Viral 'dirty sodas' arrive in Australia with Hungry Jack’s new Jack’d Up range

Crumb Wire weekly round up: January 23, 2026

Pallavi MathurJanuary 23, 2026

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 Slab range has hit 7-Eleven shelves nationwide

Pallavi MathurJanuary 23, 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.

Pic’s Peanut Butter lovers get one-day crookie at Rustica bakeries

Pallavi MathurJanuary 23, 2026

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.

PopBox brings Wicked: For Good to Coles and Woolworths with prize draws

Pallavi MathurJanuary 22, 2026

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. Woolworths exclusive: Shoppers who purchase any PopBox product at Woolworths can enter to win The Grimmerie, a replica prop from Wicked: For Good valued at $8,500. The prize also includes a year’s supply of PopBox. Coles exclusive: Customers who purchase PopBox at Coles can enter to win Glinda the Good Witch’s wand, a replica prop from the film valued at $6,500, along with a year’s supply of PopBox. Nationwide competition: All PopBox purchasers nationwide can enter to win a movie-night bundle featuring an LG 4K UHD Smart Projector, LG Q Series Dolby Atmos Soundbar, an Apple gift card and a year’s supply of PopBox, with a total prize value of $3,582. Twenty runners-up will each receive a one-month supply of PopBox. Mark Adamson, CEO of PopBox, said: “Wicked: For Good has captivated audiences across Australia, and this partnership gives us the opportunity to bring that joy and popcorn into the homes of PopBox fans across the country for their at-home watch parties. “The drama and spectacle of Wicked: For Good align perfectly with PopBox, and we’re thrilled to see this limited-edition collaboration available in retailers for Aussies to pop, share and enjoy.” The limited-edition PopBox packaging draws on the visual world of Wicked: For Good and is available at Coles, Woolworths and independent retailers while stocks last. “We’re thrilled to partner with PopBox to celebrate our at-home digital release of Wicked: For Good and are excited for fans to enjoy a special movie-night experience,” added Poonam Kirkham, Vice-President of International Marketing, Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. The collaboration includes PopBox’s Mega Butter, Butter, Sweet & Salty and Caramel Crunch flavours, which are available nationwide for an RRP of $4. Source: Good Appetite Find more food retail updates on Crumb Wire.

Roma Foods celebrates 70 years with a renewed focus on whole ingredients

Pallavi MathurJanuary 22, 2026

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.

Crumb Wire weekly round up: January 23, 2026

Whittaker’s Slab range has hit 7-Eleven shelves nationwide

Pic’s Peanut Butter lovers get one-day crookie at Rustica bakeries

PopBox brings Wicked: For Good to Coles and Woolworths with prize draws

Roma Foods celebrates 70 years with a renewed focus on whole ingredients

AO season hits Miilk Cake Studio with tennis-themed drinks