/ Oct 02, 2026
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2026

Maltesers Duos x PEDESTRIAN.TV campaign gives one Australian couple a $60,000 wedding

Pallavi Mathur05 mins

PEDESTRIAN.TV and Maltesers have named the winners of their national dream wedding competition, with engaged couple Bianca and James set to receive a fully planned and funded wedding package valued at up to $60,000. The campaign asked couples across Australia to share their love stories and the compromises behind their wedding planning, tying the search to the launch of Maltesers Duos. The prize includes support across major costs including clothing, food, hair and makeup, flowers and venue expenses. The campaign was created around the idea that wedding planning often means bringing together two different sets of tastes, traditions and expectations into one celebration. Mars Snacking ANZ Bitesize Portfolio Director Ana Laskova said, “The launch of Maltesers Duos was the perfect opportunity to explore the ultimate joint decision: a wedding. “PEDESTRIAN.TV has been instrumental in bringing this ambitious idea to life with us, they know their audience so inherently and we’ve been delighted by the creativity and heart shown in the entries to the competition. “We congratulate our winning couple and can’t wait to share their journey of how they achieved their dream wedding, with a little help from Maltesers Duos.” Bianca and James will now work with the PEDESTRIAN.TV team across the planning process, from styling and fashion through to catering and entertainment. Their wedding journey will also be documented in a content series for PEDESTRIAN.TV platforms. Publicis OneMars Group Planning Director Jasmin Christie said, “This campaign was built on a simple truth: the best relationships aren’t about choosing one way over another, but about having the best of both worlds. “Through this partnership with PEDESTRIAN.TV, we’ve created a campaign that brings the spirit of Maltesers Duos to life in an authentic and engaging way, turning one of life’s biggest decision-making moments, a wedding, into a celebration of not having to choose.” Most weddings are not shaped by one person’s perfect vision. They are shaped by two people, two families, two sets of priorities and a lot of decisions that need to land somewhere in the middle. For Maltesers Duos, that gives the product launch a matched campaign hook. The new product is centred on two flavours in one, while the wedding campaign follows a couple trying to bring two visions into one day. PEDESTRIAN.TV Senior Creative Project Manager Madison O’Nions said, “Bringing this campaign to life has been an absolute blast. It took a massive effort across our strategy, creative, partnerships, and production teams to make something that feels culturally relevant and genuinely hits with our audience. “Partnering with Maltesers to throw one lucky couple the ultimate wedding is a total dream, and we’re only just getting started!” Now that Bianca and James have been selected, the campaign will move into production. The wedding is scheduled to take place later in 2026, with content rolling out across PEDESTRIAN.TV in the lead-up to the event. Source: Soda Communications Find more food culture on Crumb Wire.

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Allen’s Choc Blocks have landed in supermarkets nationally

Pallavi Mathur02 mins

Allen’s is transforming its lollies into a much-loved Aussie sweet-treat format, decorating supermarket aisles with three new Choc Blocks. The range has launched at Coles, Woolworths and independent retailers, mixing milk and white chocolate with sherbet fizzy chips, fudge pieces, waffle cones and Mini Smarties. Nestlé Head of Marketing Confectionery Shannon Wright said, “We wanted to take everything people love about Lollies: the colour, the fun, the unexpected textures and pack it into a choc block. “Each piece has its own little surprise, whether it’s a pop of fizz, a chewy bite or a satisfying crunch.” The range includes: Allen’s Block Party – Smooth milk chocolate with fudge pieces, sherbet fizzy chips and Mini Smarties. Allen’s Sherbet Fizz – Smooth milk chocolate with sherbet fizzy chips and waffle cone. Allen’s Strawberries & Cream – Creamy white chocolate with fudge and sherbet fizzy chips. The 170g blocks take the chew, fizz and crunch people already know from Allen’s and put them into a supermarket chocolate block. Allen’s has dabbled in chocolate before through products like Freckles and chocolate-coated lollies, but this is a dedicated three-block range under the Allen’s name. The new Allen’s Choc Block range is now available nationally, retailing for $7.50. Source: Omnicom Find more food retail updates on Crumb Wire.

