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Companies on the Move

Gami chicken (and beer) becomes a genuine Aussie Korean experience

By Leon Gettler, Talking Business >>

THE GAMI CHICKEN franchise operation is an extraordinary Australian success story.

It started with a Korean restaurant in Melbourne in 2006. Now it’s expanded its franchise operations with 32 casual dining locations across Victoria, NSW, ACT, South Australia and Western Australia.  

It’s not in Queensland, Tasmania and Northern Territory yet, but give it time. They are planning to expand.

Jun Lee, the co-founder and executive director of Gami chicken (increasingly referred to as Gami chicken and beer), said the company’s motto is to “bring a slice of Korea into everyday Aussie life”.

“We’d like to introduce very good Korean culture and also Korean food that is very tasty and affordable because that’s what Korean foods are,” Mr Lee told Talking Business.  

“We are seeing a solid shift in trend in the market, especially given economic circumstances we are facing every day.

“Also, there is a somewhat different way of interpreting value. For example, it’s not only the affordability and the price tag but also people seem to see more value in variety and cultural experience with an affordable price tag,” Mr Lee said.

“It has to be affordable so that people pay attention to it – but at the end of the day when they are deciding on which foods they are taking, the price tag is not the only one but also the cultural influence as well.

“People’s interests, markets’ interests are changing --- and that’s what we are seeing from our data too.”

Genuine Korean dining experience

Gami chicken is also offering rice cakes that you can cook on the table. There is also beer, Mr Lee said.

“We are bringing a lot more traditional Korean foods that have been popular for a thousand years in Korea, which has been tested and favoured a lot throughout history,” Mr Lee said.

He said the Gami restaurants were not there as “fine dining”. Staff come out, talk to the customers, recommend foods to them if they are new – and casual dishes are brought out for them.

Mr Lee said he had been overwhelmed by the way Australians had taken to Korean food,

“When we started (2006), Korean fried chicken and beer was very new and when I came to this beautiful country 25 years ago, Korean culture was introduced but it was not widely accepted like today,” he said. 

He attributed a lot of its acceptance to the growth of Korean movies and entertainment in Australia (Korean entertainment has a strong following through streaming services especially) which has been particularly popular with the younger generation.

“People have started to try the dishes they saw in this entertainment media,” he said.

Korean movies and TV help drive popularity

That was translated into stronger business for Gami in 2024 and 2025.

The growth of Gami chicken has especially come through its franchise operations.

“There are a growing number of franchisees taking new stores from me so, in reality, I think the system we developed is pretty good,” Mr Lee said.

He said because there was alway a lot of communication with franchisees, the system is challenging “but we are learning something new every day”.

“I thought when I finished my MBA I’m done with my study, but I’m learning everything new every day.”

Mr Lee plans to turn Gami chicken restaurants into the equivalent of British pubs in the UK, where ‘meeting at the pub’ is part of everyday life, where people almost automatically go with colleagues and friends for a get-together and chat.

“I hope we can be part of Australian life like that,” Mr Lee said. 

“You can wear thongs to come into our store and talk about anything with mates and friends. You can be loud, you can be quiet.

“We hope we can be in every corner of each state.” 

www.gamichicken.com.au

www.leongettler.com

Hear the complete interview and catch up with other topical business news on Leon Gettler’s Talking Business podcast, released every Friday at www.acast.com/talkingbusiness 

https://shows.acast.com/talkingbusiness/episodes/talking-business-12-interview-with-jun-lee-from-gami-chicken

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AliExpress reports fuel costs and work-from-home are driving ‘smarter shopping’

ONGOING global uncertainty is driving up fuel costs, prompting Australians to work from home and rethink their commuting habits.

According to what online marketplace AliExpress is seeing, at the same time reduced travel is changing shopping patterns, with more households turning to online purchases and delivery to manage everyday expenses.

AliExpress marketing and partnership director Kit Yau said these shifts indicated that, amid the cost-of-living squeeze, people are having to make careful choices about where and how they spend.

Ms Yau said it was not just about going cheaper – Australians are becoming more calculated with what they spend, they’re looking for products that offer long-term value, reliable performance and practical everyday benefits.

