The new generation Retigo combi ovens have arrived…
News
Today, Retigo proudly presents its new generation ovens at HOST Milano!
Retigo Evolution brings new technology and innovation, higher quality materials, integrated AI and more.
This year Retigo has undergone major transformation. They have unveiled a new logo and branding, and an ethos that captures the same company values that the founders curated 31 years ago when Retigo was established in a garage in the Czech Republic. The new generation oven showcases the future of the brand with the latest technology whilst still maintaining those original values of reliability and high-quality materials and manufacturing processes.
A proud Czech manufacturer, Retigo has built a strong reputation across the globe, selling to more than 60 countries. Known for their consistently high-quality combi ovens and excellent customer support, Evolution is the next chapter in Retigo’s proud history. Built for chefs by putting their needs front and centre of the design, the Retigo development team created Evolution from real professional kitchen experience making it their most sophisticated yet user-friendly model to date.
Norbert Pelc, Managing Director at Retigo said, “Over the past few years we have been dedicated to the development, production and testing of our new generation combi ovens. These are machines that combine the hallmark of quality with affordability and reliable customer support. They bring more than 30 real-benefit improvements compared to the previous Vision II generation.”
Retigo Sales and Marketing Director, Marcel Vican added, “Thanks to real-benefit innovations as well as rebranding, we will gradually become stronger and more confident. We continue delivering greater value to our customers and strengthening our competitiveness.”
Director of Retigo UK, Aneta Juroskova, is excited about the future of the brand. She said, “This year has been about new innovations, and we’ve been working hard to show who we are and how we work, via a new brand identity and product developments. Evolution has been many years in development, and we’re delighted to now be able to unveil it.
“Our distribution partners had the opportunity to have an exclusive look at the new oven at our Experience Day in London last month. The feedback and comments we have received have been extremely positive, with several commenting, ‘It is the combi oven of the future!’”
She adds, “Above all else, Retigo stands for reliability. We want to ensure a smooth rollout for our customers, with all related documentation and support in the UK in place. We therefore anticipate Evolution ovens will be available for purchase in the UK in the second half of 2026.”
Main benefits of the new line
TrustBuilt construction | Built to endure. Robust frame. Minimum plastic parts. Seamless AISI 316L s/s cooking chamber with 10-year warranty.
TrueSteam direct | Refined heating elements. Two-step water preheating. Built-in heat recuperator. Energy and water savings. Perfect cooking results.
SteamSecure Boiler | TrueSteam. Automatic care. Heat exchanger connected. Unique backup system ensures uninterrupted cooking.
ErgoFit | Ergonomic design. Crosswise-oriented racks. Up to 39 % less physical strain. Safer movement. Healthier backs. Chefs with ease.
FastReact UI | Instant, intuitive interface. Responds without delay. Smoother kitchen flow.
CombiHealth | Real-time oven health status with Health % on the main screen.
DynaAirFlow | Enhanced cooking evenness. Increased capacity. Generous rack spacing.
EcoLogic system | Significantly reduces energy and water consumption up to 10 % compared to the previous generation.
Local sources | 99 % of components come from Europe, with 65 % sourced locally in the Czech Republic.
Waste reduction | Significantly exceed the EPA Energy Star standard requirements. Up to 98 % recyclable stainless steel. Minimal plastic.
You can find other advantages and technical parameters of the new line on the website evolution.retigo.com.

Service Geeni Launches AI Scheduling Agent for Catering Equipment Maintenance Companies
News
Service Geeni, a ceda Associate Member, is putting artificial intelligence to work for catering equipment maintenance companies with the launch of its new AI Scheduling Agent feature for automated route optimisation.
This latest innovation is designed to help companies reduce wasted travel time, cut operating costs, and keep catering equipment running at peak performance.
Meeting the Challenge of Catering Equipment Service
In commercial kitchens, when equipment breaks down, it’s never at a convenient moment. Equipment maintenance companies are under constant pressure to respond quickly, deliver preventive maintenance, and ensure compliance with food safety standards.
Until now, scheduling engineers has been one of the most challenging parts of service management. With jobs ranging from urgent breakdowns to routine PPM, and engineers spread across wide geographic areas, allocating the right resource at the right time often felt like an uphill battle.
“Our catering customers told us that scheduling was one of the biggest bottlenecks in their operations,” explains Ryan Musselwhite, Chief Product Officer at Service Geeni. “That’s why we developed an AI-powered tool that can handle the complexity automatically.”
