Looking Back, Moving Forward: 2025 in Review and What’s Next for Foodservice

As 2025 winds down, it is tempting to collapse into the nearest deck chair and clock off for the Christmas break. But before we all do, it is worth taking a look back at the shifts that defined foodservice this year, and what they tell us about where we are headed in 2026. 

This has been a year of contrasts: menus balancing health and indulgence, compliance reshaping brand positioning, provenance and sustainability moving to centre stage, and ghost kitchens proving that the delivery-first future is no longer on the horizon, it is here. 

2025 in Review: Key Shifts That Stood Out 

• The market kept growing 
  Australia’s foodservice market was valued at around AUD 68.8 billion in 2024 and is forecast to grow at nearly 6% a year through 2034, with delivery and quick-service segments leading the charge (Expert Market Research). 

• Cost pressures were relentless 
  The AFGC Supply Chain Survey showed suppliers facing rising labour, transport and energy costs, with resilience and efficiency becoming the buzzwords of the year. Many suppliers turned these pressures into marketing messages about reliability and stability. 

• Convenience drove consumer choice 
  Food delivery platforms in Australia generated more than AUD 2.2 billion in 2024–25, growing at 13.5% annually over the past five years (IBISWorld). Convenience and flexibility continued to shape how consumers ordered, which in turn shaped what operators wanted from suppliers. 

• Sustainability and provenance were non-negotiable 
  With nearly 50% of Australian shoppers now factoring sustainability into purchasing decisions (Monash University), provenance, transparency and eco-friendly packaging moved from optional extras to selling points. 

• Tech crept deeper into kitchens 
  From digital ordering to automation, technology helped operators control costs and streamline service. For suppliers, data and insights became a new kind of currency. 

• Menus balanced health and indulgence 
  Consumers wanted both plant-forward meals and premium comfort foods, sometimes in the same week. Suppliers with a versatile portfolio were better positioned to serve this dual demand. 

What This Means for 2026 

If 2025 was about adapting, 2026 is shaping up to be a year of momentum. The big shifts we saw this year are not roadblocks; they are springboards. 

• Delivery-first will dominate 
  The Australian food delivery market was valued at AUD 20.9 billion in 2024 and is expected to almost double by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 7.5% (Expert Market Research). For suppliers, this means designing products and packaging with delivery in mind will be a competitive advantage. 

• Data as a differentiator 
  More buyers will expect suppliers to come to the table with insights, not just SKUs. Suppliers who link products to consumer trends or menu performance can position themselves as strategic partners. 

• Sustainability turns into opportunity 
  With half of consumers weighing sustainability in their choices (Monash University), provenance and eco-friendly practices will become powerful brand-building platforms. This is a chance for suppliers to showcase values as much as products. 

• Flexibility will win fans 
  The Australian foodservice market is projected to grow from AUD 68.8 billion in 2024 to more than AUD 122 billion by 2034 (Expert Market Research). That growth will come from many directions - health, indulgence, convenience and more. Suppliers who adapt quickly and market across categories will capture more of it. 

• Events and connections will matter more 
  Expos and industry gatherings bounced back in 2025, and 2026 will be the year to double down. Suppliers who combine a strong presence with follow-up marketing will turn conversations into contracts. 

  In short, 2026 is not a year to tread water. It is a year to lean into change, use it as a platform to differentiate and embrace the opportunities of a sector that is growing, diversifying and opening new doors for suppliers ready to step up. 

Final Food for Thought: Bring on 2026 

2025 reminded us that foodservice is about more than logistics. It is about stories, strategies and staying agile as the market shifts. As we move into 2026, the suppliers who win will be those who market smarter, build stronger partnerships and deliver more than just products. 

Ready to make 2026 the year your brand moves beyond supply and into strategy? Let’s chat about how FoodLogic can help you turn trends into long term growth.