“Australians are redefining what value means in the current climate, combining cost-conscious decisions with a growing appetite for quality and innovation,” Ms Yau said. “Channels like (AliExpress’s) Brand+ are helping consumers access verified global brands at competitive prices, giving them confidence in their purchases.

“With fuel prices and household budgets all under pressure, that shift is unlikely to slow down. Australians are becoming more informed and more open to global shopping, prioritising smarter purchases over simply spending less.” 

Shoppers rethink value as budgets tighten

Data from Deloitte research shows Australians were still highly price-conscious, Ms Yau said, with 95% actively hunting for deals, 73% comparing prices across multiple platforms before purchasing and about a third being “prepared to walk away entirely, if discounts are not on offer”.

But there has been a noticeable shift in mindset, she said.

“Rather than defaulting to the lowest price, shoppers are weighing up quality, reviews and brand reputation before buying, particularly when it comes to higher-cost items, such as tech.”

Ms Yau said younger Australians were leading this change, showing greater confidence in buying from platforms that allowed access to products that may not be widely available locally. Online marketplaces like AliExpress have been seeing increased interest, driven by strong demand for access to global brands and product ranges that are often priced more competitively than in Australia.

WFH boom drives demand for affordable tech

As more Australians look to avoid costly commutes and spend more time working from home (WFH), demand is rising for laptops, accessories and reliable connectivity. Brands such as Lenovo remain popular for those looking for dependable, everyday performance, while smaller and more affordable alternatives like mini PCs from Beelink, GMKtec and Minisforum are gaining traction among households trying to balance cost and capability.

There is also growing demand for networking equipment and smart home devices that can handle heavier daily usage, from video calls to streaming.

Rather than paying a premium locally, many consumers are turning to global brands to access a wider range of options at more competitive prices.

Premium brands without the premium price tag

A key driver behind this shift is the rise of curated offerings that aim to remove some of the uncertainty from buying overseas. AliExpress’s Brand+ channel, which qualifies more than 1,500 recognised global brands, is gaining attention for offering discounted pricing alongside guarantees of authenticity, Ms Yau said.

For consumers, particularly those investing in WFH setups, that added confidence is proving important, she said.

“Established brands such as Logitech and AMD sit alongside newer global players, offering quality products at more affordable prices and giving Australians greater choice, without the traditional retail mark-up,” Ms Yau said.

“It reflects a broader change in behaviour, where shoppers are looking beyond local shelves not just for value and convenience but for products that balance affordability with reliability.”

More than just work from home

The shift is not limited to office essentials. Australians are also exploring new categories, including creative and ‘maker’ technology.

Ms Yau said products like 3D printers from Creality and devices from brands such as Nothing, OnePlus and POCO were becoming more mainstream and used for side projects, small businesses and at-home innovation.

Driven, in part, by the rising cost of living, she said, this pointed to a wider trend where working from home was not just about maintaining productivity, but also exploring new opportunities and potential additional revenue streams.

A lasting shift in how Australians shop?

What is clear is that external pressures, from fuel costs to flexible work expectations, are accelerating existing trends in consumer behaviour.

Australians are becoming more resourceful and informed, willing to explore new purchasing channels, if it means getting better value, according to AliExpress data.

Ms Yau said because working from home remained part of the conversation – whether driven by cost, convenience or necessity – the way Australians shop for technology and everyday essentials was likely to continue evolving.

She said platforms offering curated global products, such as Brand+, would play a growing role in giving consumers access to “global innovation, recognised brands and more competitive pricing without the premium mark-up”.

www.aliexpress.com

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CIMIC Group and Sojitz Corporation finalise UGL Transport strategic partnership

CIMIC GROUP has announced the successful completion of its strategic partnership transaction with Sojitz Corporation, establishing a 50:50 joint ownership structure for UGL Transport, an integrated transport services platform operating across Australia and New Zealand

Following regulatory approvals and the fulfilment of customary conditions, Sojitz Corporation has acquired a 50% equity interest in UGL Transport, establishing the joint ownership structure. The transaction values UGL Transport at about A$800 million (100% basis), with CIMIC realising cash proceeds of A$500 million. 

UGL Transport, a division of CIMIC company UGL, had an estimated 2025 revenue of A$1.1 billion. UGL Transport is well-positioned for continued growth, a spokesperson said.

