Hi
Yes I did meet Alan (selling the Natraburgers) as well as a few other people. It was a pretty good afternoon and I came back with lots to read. Loved the supreme master tv crew ! Talk about raising global consciousness. Was especially timely coming from the Dalai Lamas public talk the afternoon before.
As for IKU yes I have bought my lunch from them more than once. They seem to be doing something right. Having said that though I have to say that its not really the type of food I would be most interested in. Its OK but once you have been there a couple of times it gets repetitive and, at $12.50 for a bean casserole that is 50% rice, its not exactly affordable all the time. They seem to be choosing upmarket locations such as the AMP Plaza and the Chifley Towers in the CBD where a decent take away lunch does cost that much and more. Interestingly they run a centralised production facility in Marrickville that supplies all of their retail outlets.
Another interesting operator at the expo was Syndian - I buy their products regularly for something quick from the freezer sometimes. They seem very organised.
Recently I have investigated a franchise called Pure and Natural that had an outlet for sale listed in the area. But when I looked into it I found that you had to follow the rulebook and they sell chicken and dairy. No scope to change your own outlet.
Looking on-line there seems to be so much more activity in the States and the UK. I must have over a hundred sites bookmarked in my del.icio.us account and 90% would be O/S. As usual this country seems to be at least 5 years behind.
I have friends just back this week from the UK and they said that Organics is now huge over there and that everywhere they went there were always veg options available.
Anyway just some random thoughts...
