“We only buy the highest quality ingredients, fresh daily, from local Australian farmers. We never use genetically modified products, or products containing artificial colours and flavours.” Luke Baylis, managing director of
Sumo Salads.
Established: 2003
Number of stores: 25, with 4 in the process of being built.
Offering: ‘Design your own salads’, plus soups, vegetarian organic snacks, juices, Vietnamese rice paper rolls and low fat wraps.
What, in your opinion, is driving the success of healthier food franchises?
As people become more aware of the need for healthier eating, nutritious fast food makes them feel OK about opting for the convenience of take-away meals.
Are people moving away from unhealthy diets or simply adding healthier selections to their diet?
I think they’re making a definite move away from junk food to a more balanced diet, but they will never move away completely.
Do you believe people are prepared to pay more for freshness and quality?
People understand that they’re going to have to pay more for fresh, quality ingredients, but there’s still a glass ceiling of around $10 in fast food retail. Charge more and people start to question the value.
Are people becoming more aware of what they’re eating?
Certainly, and women in particular are interested in having choices. They like having the opportunity to tailor what they eat.
We are currently seeing an overall trend for healthier food. Do you think this trend is likely to continue?
I think we’ve only seen the tip of the iceberg so far – there are many regions in Australia where healthy fast food still has very low penetration.
19-Jun-2007