This partnership marks a significant milestone in CIMIC’s strategy to unlock value and accelerate growth across its portfolio. Together with Sojitz, UGL Transport will broaden its service offering and expand into new markets, including Asia-Pacific opportunities.

ACS Group and Hochtief chief executive officer and CIMIC group executive chairman Juan Santamaría said, “Finalising this partnership with Sojitz shows the strength and future potential of UGL Transport. We look forward to accelerating expansion into new markets and technologies, while continuing to support Australia’s transport networks.”

Sojitz managing executive officer for COO Aerospace, Transportation and Infrastructure Division, Masakazu Hashimoto said, “We are honoured to officially join forces with UGL, leveraging Sojitz’s extensive expertise and networks across Asia to drive further growth for both parties.”

A spokesperson said CIMIC would continue to own and operate 100% of UGL’s specialist engineering, industrial services, and operations across energy, resources, infrastructure, defence, telecommunications, and technology. UGL remains a market leader in power generation, renewables, transmission infrastructure, and major infrastructure projects.

www.cimic.com.au

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Pack & Send adds to its named promise

By Leon Gettler, Talking Business >>

THE GLOBAL packaging industry has become so important and there are so many trends ahead.

One Australian company has already carved out a global reputation. With its headquarters in Sydney, it also has operations in the United Kingdom and New Zealand.

The business, Pack & Send, started 30 years ago as a single outlet in Paramatta. Pack & Send’s country manager Nicholas Woodward joined the business in 2005. His job is to run the now diverse business in Australia, the UK and New Zealand.

The Pack & Send business is run globally as a franchise operation.

Mr Woodward said the industry has been going through “so many changes”.

“The parcel volume is expected to double,” Mr Woodward told Talking Business. 

“So if you think about the sheer volume of parcels being moved around the globe. That will continue to be sustained long into the future.”

Key issues for the packaging industry

Mr Woodward said the future of the packaging industry would come down to several key areas.

“I would say sustainability is a big one for the sector, if you think about the usage of trucks, depots and aircraft and so on,” Mr Woodward said. “The sector needs to ensure we have a sustainable future and we are doing our part.

“Also from a packaging perspective, ensuring there is full sustainability of packaging materials used and of course, electric vehicles is a big one.

“Also in addition to that, the use of AI (artificial intelligence) is an emerging trend within the sector. AI for the industry is more about predictive modelling and demand forecasting, to ensure there is the right density of vehicles and trucks to ensure that the delivery time lines are met.

“It’s crunching the data of previous experiences and trends and peak seasons and really utilising AI tech to determine how many drivers are required to handle the volumes and how many trucks are required.”

Due diligence and diversification

Mr Woodward said one of the big changes to the industry is the amount of due diligence Pack & Send’s franchise partners must do on the business.

Another trend is the number of franchisees who start as an owner operator and who then buy another franchise or expand into a new area under the same brand.

“We now have franchise partners who have three or four outlets under the same brand so that they can really maximise their investment and the synergies of owning more than one business,” Mr Woodward said.

“Some of our franchise partners at Pack & Send might have a retail service centre and then they might in a new area open a logistics facility so that they can handle bulkier goods or provide fulfilment solutions for their customers.”

Mr Woodward said Pack & Send now has a number of options for growth.

“One of our biggest growth areas is in the e-commerce, third party logistics area, providing customers with an e-commerce shipping platform,” he said.

“That enables online retailers to handle their shipping through our technology and, if required, utilising our locations as fulfilment centres as well. 

“We see that as a big growth area for our business – us providing the end-to-end fulfilment solution for retailers so we can organise to bring their containers of stock in, store the stock across our network and then organise the pick, the pack and the last mile of delivery to ensure the retailer’s customers, the receiver, gets a superior customer experience.”

www.packsend.com.au

www.leongettler.com

 

Hear the complete interview and catch up with other topical business news on Leon Gettler’s Talking Business podcast, released every Friday at www.acast.com/talkingbusiness

https://shows.acast.com/talkingbusiness/episodes/talking-business-29-interview-with-nicholas-woodward-from-pa

 

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Plarre Foods Group takes a bigger slice of the pie with AI

By Leon Gettler, Talking Business >>

IMAGINE a family-owned Australian food business which has been operating for over 120 years – through two world wars, the Great Depression, and a pandemic – which is now expanding its franchise operations with the use of artificial intelligence (AI).