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Sal’s is taking its New York slices to The Carlton Club

Pallavi Mathur04 mins

Sal’s Authentic New York Pizza has found a new home at The Carlton Club kitchen in Melbourne’s CBD. The Bourke Street venue will launch the residency on Tuesday, September 8, with $1 slices for one day only before adding Sal’s foldable New York-style slices and pies to its regular food offering. The Carlton Club will also run a $12 pot of Birra Moretti and slice deal from 3 pm to 11 pm daily after the launch. The move gives the multi-level venue another reason for people to stay beyond the first drink. The Carlton Club is already known for its rooftop, level 1 balcony, pool room, drinks and DJs, with Sal’s now joining the mix from the kitchen. Chief Publican Liam Ganley said, “Historically, The Carlton Club has been a place you go for one drink and end up staying for the whole night, so for us, having food from ‘the city that never sleeps’ just makes sense. “We want people to come have fun, enjoy some great pizza and stay for the night. Sal’s is the perfect fit for The Carlton Club.” Sal’s traces its roots back to Queens, where Italian-born New Yorker Salvatore Leo opened Sal’s Pizza of Little Neck in 1975. The brand later came to this side of the world in 2008, after friends Nick from Auckland and Ciaran from Queens worked to bring New York-style pizza to the Southern Hemisphere. After rounds of blind testing, they found Sal’s pizzas could be made with water from down under. Sal’s Authentic New York Pizza opened in Auckland later that year, with Sal’s son Brian joining the team before the brand expanded through New Zealand and launched in Australia in 2019. At The Carlton Club, diners can expect Sal’s signature slow-risen dough, made with New York-milled hard spring wheat flour for a foldable base. The tomato sauce is made fresh daily with vine-ripened California tomatoes, with menu highlights such as Pepperoni and the original Home-Style Italian Meatball. The residency also marks a new chapter for The Carlton Club, with Ganley Group rescuing the venue from administration in March 2025, keeping the heritage hospitality landmark trading and retaining staff. Ganley Group, known for restoring heritage buildings, has major renovations planned for The Carlton Club in 2027. Until then, Sal’s will be serving from the kitchen at 193 Bourke Street. Find more dining out updates on Crumb Wire.

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Hungry Jack’s launches Pistachio Papi Storm and Shake

Pallavi Mathur04 mins

Hungry Jack’s has teamed up with Pistachio Papi to give the world two limited-edition menu items starring the cult pistachio spread. The chain is now serving two limited-edition pistachio packed menu items nationally: a Pistachio Papi Storm and Pistachio Papi Shake. Both use Pistachio Papi drizzle and crunchy cookie crumb, paired with either Hungry Jack’s vanilla soft serve or a creamy vanilla shake. The collaboration puts Pistachio Papi inside an Aussie quick service restaurant for the very first time. It also gives Hungry Jack’s a neatly timed dessert play as pistachio continues to dominate café cabinets, chocolate bars and social feeds. Hungry Jack’s Marketing Director Luke Pavan said, “Pistachio has absolutely exploded in popularity, and we’ve seen how Pistachio Papi has been at the heart of the trend. “Teaming up with Pistachio Papi gave us the opportunity to continue our iconic and exclusive brand collaborations, which has become a hallmark of our dessert menu. An all-Australian collab with Pistachio Papi was the natural next step.” Pistachio Papi has become one of the more recognisable local names in that space, built around the glossy, rich pistachio spread that has helped turn the flavour into a full-blown dessert fixation. Pistachio Papi founder Mark Abdelmalik said, “Pistachio Papi has always been known for creating memorable and iconic collaborations, so when discussions began with Hungry Jack’s, another Australian icon, we knew we had the opportunity to give fans something really special. “Seeing Pistachio Papi drizzled through the iconic Hungry Jack’s Storm and Shake is honestly a match made in heaven. The products have exceeded even our expectations, and we know fans are going to go crazy for them. “This collaboration is another huge moment for Papi and a perfect example of what makes the brand so special – we continue to push boundaries and, most importantly, give pistachio lovers products they genuinely get excited about.” The limited-edition range includes: Pistachio Papi Storm – Hungry Jack’s vanilla soft serve swirled with Pistachio Papi drizzle and crunchy cookie crumb. Pistachio Papi Shake – A creamy vanilla shake mixed with Pistachio Papi drizzle and crunchy cookie crumb. The Pistachio Papi Storm and Pistachio Papi Shake are available now at participating Hungry Jack’s restaurants nationwide, in-store, via drive-thru and delivery. Source: Wrights Communication Find more food and drink news on Crumb Wire.

