Franchised Chain Gami Steps Into Supermarket Aisles with Coles Deal

Why It Matters

The move bridges restaurant and retail channels, tapping into strong consumer demand for Korean flavors and boosting Gami’s brand reach while enhancing Coles’ differentiated product offering.

Key Takeaways

• Gami launches 'fakeaway' Korean fried chicken line at Coles.
• Products roll out in 475 selected Coles stores nationwide.
• Gami's restaurant revenue expected to grow 20% this year.
• Partnership aims to bring restaurant-quality meals to home cooks.
• Deal reflects rising consumer demand for Korean cuisine in Australia.

Pulse Analysis

Korean cuisine has surged in Australia, with fried chicken becoming a staple of the food‑service landscape. Gami, founded in Melbourne in 2006, has ridden this wave, expanding to 30 franchised locations and reporting a projected 20% revenue increase. By translating its signature flavors into a retail format, Gami joins a growing cohort of restaurant brands that are leveraging private‑label opportunities to capture a larger share of the at‑home dining market.

The exclusive partnership with Coles marks a strategic entry into the FMCG sector. Gami’s ‘fakeaway’ line—featuring fried chicken and sweet chilli meals—will debut in 475 carefully chosen Coles stores, offering consumers a ready‑to‑cook experience that mirrors the restaurant’s quality. For Coles, the collaboration enriches its meat and deli aisles with a differentiated, culturally resonant product, potentially driving higher basket size and foot traffic. Gami benefits from Coles’ extensive distribution network, accelerating brand visibility beyond its physical outlets.

Industry analysts view this move as part of a broader trend where successful restaurant concepts extend into grocery shelves to meet the demand for convenient, premium‑quality meals. The partnership underscores the importance of brand authenticity and product fidelity when translating restaurant dishes to packaged formats. As Australian shoppers continue to seek global flavors at home, similar collaborations are likely to emerge, reshaping the competitive dynamics between foodservice operators and retailers.