Australia
“The vast majority of convenience stores in Australia are forecourt-type stores and there are just over 6,000 stores nationally,” says Jeff Rogut, chief executive of the Australasian Association of Convenience Stores.” Major brands dominate in this market, but independents are surviving, and one important way is by catching up with the UK’s hot food operations.
“Foodservice is more advanced as a category in the UK, but our stores are quickly developing this area and it is showing solid growth,” he says.
There is one area, however, where the Australian sector is out on its own: plain packaging. While UK retailers were at least able to submit to consultations, Australian retailers were frozen out.
“It was quite clear from our point of view that the timeline for introduction of the regulations would negatively impact retailers, so it was disappointing not to have been granted an opportunity to consult with government ahead of the introduction of the legislation,” said Mr Rogut in a report earlier this year.
Figures at that time – which have since been questioned by health lobbyists – show that 90% of retailers experienced increased serving times since plain packaging legislation became law.
Key innovation
SOC Exchange is a cross between eBay and Ocado. While this New South Wales-based website can be used for auctioning jewellery, antiques or even “religious items”, it is gaining attention for the opportunity it’s giving local convenience stores, delis and small-scale food producers.
With few overheads and the technical elements organised by the website itself, it’s proving a popular way for businesses to connect with their customers.
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