That’s the story of Plarre Foods Group, a Victorian operation which is looking to expand nationally.

Steve Plarre, fourth generation of the Plarre family, is the company’s CEO.

“We’re a full range bakery minus the bread,” Mr Plarre told Talking Business. “We have a full spectrum of customers. We still have a very strong pull with the boomers but they are introducing their kids and their grandkids to the brand.” 

Mr Plarre said the business has 85 outlets in Victoria, most of them are franchises, with 10% of the stores being run by the company.

“That’s where we might be testing new products, new service models, testing technology or, if we have the opportunity to open a store and don’t have a franchisee for that location, we’ll jump in,” he said.

“Or if a franchisee is in distress, we need to make sure we have some really good bench strength on staff so that we can jump in and help them run their stores.”

Plarre franchisees are a versatile group

Mr Plarre said the range of franchisees varies from people in their 20s to those in their 60s.

“Our best performers are people who love people, they love to have conversations,” he said.

“I think if you’re in most food businesses, people buy a product … but more than the product, they buy inclusion, they buy conversation.

“So it’s those franchisees that can connect with other people. When we meet them for the first time, the first thing we look for is: ‘Do you enjoy talking to other people? Can you have a conversation with them while you are making a coffee or serving them a pie or eclair?’”

He said while Plarre is based in Victoria it is looking to expand nationally.

“We’ve been talking about the interstate growth thing for 10-20 years knowing at some stage, we’ll run out of land or viable locations and we’re going to be looking,” Mr Plarre said, pointing to a number of conversations that were now occurring with potential locations in the eastern states. 

Plarre innovates with ‘plant-based’ pies

Plarre also introduced a plant-based savoury range of pies and sausage rolls prior to the start of COVID. It is now 10% of Plarre’s savoury range.

When there was interest from supermarkets, it came up with the brand name Pie Society to make sure there was no brand confusion with the Plarre stores.

The plant-based range can now be obtained at Coles, Woolworths and independents – all up, some 2500 supermarkets around Australia.

To make it, Plarre uses a 1000-year-old Chinese recipe, Sietan, which is based on wheat gluten. That’s turned into a dough which becomes ‘meaty’ and chewy. Plarre puts that through a meat mincer, adds some lemon juice, with gravy and pastry and it tastes like a mince pie.

“For those people who are looking for a meat supplement or a faux meat flavoured product, it’s been going very well,” Mr Plarre said.

Plarre Foods Group is also now using AI to help expand the business.

“Internally with data and manufacturing, we’re looking to leverage that,” Mr Plarre said.

“The whole idea is to make our model simpler for franchisees, allow them to (also) focus on making great coffee (and provide) great service.

“We are in an AI learning process with demand planning looking at how do we know, days and weeks ahead of time, where we think certain volumes will come from? There is a lot of data out there.” 

www.plarrefoods.com.au

www.leongettler.com

Hear the complete interview and catch up with other topical business news on Leon Gettler’s Talking Business podcast, released every Friday at www.acast.com/talkingbusiness

https://shows.acast.com/talkingbusiness/episodes/talking-business-23-interview-with-steve-plarre-from-plarre

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Macquarie Cloud Services and CareSuper focus together on ‘cloud’ innovation and efficiency

MACQUARIE Cloud Services has been appointed by CareSuper to lead a major cloud transformation program, marking a strategic shift away from VMware Cloud on AWS and what was described as a “more modern, cost-efficient, and agile” Microsoft Azure environment. 

The agreement is for Macquarie Cloud to migrate and recalibrate CareSuper’s VMware Cloud on AWS (VMC) environment – made up of hundreds of applications and petabytes of data – into a Managed Edge Azure Local offering.

For CareSuper – an industry super fund with more than 573,000 members and over $57 billion in funds under management – the move is about far more than cost. 

“Our goal is to optimise every part of our operation so we can deliver long-term value to our members,” chief technology officer at CareSuper, Simon Reiter said. 

