Key Takeaways from Foodservice Australia 2024: Maximising Value in Challenging Times
The recent Foodservice Australia (FSA) trade show in Sydney was an exciting event, packed with insights into the current state of the foodservice industry. As we navigate a post-pandemic world, several key trends and challenges have emerged. Here's what we learned and how Primo Foodservice can help venues stay profitable and appealing to diners.
Cost-Effective Solutions for the Cost of Living Crisis
One of the standout trends at FSA was the industry's response to the ongoing cost of living crisis. Diners are more budget-conscious, and venues are seeking ways to offer great dining experiences without premium prices.
Suggested Solutions:
Ingredient Substitution: Swap expensive ingredients for more affordable options. For example, swapping porchetta with bacon can significantly reduce costs while maintaining flavour and appeal. Bacon is versatile, flavourful, and much more affordable, making it a perfect substitute in various dishes.
Versatile Menus: Design a menu that uses a single product across multiple dishes. For instance, pulled meats can be used in tacos, platters, and sliders. Similarly, chorizo can be featured in salads, as a breakfast side, or as a topping for pasta and pizza. This approach reduces inventory costs and simplifies kitchen operations.
Tackling the Staffing Shortage
A significant challenge discussed at FSA was the staffing shortage. Many venues are not only understaffed but also relying on under-qualified staff. This puts pressure on kitchen efficiency and quality control.
Suggested Solutions:
Primo Low and Slow Range: Our Low and Slow range, including Traditional Meatballs, Pork Belly, and Pulled Meats, can save time and reduce the need for highly skilled labour. These products are pre-cooked and require minimal preparation, ensuring consistent quality and freeing up staff to focus on other tasks.
Enhancing Customer Value with Perks
The increasing popularity of perks was another hot topic. Venues are looking for ways to attract more diners by offering value-added services such as "kids eat free" promotions. Promotions like this can attract specific customer groups that may be so far untapped by your venue, like families. If you’re looking to attract a different crowd, consider promotions specific to footy finals or midweek meals.
Suggested Solutions:
Kid-Friendly Menu Items: Primo’s Napoli meatballs are perfect for creating a kids’ menu that is both delicious and cost-effective. Use them in pasta dishes or serve them as standalone items. Additionally, ham & cheese mini pizzas are a hit with kids and can be prepared quickly and economically.
These strategies not only enhance the dining experience for families but also help venues manage costs effectively. By offering value without compromising on quality, venues can maintain profitability even during challenging economic times.
Insights from Foodservice Australia highlight the need for innovative, cost-effective solutions in the foodservice industry. By adapting to current trends and challenges, venues can continue to attract diners and maintain profitability. Primo Foodservice is here to support you with versatile, high-quality products that meet the needs of today's foodservice landscape.
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