Macca’s is rolling out a limited-edition FRIENDS Meal across Australia, bringing together themed packaging, character collectibles and a new dipping sauce inspired by the TV show. Launching Wednesday, January 28, the collaboration between McDonald’s Australia and Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products taps into FRIENDS nostalgia, with meals designed around shared moments and pop-culture references from the series. Customers can choose between a Big Mac or a 10-piece Chicken McNuggets, served with Fries and a drink. Each FRIENDS Meal comes in themed packaging and includes one of six collectible figurines, each pairing a main character with an iconic moment from the show. The collectible range features Ross with his pet monkey Marcel, Rachel serving coffee, Monica in chef mode, Phoebe with her guitar, and Chandler and Joey alongside their chick and duck. Those ordering the Chicken McNuggets option will also receive Monica’s Marinara Sauce, a tomato-based sauce made with capsicum, vegetables, spices and chilli, designed for dipping both McNuggets and Fries. “At Macca’s, we’re all about shared moments and what better way to celebrate that than with FRIENDS? This epic partnership brings together two cultural icons that stand for connection, comfort and joy because just like your favourite FRIENDS character, your Macca’s order says a lot about you,” said Amanda Nakad, Marketing Director of Menu and Brand for McDonald’s Australia. “Our new FRIENDS-inspired meal gives fans of Macca’s and the show a fresh way to come together, whether it’s over Fries or on the couch.” As part of the promotion, Macca’s is also offering customers the chance to win limited-edition FRIENDS Collector Mugs. A total of 300 sets of four mugs are available, with entry unlocked after purchasing three FRIENDS Meals exclusively through the MyMacca’s app during the promotion period. The MyMacca’s app will also feature three FRIENDS-themed games, including a trivia challenge, a café-style puzzle inspired by Rachel’s Central Perk job and a block puzzle referencing Ross’s infamous couch scene. The FRIENDS Meal will be available for a limited time from Wednesday, January 28 via drive-thru, front counter, kiosks and the MyMacca’s app. Source: Omnicom Find more food and drink news on Crumb Wire.

Welcome to Crumb Wire‘s weekly round-up. Here, we’ll reshare the week’s hottest food and drink stories, launches and features. Three Melbourne venues bringing the Australian Open atmosphere off court As the Australian Open returns to Melbourne, several city venues are hosting Australian Open-themed takeovers throughout January, offering fans a way to tap into the tournament atmosphere without a ticket to the tennis. Across the month, three Melbourne venues are running distinct Australian Open experiences, each with a different focus, from rooftop wine sessions to high-energy sports bars and cocktail-led evenings. Only the best for your boo: Upcoming Valentine’s Experiences at The Star Sydney The Star Sydney has unveiled three Valentine’s Day set menus across Sokyo, BLACK Bar & Grill and Cucina Porto, offering Japanese, steakhouse and Italian dining options for February 14. ALDI’s Special Buys and liquor are now on DoorDash ALDI has expanded its delivery offering through DoorDash, with liquor and Special Buys now available for on-demand delivery in Australia. From this week, ALDI’s range of beers, wines and spirits will be available for delivery via DoorDash for eligible shoppers in New South Wales and Victoria. The move marks the first time ALDI Liquor has been offered through the delivery platform. Bar Yarra is the new all-day local at Ovolo South Yarra Neighbourhood local Bar Yarra has opened in Melbourne’s leafy inner south, bringing an all-day offering of breakfast, bistro-style dining and late-night cocktails to South Yarra. Located inside Ovolo Hotel South Yarra, the venue is designed as a casual local that caters to different moments across the day, with breakfast and dinner currently available and lunch service set to follow in February.  Two new seasonal ranges are landing at Haigh’s Chocolates Haigh’s Chocolates has unveiled two limited-edition ranges for Lunar New Year and Valentine’s Day 2026. The collection introduces some spanking new chocolates alongside a few returning favourites. Both ranges present as giftable formats, with distinct designs and flavour profiles tailored to each occasion. The largest fish market in the Southern Hemisphere is officially open: Sydney Sydney Fish Market has officially opened its new home on Blackwattle Bay, bringing wholesale seafood trading, retail and dining together under one roof for the first time. The new market opened on January 19, marking a major moment for Australia’s seafood industry.  Building buzz: Inside Sydney’s first Dragon Hot Pot Dragon Hot Pot has continued to build momentum in New South Wales following the December opening of its first Sydney flagship in Haymarket. Since opening, the Sydney venue has positioned itself within one of the city’s busiest food precincts, attracting a mix of students, young professionals and late-night diners.  Bulla FROYO wants Australians to turn forgotten pantry snacks into dessert toppings 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. Plants on a plane: Emirates reimagines plant-based meal options Emirates has confirmed it is developing a new range of plant-based dishes focused on whole, minimally processed ingredients, with the updated offering expected to be introduced onboard in 2027. The airline says the new concepts are being developed in response to growing global interest in nutrition, health and wellbeing, alongside a shift towards simpler, less processed food. Roma Foods celebrates 70 years with a renewed focus on whole ingredients 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.  PopBox brings Wicked: For Good to Coles and Woolworths with prize draws PopBox has launched a limited-edition collaboration with Wicked: For Good to coincide with the film’s digital at-home release. The promotion includes themed popcorn packs and a series of supermarket competitions offering replica props and movie-night prizes. The collaboration is rolling out nationally, with exclusive prizes available through Woolworths, Coles and participating retailers. Whittaker’s Slab range has hit 7-Eleven shelves nationwide 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. Find more food and drink stories on Crumb Wire.

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.

Pic’s Peanut Butter has teamed up with Melbourne bakery Rustica for a one-day-only collaboration to mark International Peanut Butter Day. The partnership centres on a limited-edition Pic’s Peanut Butter and Popcorn Crookie, a hybrid pastry that combines elements of a cookie and a croissant. The crookie has been developed by the Rustica team and will be sold during normal store opening hours. “International Peanut Butter Day gives us an extra excuse to celebrate the humble peanut and the work we do at Pic’s Peanut Butter,” says Aimee McCammon, CEO of Pic’s Peanut Butter. “Partnering with bakery icons Rustica felt like a natural fit, bringing together quality baked deliciousness and our much-loved peanut butter – a match made in heaven.” As part of the promotion, Rustica’s South Yarra store will offer an additional giveaway, with the first 24 customers who purchase the Pic’s Peanut Butter creation receiving a free jar of Pic’s Peanut Butter to take home. The item will be available for one day only across all nine Rustica locations on Saturday, January 24, while stocks last. Source: Good Appetite Find more food retail updates on Crumb Wire.