January 2026

Whittaker’s has brought its Slab chocolate range to 7-Eleven Australia, making the bars available through convenience stores nationwide. The rollout makes it easier than ever for shoppers to find Whittaker’s chocolate, with the range being stocked across 7-Eleven’s national store network. Designed as a smaller-format bar, the Slab range is aimed at on-the-go purchases such as commutes, road trips and mid-afternoon snack stops. The range is available in four flavours: Creamy Milk, Almond Gold, Coconut Slab and Peanut Slab. “Whittaker’s Slabs are designed for those small, everyday moments where you want something genuinely satisfying,” says Holly Whittaker, co-COO of Whittaker’s. “Launching Slabs into 7-Eleven makes it easier for Chocolate Lovers to enjoy the quality and care we put into our chocolate – whether on the road, on a break, or simply to treat yourself, and we’re excited to now be available in 7-Eleven stores nationwide.” Rob Kirby, General Manager of Merchandise at 7-Eleven Australia, says: “Partnering with a globally renowned brand like Whittaker’s allows us to deliver meaningful innovation across our national network. The Slabs have launched strongly, with early sales and customer response exceeding expectations. “This is exactly the kind of offer that builds everyday relevance while reinforcing 7-Eleven’s ambition to be Australia’s destination for innovation in confectionery and snacks.” Arguably New Zealand’s most cherished export, Whittaker’s chocolates have been available to Aussie chocoholics via major retailers and supermarkets thus far. This new partnership marks a welcome step in the brand’s expansion in the local market. Whittaker’s Slabs are now available in 7-Eleven Australia stores nationwide for an RRP of $4.00. Source: Good Appetite Find more food retail updates on Crumb Wire.

Roma Foods has marked 70 years in Australian food by leaning into simpler, plant-based ingredients and a back-to-basics approach to how food is made and consumed. Founded in Victoria, Roma Foods has grown from a small Australian manufacturer into a global supplier exporting to more than 70 countries. Today, its attention is on functional flours and high-protein plant inclusions made from ingredients such as peas, rice, corn, buckwheat and quinoa. “Our purpose is consistent and clear – create great food for healthier living,” says Max Buontempo, Managing Director of Roma Foods. “Today that means instantised, precooked flours and smart inclusions that help manufacturers innovate faster, reduce complexity and deliver products consumers love.” Ingredient versatility Rather than relying on heavily engineered substitutes, the company is developing instantised, precooked flours and plant-based inclusions designed to slot easily into everyday foods, from bread and snacks to cereals and plant-based meals. That approach reflects a broader shift in how consumers are thinking about food, with growing interest in shorter ingredient lists, cleaner labels and products that feel less processed without sacrificing texture or flavour. “Versatility is non-negotiable,” Buontempo explains. “By offering multiple formats from instantised flours to protein puffs, our partners can target specific textures, improve binding or hydration and keep flavour profiles clean and consumer-friendly.” Texture, taste and familiarity Roma Foods’ ingredients are now being used across familiar categories, including gluten-free baking, muesli and granola, snack foods and plant-based alternatives, where texture and taste remain key to repeat purchase. The company has also expanded its range of puffed and flaked inclusions containing more than 30 per cent protein, designed to add crunch and nutritional value to foods like bars, cereals and trail mixes without changing how they taste. “Protein puffs have been a breakthrough for our customers,” Buontempo says. “They deliver on texture and nutrition, integrate easily and keep taste profiles clean, which is exactly what better-for-you brands need.” Behind the scenes, Roma Foods operates a vertically integrated facility in Carrum Downs, overseeing everything from milling to packaging. For consumers, that translates to greater consistency, traceability and an Australian-made supply chain. “Taste remains the paramount,” Buontempo emphasises. “Better-for-you products must still taste great. We make that easier providing desired textures, neutral flavour and functional reliability.” As interest in plant-based, free-from and clean-label foods continues to grow, Roma Foods says its focus remains on supporting healthier everyday eating while keeping flavour front and centre. Find more food retail updates on Crumb Wire.

Bulla FROYO has released new research suggesting Australian households are sitting on close to $1 billion worth of forgotten food items, with pantry clutter emerging as both a financial and food waste issue. The national study, titled The Great Australian Pantry Raid, found that 75% of Australian households regularly rediscover unused pantry items, including spice blends, snacks pushed to the back of cupboards and leftover baking decorations. According to the findings, the average household has $58 worth of forgotten pantry staples, while one in five households holds more than $100 worth. Gen Z and Millennials were identified as the most likely to overlook unused ingredients, with 81% and 84%, respectively, admitting to pantry hoarding habits. The research also points to a growing openness to sweet and salty flavour combinations, with 19% of Australians saying they would consider pairing frozen yoghurt with potato chips, while 18% are open to adding salty pretzels as a topping. “Aussies are sitting on a treasure trove of creative toppings, they just don’t realise it. We’re talking shattered waffle cones, crushed biscuits, forgotten lollies, or even the jar of cinnamon you bought for that one recipe,” says a Bulla spokesperson. “Bulla FROYO can help breathe new life into these forgotten ingredients, creating something fun, clever and uniquely Aussie. Think of it as ‘use-by date roulette’ for your dessert.” The study found that many Australians purchase specialty ingredients for a single recipe and fail to use them again, with 71% admitting to this behaviour. The most commonly forgotten pantry items were spice blends, expired canned goods, stale snacks, bags of nuts and packets of chips. A generational split was also evident, with Millennials most likely to report overlooked ingredients, followed by Gen Z. Gen X and Baby Boomers reported lower levels of pantry clutter, with Baby Boomers identified as the most organised overall. As part of the campaign, Bulla FROYO is encouraging Australians to reuse forgotten pantry items as frozen yoghurt toppings. Pastry chef Adriano Zumbo says: “What I love about Bulla FROYO is that, while amazing on its own, it’s a blank canvas for Aussies to get creative. The Great Australian Pantry Raid then gives us the perfect chance recreate the frozen yoghurt dessert bar experience in the comfort of one’s home. When you mix, match and play, you’ll be amazed at how those pantry leftovers can become something extraordinary.” Bulla FROYO is made with fresh yoghurt and a fruit swirl and is available in Strawberry, Mango and Vanilla Boysenberry flavours. The product is stocked at Woolworths and independent supermarkets with an RRP of $11.00. Source: Herd MSL Find more food retail updates on Crumb Wire.