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KFC’s new Picklecore menu is anything but subtle

Pallavi Mathur03 mins

KFC has launched a limited-time Picklecore menu across Australia featuring so many pickles it could pass for a character on Rugrats. Available nationally from September 1 to September 30, the range puts pickle ranch, pickle dill seasoning, bread and butter pickles, pickle chips, fried pickles and pickle brine across burgers, loaded chips, dipping sauce and even Pepsi Max. KFC is arriving after months of pickle-heavy fast food launches, snack flavours and social feed experiments, but its version pushes the trend further with what one could confidently refer to as a menu takeover. Vanessa Rowed, KFC SOPAC Chief Marketing Officer, said, “Pickles are no longer just a garnish; they are a lifestyle! We know our fans are craving more pickle than ever, so we are delighted to bring a full Picklecore menu to our stores for the month of September to satisfy all their pickle obsessions.” The Picklecore menu features: The Pickle Burger – KFC’s Original Recipe fillet with pickle ranch sauce, pickle dill seasoning, bread and butter pickles and pickle chips. Pickle Loaded Chips – Loaded chips topped with fried pickles, Popcorn Chicken and pickle ranch sauce. Pickle Pepsi – Pepsi Max poured over ice with real pickle brine and fresh pickles, with customers able to add as much or as little brine as they like. Frickles – Crispy fried pickles. Pickle Ranch Sauce – A creamy, tangy pickle-flavoured sauce designed for dipping chips, Frickles or anything else that needs more pickle involved. The range is available as individual menu items, or as part of a Picklecore Meal, Pickle Shared Meal or Pickle Box Meal. KFC’s Picklecore menu is available nationwide now for four weeks only, in store and for delivery via the KFC App. Source: Special Find more food and drink news on Crumb Wire.

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Still, sparkling or energy? Caffie Energy Water lands at hospitality venues

Pallavi Mathur03 mins

Caffie Energy Water launches nationally today, giving hospitality venues a caffeinated alternative to the usual still or sparkling water order. The new Australian-made drink is a sparkling spring water with caffeine, packaged in 350ml glass bottles and aimed at restaurants, bars, cafés, pubs and hotels. It has been created by hospitality veteran Hugh Brown, who developed the product after decades owning restaurants, bars, festivals and entertainment venues. “Guests could order still water, sparkling water, soft drinks, coffee or an energy drink, but there wasn’t a premium option that combined clean refreshment with functional energy,” Brown said. “We weren’t trying to reinvent water or replace coffee. We wanted to create a completely new category that naturally belongs on a table alongside great food or as a premium mixer, while giving consumers another choice.” The product gives venues a premium water-style drink with a caffeine hit, without pushing the order into soft drink, coffee or traditional energy drink territory. Each bottle contains 112mg of caffeine, which the brand says is equivalent to one cup of strong coffee. The drink is zero sugar, with 2.5 calories in the Natural variety and 4 calories in Lime. Caffie is launching in two full-strength flavours, Natural and Lime, both made using sparkling Australian spring water. The brand is pitching Energy Water as its own category rather than a replacement for coffee or bottled water. In venue terms, that means something that can sit on the table with food, work as a mixer, or serve as a lighter alternative for people looking for caffeine without the syrupy sweetness of a standard energy drink. “We’ve seen premium bottled water, specialty coffee and craft beer all evolve into categories in their own right,” Brown said. “We know Energy Water is the next category to emerge.” Caffie Energy Water is available through hospitality venues nationally as of today, September 1. Source: Thrive Find more dining out updates on Crumb Wire.

