Forget the Brisbane vs Fremantle battle, this finals series is all about what’s on the menu with the meat pie standing strong as the ultimate symbol of Australian footy food, but your home state could determine just how loyal you are to this Aussie classic.

While new Coles data reveals 45% of surveyed customers nationally crowned the meat pie the ultimate footy food, Victorians are the greatest loyalists with more than half (55%) giving the pie top billing, compared with just over one third of New South Wales (36%) and Queensland (38%) voters. When fans settle in to watch the game from home however, the field opens up with pies (30%), pizza (28%) and chips and dip (27%) among the favourite choices.

As finals fever reaches its peak, Coles sees weekly sales of pizza, pies and frozen entertaining products spike by up to 15% compared with a standard week, and since no good footy feast is complete without tomato sauce, sales are also set to increase by 25% in September compared to August.

Coles General Manager Commercial for Meat, Deli, Seafood and Convenience, Karen O’Connor said that the game day feast is growing and customers are looking for something new to enjoy alongside the classics.

“Footy finals are a major at-home entertaining occasion, and while traditional favourites like pies remain a big part of game day, we’re also seeing customers look for easy, crowd-pleasing options that bring something different to the table, or couch.

“We know that convenience, value and finding something everyone can enjoy are key, so this finals season we’re giving customers even more choice with new Stacker and Smash Burgers, Coles-exclusive Grill’d burgers and our limited-edition Coles Finest Sausage Selection Pack,” Karen said.

As Aussies look for ways to save, customers have declared the Grand Final a home game, with 86% saying they expect to watch the footy at home, meaning simple, great value foods are essential. More than three quarters (77%) say that quick and easy preparation is important when planning the footy menu, making it clear fans are just as passionate about great, easy food as they are about their favourite team.

While classics like meat pies and chips remain central to footy finals, customers are also looking for new, easy, restaurant-inspired and shareable options that can be prepared at home when hosting a watch party.

Coles new range of entertaining options will add to the game day spread, including the Coles Beef Stacker Burger and Coles Beef Smash Burgers packs, that provide at-home fakeaway options that mean fans don’t have to miss a single goal. Customers can also get their hands on the new Grill’d Sweet & Smoky Beef Burgers, a restaurant-inspired beef patty that is available exclusively at Coles.

The finals shopping basket doesn’t stop at food, with Coles research finding that one in five customers love a beer or wine on game day. Beer sales at Liquorland increase by more than 10% in the two weeks leading up to AFL Grand Final day, with the retailer expecting to sell more than 6.5 million litres of beer in the period.

Liquorland Business Category Manager for Beer, Nick McArdle said that footy finals and celebrating with friends go hand in hand.

“Footy finals are a big social occasion, with friends and families coming together to watch the game, fire up the barbecue and enjoy the atmosphere at home. As the finals build, we see that translate into stronger demand for beer, with customers looking for a range of options to suit different tastes and occasions,” Nick said.

For fans planning their game-day spread, Coles and Liquorland have a range of exclusive options to serve up throughout the finals.

NEW FOR FOOTY FINALS AT COLES

Coles Beef Stacker Burger 6 Pack, 500g, designed with a thinner patty, they’re perfect for stacking two or more inside a bun to build a seriously indulgent burger experience -$8.50 each (2 for $12)

Coles Beef Smash Burgers 6 Pack, 450g, perfect for creating the trending crispy-edged smash burger finish at home – $8.50 each (2 for $12)

Coles Finest Sausage Selection Pack, 1kg, a variety sharing pack of Coles Finest sausages, ideal for creating a shared premium experience – $12

Grill’d Sweet & Smoky Beef Burgers, 460g, bring a familiar restaurant favourite home with a sweet and smoky flavour profile – (Available for a limited time) $11

Coles Beef Cheeseburger Sliders, 375g, these mini cheeseburger sliders come complete with cheese and tomato sauce in a soft bun – $9 (Available for a limited time)

Jack Daniel’s Texas Smokehouse Sausages, 300g, the Tennessee whiskey-infused sausages put a bold new spin on the classic hotdog- $8(Available for a limited time)

LIQUORLAND’S GAME DAY PICKS

Smithy’s Mid Strength Bottle 330ml, 6 pack,this smooth, clean, and balanced lager offers a classic malty finish with less alcohol, making it the perfect session beer with a crisp and refreshing finish – $14

Sabroso Mexican Style Lager Bottle 330ml, 6 pack, this easy-drinking, Mexican style beer has a refreshingly clean finish – $17

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES