Australia has become a nation of “foodies”. When we aren’t eating it, we are watching it on TV, reading about it online, and posting about it on social media.

But beyond just an appetite for good food, Australians have become increasingly aware about the food journey -where it is sourced from, freshness of ingredients, how it impacts our environment,  and most importantly the nutritional value of what we consume.

We are also big spenders and love eating out. In fact, according to data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, household spend on food outside the home has jumped more than 55 per cent in real terms since the 1980’s, from $42 per week in 1984, to $66 in 2010.

Talking to Goodfood Magazine, food ethics researcher Rachel Ankeny from the University of Adelaide says, “If we go back historically, say over the last 20 years, we do see increased amounts of eating out because of convenience, because of busy schedules, because of changing family lifestyle and women increasingly in the workplace.”

And when times are hard, and people have less cash to spend, they don’t necessarily stop eating out; they just go to less costly outlets.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, (DAFF), the global financial crisis in 2008-2009 saw spending fall by 3.8 per cent in restaurants and cafes, whilst sales in fast food outlets grew by 4.8 per cent -and are still growing.

Fortunately for our waistlines, the fast food market has had a menu change.

Experts are now observing that despite high obesity reports, Australian’s fast-food choices have been getting healthier, smaller and more diverse over the past five years.

Queensland University of Technology business school senior lecturer Gary Mortimer said, “we’ve seen the industry undergo a health kick…we’ve seen more juice bars and salad bars and, to some extent, a focus away from heavy, large meals to fresher alternatives’’ he said.

Even McDonald’s are cashing in on the trend. 

Speaking to the Canberra Times, a spokeswoman for the chain said Australians had taken advantage of the healthier options available on their menus. “One in three Happy Meals sold in Australia include a healthier choice of a grilled chicken snack wrap, apple slices and a fruit juice or water.”

So how can entrepreneurs capitalize on market trends?

The people have spoken.

Whilst chains like KFC and McDonalds will always be popular, there is great demand for healthy and convenient food, not just served as a ‘side’ to make you feel better about your Big Mac.

Sumo Salad are a home grown Aussie franchise, serving up amazingly delicious gourmet salads, wraps, rolls, toasties, pasta, soup, fruit salad and plenty of extra tasty Sumo Salad specialty items, for on-the-go foodies looking for tasty, fulfilling options that don’t break the bank, (or bust buttons).

As current finalists in the Australian Established Franchisor (FCA) of the year awards, Sumo Salad are a fast growing franchise network with a unique position in the fast food and  health market.

They currently have a number of franchise opportunities available for the right people- looking to invest in a proven business model and growing industry with plenty of opportunity.

For more information on Sumo Salad’s franchise program, click here.