By Clyde Mooney
Pubs have joined in a major campaign highlighting research that two out of three Australian diners want healthier options.
Unilever Food Solutions' Good Fork Week will take place from October 22 to 28, encouraging foodservice operators to make small menu changes to provide more nutritious options and in turn take a step in tackling the obesity epidemic.
Foodservice businesses around the country are taking part, including Geoff Hayward's pub, The Brisbane, in Perth.
General manager of The Brisbane, Mark Patterson, told TheShout that getting involved with the program was a natural fit for the venue.
"It is great to be involved in this worthwhile program. Our great outdoor lifestyle in Perth has many people looking for a healthy option, which echoes Unilever's research.
"Basing one of our popular dishes on the 'super food' quinoa has been warmly received and much in demand – healthy for both the customer and the business."
Unilever channel marketing manager ANZ, Anthony Lin, said foodservice businesses are an important component of healthier eating initiatives.
"Pubs are an integral part of the Australian dining scene and therefore have a great ability to influence the types of meals that Aussies are eating out of home," he said.
"Good Fork Week recognises that 61 per cent of adult Aussies are overweight or obese and encourages all pub chefs and owners join the fight against the obesity epidemic by becoming an official partner of the week.
"Upon signing up venues will receive a free pack that includes tools to help chefs design menus with more nutritious meals, then by becoming an official partner they'll receive a free merchandising pack (posters, stickers, wrist bands etc) that will help them speak to customers about how they're putting more nutritious dishes on their menu.
"It's as simple as making a small nutritious tweak to a current menu item and putting it on the specials menu. Get involved!"