Despite the current economic conditions, in the lead up to christmas dinning out down-under is still going strong.

Restaurant & Catering Australia (R&CA), the peak body representing the interests of Australia's restaurant and catering industry, supported the findings of the report released today from BIS Shrapnel that Australian's continue to eat out despite the current economic conditions.

"There is nothing wrong with dining leading the recovery in the economy" Peter Doyle, President of R&CA said. "Restaurants are all about bringing together family and friends, and in the lead up to Christmas, there is no better place to get together for a quiet catch-up or a noisy celebration of the years achievements".

A positive trading period is expected in the lead up to the end of the year. 50% of businesses surveyed in the last 7 days reported that they expected similar or increased revenues to the years end as that in 2007.

"This is very encouraging." reported John Hart, CEO of R&CA. "The report shows that Australian's value dining out as an everyday part of life, and even during tougher economic times, 42% of the average household's food and non-alcoholic beverage budgets are being spent on dining out". Foodservice in Australia 2008 Report.