“Cloud decisions must serve that mission – not just today, but five years from now. Macquarie Cloud Services stood out as a partner who could deliver both the technical transformation and the ongoing managed service maturity required.”

CareSuper plans ahead in the cloud

Macquarie’s Azure-led approach consolidates CareSuper’s Technology estate into a unified, secure, and scalable platform.

The engagement includes migrating workloads from VMware Cloud on AWS into a new Azure landing zone, modernising databases, and implementing platform-as-a-service (PaaS) offerings to streamline performance and efficiencies for the fund.

“We’re seeing a wave of repatriation from AWS,” head of Azure at Macquarie Cloud Services, Naran McClung said. “For many organisations, rising costs, and architectural limitations have made them re-evaluate. But it’s not just about moving away – it’s about moving forward. That’s where our team adds value.”

Importantly, Macquarie has assumed the risk of the migration project, delivering the transformation with zero upfront cost to CareSuper and full accountability for outcomes.

“What we’ve found in partnering with Macquarie Cloud Services is a team of experts who can transform, refactor, migrate, and ensure we get the best operational value from our cloud environment. That the company backs itself by taking on the cost risk of the migration phase is telling of its capabilities and commitment to putting customers first.” CareSuper’s Mr Reiter said.

Four years as an Azure Expert MSP 

Macquarie Cloud Services is one of only a handful of partners across Asia Pacific to retain its Microsoft Azure Expert Managed Services Provider (MSP) status for four consecutive years – a recognition earned through rigorous annual audits and consistent delivery excellence.

“We’ve seen our Azure team and business expand by about 20 per cent every year since we set it up in 2020,” Macquarie’s Mr McClung said.

“Becoming an Azure Expert MSP is not a lifetime achievement; it takes incredible dedication, assessments requiring dozens of the team to come together, and – most importantly – an ability to deliver value to customers time and time again.”

www.caresuper.com.au

www.macquariecloudservices.com

Qld’s Sarah Waller Building and Aria's Upper House win HIA’s highest national awards

QUEENSLAND’s Sarah Waller Building company claimed the Housing Industry of Australia’s highest honour – the coveted 2025 HIA-CSR Australian Home of the Year – in front of an audience of industry leaders and home building consumers in Melbourne on May 17.

Set across subtle cascading levels on a sprawling acreage, the contemporary, pavilion-style home – named Blackwood – blends bold architectural design and functional living. 

The Sarah Waller architect-designed home has a striking aesthetic, defined by raw off-form concrete and black timber cladding, creating a dramatic yet refined façade. Inside, a sophisticated monochromatic palette enhances the transitions between each distinct zone. 

Designed for multi-generational living, the home incorporates a fully self-contained studio, multiple alfresco areas and expansive windows that frame breathtaking views of the natural surroundings. 

Judges praised the meticulous craftsmanship, from the precisely tapered roof plate to the innovative use of sustainably sourced timber cladding. Every element has been thoughtfully considered, resulting in a home that is both luxurious and liveable.

The home also won HIA Australian Custom Built Home award, partnered by Stegbar.

Acclaim for residential building leaders

HIA managing director Jocelyn Martin congratulated the 2025 HIA-CSR Australian Housing Awards winners and praised Sarah Waller Building’s “remarkable achievements”.

“Each year thousands of projects are entered into our awards program,” Ms Martin said.

“To be shortlisted as an Australian finalist is a huge achievement, but to be one of the 23 winners means you’re at the pinnacle of residential building.   

“HIA Awards are our way of recognising the exceptional talent within our membership. We’re talking about members who not only build extraordinary homes, kitchens, and bathrooms but also run incredibly successful businesses,” she said.

“The winning projects redefine what’s possible in terms of design and innovation, setting new standards for the industry.”

Ms Martin also acknowledged the apprentices who are constantly striving to better themselves in their chosen fields.

“The judges always have to make a tough decision from a strong field of finalists, and this year was no exception,” Ms Martin said.

“Congratulations to all the winners for their outstanding contributions to the industry.”

She said the HIA-CSR Australian Housing Awards celebrated excellence in residential building, recognising exceptional projects, businesses and individuals from across the country. Each year, the awards set the standard for innovation, craftsmanship and leadership within the industry.  

