Australia’s David Jones has launched a range of fresh produce as it works to take a bite out of the nation’s lucrative food and beverage market.
The retail giant today unveiled a range of packaged meat and poultry at its Market Street Food Hall in Sydney’s CBD as part of a $100 million food expansion.
“There are some great opportunities for food in the top end of the market,” marketing expert Gary Mortimer told 9NEWS.
The selection is locally sourced, with grass-fed beef from Cape Grim in Tasmania and RSPCA-approved chicken from Bendigo in Victoria.
Prepared salads, pre-cut vegetables, soups and curries under the David Jones brand will be available in the Market Street outlet, and will be rolled out in Bondi Junction in July.
Well-known chef Neil Perry has also been recruited as a food ambassador for the store.
The new venture comes as the brand works to profit from the $254 million Aussies spend on food and beverage daily, according to the Australian Financial Review.
South African Woolworths Holdings, which owns the department store, reportedly plans to invest a total of $400 million over the next three years to “transform David Jones into one of the best department stores in the world.”
Tonight, David Jones’ international and local fashion collections for the Autumn Winter season will be showcased in a runway show.
"Velvet's really back and fire-engine red and lots of denim and leather and layering,” ambassador Jesinta Franklin said of the latest clothing trends.
"We hope that people love what they see on the runway and go in stores and buy it."
Lara Worthington, model Karlie Kloss, and racing royalty Kate Waterhouse will also be among the attendees.