Fast Food Frenzy: Australia’s Love Affair with Takeaway

Discover why 15.9 million Australians indulge in fast food including KFC , revealing trends, preferences, and the top players in the takeaway market!

The Rise of Fast Food in Australia

Recent insights from Roy Morgan reveal a striking trend: 15.9 million Australians aged 14 and over, or 75.3%, consumed takeaway food from fast food outlets within an average four-week span in 2020. This marks a significant rise from 2019, when only 13.3 million (63.7%) engaged with these food services.

Key highlights include:

• Major Players: McDonald’s, KFC, Hungry Jack’s, and Domino’s Pizza are leading the charge.
• Order Trends: The pandemic spurred a boom in food delivery services like Uber Eats and Menulog.
• Frequent Customers: 3.7 million Australians (17.6%) are “big fans,” eating from these outlets 10 or more times monthly.

Who’s Eating Fast Food?

Understanding who frequents fast food joints helps illuminate their popularity. In 2020, more than one-in-five Australians indulged in fast food frequently. The customer demographics are intriguing:

• Millennials (ages 30-45) dominate the customer base for McDonald’s, KFC, and Hungry Jack’s.
• Generation Z follows closely behind, especially for McDonald’s.
• Older generations show a preference for McDonald’s, with KFC and Hungry Jack’s also capturing their attention.

The Top Fast Food Chains in Australia

McDonald’s

Leading the pack, McDonald’s boasts over 8.1 million customers within four weeks. Its iconic status makes it a staple in the Australian fast food landscape.

KFC

In second place, KFC attracts over 6.8 million customers, appealing particularly to those craving fried chicken.

Hungry Jack’s

A strong contender, Hungry Jack’s serves around 4.2 million customers. Its burger offerings are particularly popular among the younger demographic.

Domino’s Pizza

Just behind Hungry Jack’s, Domino’s garners about 4.1 million customers, benefiting from Australia’s ongoing pizza obsession.

Subway and Red Rooster

Completing the top five are Subway with 3.2 million and Red Rooster with over 2.1 million customers.

Emerging Chains

Several newer brands are gaining traction:

• Nando’s: Close to 1.3 million customers.
• Grill’d: Over 1.1 million customers.
• Guzman y Gomez and Pizza Hut: Each around 1 million customers.

Customer Engagement Trends

Despite the surge in fast food consumption, there’s a clear divide in eating habits:

• Frequent Visitors: 3.7 million Australians eat from fast food restaurants 10 or more times monthly.
• Moderate Consumers: 4.5 million eat from these outlets 5-9 times.
• Occasional Diners: 7.6 million eat from fast food outlets only 1-4 times a month.

The average Australian visits a fast food restaurant 4.8 times in a month, indicating a blend of casual dining and habitual indulgence.

Generational Preferences

A closer look at generational preferences reveals distinct patterns:

• Millennials lead in McDonald’s and KFC visits, with 2.5 million and 2.1 million customers, respectively.
• Generation Z closely follows, especially at McDonald’s, making it a popular choice for the youth.
• Older generations tend to prefer McDonald’s, with KFC and Hungry Jack’s trailing behind.

The Impact of COVID-19

Michele Levine, CEO of Roy Morgan, emphasizes the role of the pandemic in altering consumer behavior. As Australians spent more time at home, the reliance on food delivery surged:

• Over three-quarters of Australians engaged with fast food during the lockdown.
• The convenience of delivery services has cemented fast food’s place in Australian culture.

New Offerings and Market Strategies

In response to changing preferences, fast food outlets are adapting their menus:

• Hungry Jack’s is launching a new fried chicken burger range, catering to the growing obsession with chicken dishes.
• The chain is responding to consumer shifts, especially as chicken becomes more popular amidst rising beef costs.

Customer Loyalty and Engagement

For fast food chains, retaining frequent customers is essential. With 3.7 million Australians eating from these outlets at least 10 times a month, establishing loyalty programs could be a game changer.

Customer Engagement Strategies

• Loyalty Programs: Rewarding repeat visits can enhance customer retention.
• Targeted Marketing: Identifying and understanding frequent customers allows brands to tailor their offerings.

Summary of Fast Food Consumption in Australia

FAQs

1. What percentage of Australians eat takeaway food?

• In 2020, 75.3% of Australians aged 14+ consumed takeaway food.

1. Which fast food outlet is the most popular in Australia?

• McDonald’s is the leading fast food outlet, with over 8.1 million customers.

1. How often do Australians typically visit fast food restaurants?

• On average, Australians visit fast food restaurants 4.8 times a month.

1. Which demographic is the largest consumer of fast food?

• Millennials are the largest consumer group for the top fast food outlets.

1. How did COVID-19 affect fast food consumption in Australia?

• The pandemic led to a significant increase in takeaway food consumption and the use of food delivery services.