. ”

Ashlee Plucke, Store Manager - Country Grocers & Liquor Ballan

“The FlashGrill is so good.

Always such an even cook. Never have to worry about re-heating, it’s always at temp.

Super easy to clean and nothing ever sticks.

We cover the plate with 30 frozen burgers, cook them, then add another 30 straight away with no change in cooking time between the first lot and the second and get the same great result. It’s really impressive”

Katrina Sanderson, Food Operations Manager - Bowser Bean and Vantage Fuels

It enhances flavours by cooking at low temperatures.

“FlashGRILL completes any food. It enhances flavours by cooking at low temperatures. It can perfectly caramelise and grill the products. It is great for white meat and fish. It is very satisfying to cook different kinds of meats and ensuring clients can fully perceive the differences in tastes due to the specific flavour of each product being preserved.”

Chef Francesco di Maria, - LA FIORENTINA Ristorante-Pasticceria Roma - Italy

“Since I have had the possibility to cook at lower temperatures, meat does not stiffen or burn. It remains evenly cooked and intact, and enhances flavour. Thanks to FlashGRILL, which keeps the temperature even on the full cooking surface, I managed to optimise cooking in my work kitchen. I also use the CLOCHE every day. Thanks to it, I obtain great results with meat and fish, like tuna. I am extremely satisfied.”

Chef Diego Asara, - GINGER SAPORI E SALUTE Roma - RM
How can Meris help my business?