Aria’s Upper House complex takes national apartment honours

Aria Property Group from Queensland won the HIA Australian Apartment Complex award, partnered by Daikin Australia, for its Upper House apartment complex in the Brisbane CBD which sports a visionary blend of architecture and nature.

Standing 124m tall, it is the highest building outside Brisbane's CBD and is home to 188 luxury residences. Judges praised its meticulous craftsmanship, nature-inspired design – themed as an interpretation of the region’s Moreton Bay fig tree in shape and style – and “exceptional liveability”. This is the fourth time Aria Property Group has won this category.

Apprentice Sam Spencer from Mamet Homes in Queensland, was named the HIA Jim Brookes Australian Apprentice of the Year whose commitment to learning, technical skill, and passion for the trade set him apart as a standout in the field. The category is partnered by Stratco.

Kieran Flanigan from Crew Built, South Australia was recognised as HIA Australian Emerging Builder, impressing judges with his remarkable professional growth and desire to excel in the construction industry. The citation said Mr Flanigan’s thorough approach, industry knowledge, and broad experience were matched by a strong customer focus and genuine passion for his craft. This category is partnered by MyPlace.

First time entrant Birdblack Design won both HIA Australian Kitchen Design and, with Aspire Constructions, HIA Australian Bathroom of the Year. These categories are partnered by Smeg Australia and Caroma respectively. Both entries were from a home inspired by the ocean that features soft curves and meticulous detailing along with a cohesive use of materials and clever balance of luxury and simplicity.

www.hia.com.au

2025 HIA-CSR Australian Housing Award winner list

2025 HIA-CSR Australian Home of the Year

Partnered by CSR

Sarah Waller Building

Queensland

2024 HIA Australian Apartment of the Year

Partnered by Bondor

Mactech Constructions

Queensland

2025 HIA Australian Apartment Complex

Partnered by Daikin Australia

Aria Property Group

Queensland

2025 HIA Jim Brookes Australian Apprentice

Partnered by Stratco

Sam Spencer

Queensland

2025 HIA Australian Bathroom of the Year

Partnered by Caroma

Aspire Constructions and Birdblack Design - New South Wales

2025 HIA Australian Bathroom Design

Partnered by Caroma

Tanik Design

South Australia

2025 HIA Australian Custom Built Home

Partnered by Stegbar

Sarah Waller Building

Queensland

2025 HIA Australian Display Home

Partnered by Clipsal by Schneider Electric

Ultra Living Homes

Queensland

2025 HIA Australian Emerging Builder

Partnered by MyPlace

Kieran Flanigan – Crew Built

South Australia

2025 HIA Australian Kitchen of the Year

Partnered by Fulgor

Build Theory

South Australia

2025 HIA Australian Kitchen Design

Partnered by Smeg Australia

Birdblack Design

New South Wales

2025 HIA Australian Outdoor Project

Partnered by Toyota for Business

Designer Living Homes

New South Wales

2025 HIA-CSR Australian People’s Choice Home

Partnered by CSR

Adelaide Green Homes

South Australia

2025 HIA Australian Project Home

Partnered by James Hardie

WA Country Builders

Western Australia

2025 HIA Aust. Professional Major Builder

Partnered by Companion Systems

SJD Homes

Victoria

2025 HIA Australian Professional Medium Builder/Renovator

Partnered by Companion Systems

Better Built Homes

New South Wales

2025 HIA Aust. Prof. Small Builder/Renov.

Partnered by Companion Systems

P.A.H Innovative Construction

New South Wales

2025 HIA Aust. Renovation/Addition Project

Partnered by Colorbond steel

Lexpol Group

New South Wales

2025 HIA Australian Spec Home

Partnered by Stratco

Binet Homes

New South Wales

2025 HIA Australian Specialised Housing

Partnered by Merlin Garage Door Openers

Aztek Constructions

New South Wales

2025 HIA Australian Start-up Business

Partnered by American Express Australia

Joscon Tasmania

Tasmania

2025 HIA Aust. Townhouse/Villa Developmt

Partnered by Innova

Virgon Constructions

Victoria

2025 HIA Aus. Townhouse/Villa of the Year

Partnered by HIA Insurance Ser23vices

Giorgi

Western Australia

 

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