Here’s a fresh serve of Reads & Feeds to keep you in the loop on what’s shaping hospitality right now. From shifting drink trends and supply shortages to domestic travel surges and industry-wide optimism, these updates will help you make smarter decisions for your venue.

Stay sharp, stay competitive, and read on!

Lighter Drinks, Lighter Crops

A shift in consumer preferences at pubs and restaurants is rippling all the way back to the farm. Aussies are drinking less and leaning toward lighter-style alcohol, with full-strength beer and heavy red wine seeing a noticeable drop in demand. In response, farmers and winemakers are adjusting their crops to suit evolving tastes.

As drinking behaviours continue to evolve, venue owners may want to rethink their drinks menu and explore lighter, more trend-aligned options to meet customer demand.

Major Egg Shortage Rocks Australia: Will It Affect Your Venue?

Supermarkets across the country are facing a major egg shortage, and hospitality venues are the impact. The shortage is being driven by a surge in demand combined with the fallout from Australia’s largest-ever avian influenza outbreak, which hit poultry farms in NSW, Victoria, and the ACT six months ago.

With shelves already stripped and purchase limits in place at major retailers, cafés, bakeries, and restaurants may struggle to secure consistent supply—particularly those with egg-heavy menus. Prices are likely to rise, and substitutions or menu adjustments may become necessary to manage costs and maintain service.

Regional Travel Trends: Pay Attention, Hotel Owners

Domestic travel remains strong across Australia, with regional destinations seeing increased visitation driven by affordability, accessibility, and changing travel preferences. Despite a rise in outbound international travel, Aussies are still embracing local getaways—so much so that domestic flight bookings jumped 106% in January 2025.

Economic pressures are pushing travellers to seek value closer to home, making regional hotspots more attractive than ever. For hotel owners, this presents a golden opportunity to capture demand by tailoring offerings to local travellers: think mid-week deals, staycation packages, and experiences that highlight local charm.

As domestic travel levels continue to outpace pre-pandemic figures, regional accommodation providers should consider how to position themselves for sustained growth in this space. Investing in marketing, flexible booking options, and unique guest experiences will go a long way.

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