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Hugos Chocolates launches new baking range at Coles

Pallavi Mathur03 mins

Hugos Chocolates is heading into the baking aisle with Hugos Bakes, a new range of dessert ingredients now available at Coles nationally. The Australian chocolate brand has launched ready-to-bake Gems in Hazelnut, Pistachio and Caramelised Biscuit, alongside Roasted Kataifi for home bakers looking to add crunch, flavour and a bit more drama to cookies, brownies, cakes and desserts. Hugos Chocolates founder Costa Kon said, “This is our first step outside traditional confectionery, and it’s an incredibly exciting moment for the brand. Hugos has always been about innovation, indulgence and creativity and Hugos Bakes allows people to bring that same magic into their own kitchens. “We’ve taken some of our most-loved flavour profiles and transformed them into ingredients that inspire creativity, experimentation and moments of joy in the kitchen.” The Gems come in 140g packs and can be sprinkled, folded through batter or used as a topping, while the Roasted Kataifi comes in a 200g pack, already shredded and roasted for use in sweet and savoury dishes. The range arrives as supermarket baking shelves are starting to look a lot more like the ooey-gooey side of #FoodTok. Pistachio has been everywhere, caramelised biscuit still turns up across café cakes and cheesecakes, and kataifi has moved well beyond specialist grocers after the rise of crunchy, layered chocolate desserts online. That gives Hugos a straightforward way into home baking: take the flavours people already recognise from chocolate and dessert content, then package them for the cookies, brownies, cakes and slices people are making at home. The new line of products is made in Australia and available now at Coles stores across Australia. Hugos Bakes Roasted Kataifi retails for $6.50, while the Hugos Bakes Gems retail for $7.00. Source: Twofold Media Find more food retail updates on Crumb Wire.

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Tasting Australia prepares for 20th edition as South Australia joins MICHELIN Guide

Pallavi Mathur05 mins

Tasting Australia is preparing for its 20th edition as South Australia heads into a bigger year for food and drink recognition. The festival will run from April 30 to May 9, 2027 across Adelaide and regional South Australia, with Journey Beyond returning as presenting partner. The 2027 program will be shaped by Festival Curators Duncan Welgemoed and Kane Pollard, who will be joined by new Festival Curator Rebecca Hopkins. Hopkins brings more than 25 years of experience across wine, hospitality, lifestyle, communications, marketing and events in Australia and the United States. South Australian venues are also being invited to take part in the 2027 program, with applications open until Friday, October 9. Venue applications are opening in a year when South Australian food is already drawing more attention. Next month, the state will become the first Australian destination to feature in the MICHELIN Guide. Minister for Tourism Emily Bourke said, “Great food and drink are part of South Australia’s identity, cherished by locals and celebrated by visitors who are consistently impressed by the quality and authenticity of our experiences. Tasting Australia honours that passion. “Next month South Australia will make its debut in the world-renowned MICHELIN Guide – the first Australian destination to feature in the global gastronomic bible and further evidence of our state’s culinary credentials and their power to attract visitors from around the world.” Hopkins said, “For almost two decades, this very special festival has welcomed guests in ways that are always uniquely South Australian and delivered with heart. “Meira Harel and Banjo Harris Plane have done a wonderful job as Tasting Australia drinks curators over the past four years, and it’s an honour to now step into the role and celebrate the world of beverages and the stories they tell. “Having recently returned to live in McLaren Vale after nearly 20 years abroad working in wine, I’m convinced South Australia is the best place in the world to make wine, connect with nature and share those experiences with a passionate community.” Tasting Australia has become one of the state’s major food and drink events, drawing together chefs, winemakers, producers, venues and visitors across the city and regions. Journey Beyond Executive General Manager of Marketing Justine Lally said, “Journey Beyond is thrilled to once again be the presenting partner of Tasting Australia, and to celebrate the incredible food, people and places that make South Australia such a special destination. “Some of life and travel’s best memories are created around a table, sharing great food and stories, particularly when you’re discovering somewhere new. That’s what makes Tasting Australia such a natural partnership for Journey Beyond.” The full Tasting Australia 2027 program will be announced closer to the event. Find more food and drink news on Crumb Wire.

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Free Macca’s for life: The McGold Card is finally coming to Australia

