Australia

International president Liz Williams says the "more mature" Australian market is now ready for the global brand. After a couple of attempts to kickstart their presence in the country, the popular, youthful brand intends to stay after finding recent success with a clearer and more deliberate strategy. “Years ago, when we went into some markets – the markets weren't ready for us. And they weren’t ready for Mexican-inspired or the Mexican category in general. It was too niche. People didn't know how to eat a taco. We still see this in markets today," Taco Bell international president Liz Williams said in an exclusive interview with QSR Media. Aside from a clearer strategy, Williams said a more mature market that was open to different food types also made a difference this time. “Today, you go into a market like Australia - the Mexican category is well-defined and well-loved and so I think that’s has been the #1 differentiator from years ago when we did it." Williams also cites Taco Bell’s local franchise partner Collins Foods and its regional team for bringing the “perfect expression” of the brand in the market. “I think that clarity [in the brand strategy] is going to make a difference this time,” she remarked. The U.S.-based brand also sees potential in their international market for a thousand units over the next couple of years. But despite their master plan of global aggressive expansion, Williams says they are in no rush – emphasising the need for proper partnerships. “[We’re] taking time to go to the market in the Taco Bell way. It’s easy to do that because you see so much opportunities. Taking the time to find the right partner, getting the right site are really important, and getting the scale. It takes time to go under the market and get the partnership and to have that scale.”  

The limited-edition flavor will be available until the end of the month. Aiming to provide a winter go-to, Gelatissimo introduced its brand-new Peanut Butter Cup flavour. A combination of chocolatey peanut butter gelato and peanut butter chips with a chocolate drizzle, the Peanut Butter Cup will be available until the end of June.

The locally-owned business gave away free coffee and lunches to celebrate the milestone.

Here is a summary of the most interesting QSR news stories of the week from around the world.

Find out what QSRs have been up to on social media this week. BRAND AND STORE UPDATES Domino’s talked about their E-bikes and how they are an "integral" part of our delivery business via Facebook Live. Pie Face says they are "super excited" about opening their first store in United Petroleum’s Amaroo store in ACT. Stellarossa announces their annual Project Pink Breast Cancer Fundraiser, which will take place from June 18 to July 20. McDonald's released its limited edition Big Mac Special Sauce bottles, where proceeds will be donated to Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Key executives and industry leaders will gather at Australia's largest multi-site restaurant conference.

The company’s shares also plummeted following their announcement. The Retail Food Group (RFG) advised that it expects a statutory loss of approximately $87.6 million in FY 2018, after taking account of substantial impairment charges booked at the end of last year, termination payments to former managing director Andre Nell and other additional one-off turnaround expenses.

Their videos present the brand’s PERi-PERi sauces as a time-saving flavour solution. Offering Australians the chance to save time in the kitchen without compromise on quality, Nando’s has launched its new ‘For Flavours Sake’ ad campaign – consisting of two videos demonstrating how to use their PERi-PERi sauces as a quicker meal addition versus combining ingredients from scratch. “Nando’s sauces are great for consumers looking for a quick and easy way to turn a good dish into a great one. These two new ads highlight the delicious, fresh ingredients that go into our PERi-PERi sauces while also sharing a shortcut to transforming everyday meals and giving them an instant flavour boost,” Nando’s Brand Manager Stefani Dethan said.  

We are just days away from the 2018 QSR Media Detpak Conference and Awards. More than 450 participants, over 30 key speakers, and approximately 60 quick service restaurant brands represented - that's what you need to expect at the QSR Media's upcoming conference and awards at Sydney. Aside from a wide array of discussions and networking opportunties, we will also recognise the brands that have been exceptional for the past year. Check out the whole programme by clicking here.

With a rich history as Australia’s largest home-grown quick service restaurant brand, Red Rooster has the nation’s craving for roast chicken covered.

Half of Aussies eat or have takeaway from the global brand in an average six months. New research from Roy Morgan reveals over 17 million Australians aged 14 and above buy or eat take away food from leading fast food outlets such as McDonald’s, KFC or Subway or from the local outlets such as fish and chips shops, pizza shops, and convenience stores.

They also have a non-coffee version of this latest offering. Deemed “perfect” for the winter months, Zarraffa’s Coffee released its new Crème Brulee blend. The French-inspired drink is a combination of toffee, caramel, white chocolate and double espresso, finished off with textured milk and a dusting of rapadura sugar. The new beverage can also be served as a non-coffee option for customers who want to experience the flavour profile without the caffeine. “The combination of flavours in the new Crème Brulee is a perfect take on the much-loved dessert and is sure to warm you up this winter,” Zarraffa’s Coffee founder Kenton Campbell said. With the swipe of Zarraffa’s loyalty card, members of the brand’s loyalty program also have a chance to be entered into the draw to win an $8,000 travel voucher that can be used for tickets to Paris, France or other destinations of their choice. Zarraffa’s Coffee is currently open in almost 80 locations across Queensland, New South Wales and Western Australia.  

It is part of the smoothie brand’s Aussie Milk Bar range.

But how should competing brands that feature the Hawaiian dish separate themselves?

He brings extensive experience from international companies to the new role. Subway has announced that Geoff Cockerill will be their Country Director for Australia and New Zealand starting on June 4. Cockerill brings extensive experience to his new role from a number of international companies such as Diageo and Kirin, and some global brands including Johnnie Walker, Smirnoff and Corona. His background also includes a range of CEO, Executive General Manager and Managing Director roles for high-profile sporting, not-for-profit and listed retail and consumer brand organisations, including franchising. “I’ve admired the success of the Subway® brand for many years, and couldn’t be more excited to join the team. I’m looking forward to helping continue achieve the speed to market needed to drive the business forward,” Cockerill said.

Other reports say, however, that the refrigerated courier network was still exploring other potential buyers.