Pallavi Mathur04 mins

Macca’s is bringing the McGold Card to Australia for the first time, giving nine people the chance to win Free Macca’s for Life. The once-mythical card will arrive in September as part of a month-long MyMacca’s App campaign, combining daily deals with prize entries for one of the biggest flexes in fast food. From September 1, Macca’s will drop a new Golden Deal in the app every day. Offers will include a $3 Big Mac, a $2.50 McFlurry, and a Quarter Pounder with a small Soft Drink for under $6. Every eligible Golden Deal purchase made through the MyMacca’s App will also put customers in the running to win a McGold Card. Annabel Fribence, Chief Marketing Officer, McDonald’s Australia, said, “The McGold Card has become the ultimate piece of Macca’s lore around the world, so we’re incredibly excited to finally bring it to Australia and give our fans the chance to get their hands on one. “At Macca’s, delivering great value is at the heart of what we do, whether that’s through our Loose Change Menu, McSmart Range or MyMacca’s rewards. “This September, we’re taking our commitment to value to a whole new level with daily Golden Deals in the MyMacca’s App, alongside the chance to win a prize Aussies have only ever dreamed about. “From scoring your favourite Macca’s order for less to joining the search for our missing McGold Card on Bondi Beach, we’re giving fans more reasons to visit. It’s an exciting chance to be part of Macca’s history and become one of Australia’s very first McGold Card holders.” Macca’s is also taking the hunt offline with a Bondi Beach event on Friday, September 4. The McGold Rush will start at North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club, where MyMacca’s App users can take part in a timed metal detector challenge on the sand. Hidden tokens will unlock Macca’s merch, food vouchers or a spot in the grand finale. Later that day, successful challengers will compete in the final search for the missing McGold Card. One person will walk away with Free Macca’s for Life, while the other finalists will receive prizes. Spots for the McGold Rush are available to book via Eventbrite, with limited additional availability on the day. The McGold Card promotion begins through the MyMacca’s App from September 1, with the Bondi McGold Rush taking place on September 4. Find more food and drink news on Crumb Wire.

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Sprite joins the NBL and WNBL as official soft drink partner

Pallavi Mathur06 mins

Sprite is putting itself courtside for Australian basketball, signing on as the Official Soft Drink Partner of the NBL and WNBL. The multi-year partnership kicks off in the 2026/27 season and will run across Australia’s top men’s and women’s basketball competitions, from regular season games to HoopsFest and the Finals Series. The deal also extends to NBL Next Stars, connecting Sprite with emerging players using the league as a pathway to the professional game and, for many, the NBA. The local partnership follows Sprite’s return as the NBA’s Official Global Soft Drink Partner in 2026, along with a new multi-season deal with EuroLeague Basketball for 2026/27. It brings the brand’s long-running basketball connection back into focus after a history with the sport that ran from 1986 to 2015, including a long stint as title sponsor of the NBA Slam Dunk Contest. Sprite Marketing Director Gemma Versteeg said, “Sprite and basketball have been intertwined for decades. Bringing that story to the local NBL and WNBL is a natural next step. Australian basketball is fast, growing and unapologetically itself, which is exactly what Sprite stands for. “We’re here to own the freshest moments in the game and give fans something worth talking about.” Starting with the dunk The brand will roll out The Freshest Dunks, a season-long platform celebrating standout dunks across the NBL and WNBL. The best dunks of every round will be cut for social, broadcast in-arena and pushed across screens as part of the match-day experience. Promotions, giveaways and courtside hydration will also play a big role across the partnership. NBL Group Chief Executive Officer David Stevenson said, “Sprite has been a global supporter of elite basketball for a long time, and it’s great to see our connection growing in Australia and New Zealand alongside the continued growth of the NBL and WNBL. “Partners like Sprite continue to fuel that trajectory, and I want to personally thank Ahmed and the team at Coca-Cola Australia and New Zealand for backing our players, our fans and the future of elite basketball. “There are so many genuine fan moments this partnership will bring to life across both leagues, from massive dunks to back-breaking shots, and all the celebrations that follow; when we’ve seen fans caught up in the action and trying not to spill their Sprite with the excitement. “We are thrilled to be growing this partnership and look forward to bringing Sprite, the NBL and WNBL closer to fans across Australia and New Zealand.” The WNBL will be part of the same push, with Sprite set to amplify players and standout moments through social and content as the women’s league continues building its audience. Lauren Jackson, Chief Strategy and Basketball Partnerships Officer of the WNBL, said, “The WNBL is growing faster than ever, with bigger crowds, more people watching our games and a new generation of fans connecting with our players. “Partnerships like this are important because they help us celebrate the moments that make basketball so exciting and put our athletes in front of even more Australians. “Sprite brings a fresh energy that fits perfectly with where the WNBL is heading, and we’re excited to see our players and their standout moments amplified across the season.” Source: Ogilvy PR Find more food culture updates on Crumb Wire.

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