How the AI Scheduler Works
The AI Scheduler uses advanced algorithms to analyse multiple data points at once:
- Job urgency and customer SLAs
- Engineer skillsets and certifications
- Van stock and parts availability
- Traffic and travel routes
- Compliance deadlines
Based on this live data, the system automatically builds an optimised schedule, assigning the best engineer for each job and creating the most efficient route plan.
This reduces wasted mileage, improves first-time fix rates, and ensures compliance checks aren’t missed – all while giving customers faster, more reliable service.
Benefits at a Glance
For equipment maintenance companies, the new feature delivers:
- Lower costs: Reduced fuel spend and overtime.
- Increased productivity: Engineers can complete more jobs per day.
- Sustainability gains: Smarter routing means lower emissions.
- Better compliance: Routine maintenance never slips through the cracks.
- Happier customers: Faster response times and improved service reliability.
Supporting the Catering Industry
The launch comes as part of Service Geeni’s ongoing commitment to supporting the catering sector with smarter service management solutions.
Alongside its core FSM (Field Service Management) platform – which includes job management, asset tracking, compliance reporting, and customer portals – the AI Scheduler adds a new level of intelligence designed specifically for service teams managing catering equipment.
“This isn’t just about making life easier for schedulers,” adds Mark Howes, Chief Revenue Officer at Service Geeni. “It’s about giving catering equipment maintenance companies the tools they need to deliver outstanding service, protect their margins, and hit customer SLAs and contract renewals.”
Case Example: Reducing Wasted Miles
One early adopter of the AI Scheduler reported that their engineers were spending 20% less time travelling between jobs within the first three months of using the system. That time savings translated into more completed callouts, lower fuel costs, and a noticeable drop in missed appointments.
Looking Ahead
Service Geeni sees AI and data-driven optimisation as the future of catering service management. With the AI Scheduler and Route Optimisation now available, the company plans to continue developing features that help providers stay competitive in a demanding market.
“The catering sector is evolving rapidly, and technology has a key role to play,” says Francisco Mouzinho, Head of Partnerships at Service Geeni. “We’re excited to bring practical innovations to ceda members that directly improve efficiency.”
Learn More
Service Geeni’s AI Scheduler and Route Optimisation is available now for catering equipment maintenance providers.
Discover how AI can optimise your catering service operations – Book a Demo with Service Geeni.


Hobart Two Level Washer Doubles Capacity in a Single Footprint
News
With UK restaurants under increasing pressure to find operational efficiencies and manage gaps in resource, Hobart’s Two Level Washer provides a practical answer to some of the biggest challenges facing today’s kitchens
A direct result of Hobart’s dedicated Customer-Back Innovation programme, the category-defying Two Level Washer allows operators to power through more ware than ever before in a single cycle. The machine doubles the productivity of a conventional hood-type dishwasher, within the same footprint as a single hood – a key advantage for kitchens where space is at a premium.
With dual wash chambers that can be used independently or simultaneously, the machine offers ultimate flexibility. Heavily soiled pots, pans and cutlery can be handled in the lower compartment, whilst up to three racks of dishes can be washed in the upper level on a separate programme, all with a dedicated hygiene cycle that offers added peace of mind.
The ability to run either one or both chambers gives operators the freedom to manage fluctuations in footfall with ease. During quieter service periods the lower chamber can be switched off to minimise energy consumption. At peak times, both chambers can be enabled to maximise throughput and efficiency.
To find out how the award-winning Two Level Washer can save your kitchen time, space and money, visit www.hobartuk.com/twolevelwasher/
Hobart, redefining innovation to make kitchen life easier.
Introducing Microsave Gen:2 - Built for Performance Kitchens, Ready for the Future
News
Regale launches bold new Papaya, 100% recyclable next-generation product – available for Panasonic NE-1878, NE-1864 and NE-1815 (also compatible with the popular, now-discontinued NE-1843 and NE-1853 models).
Regale has unveiled the Microsave Generation 2 (Gen:2) cavity liner, a major step forward in the evolution of its market-leading microwave protection solution.
Made from a more robust 100% recyclable material, Gen:2 supports operators’ sustainability goals while delivering up to a 20% saving compared with the existing range.
Like the original Microsave, Gen:2 protects valuable microwave equipment from grease and food particles which, if left, can cause serious or unrepairable damage. Both models are dishwasher safe, food safe, and offer a quick, hygienic cleaning solution for busy kitchens.
The striking Papaya finish marks Gen:2 as the next stage of development and makes it instantly recognisable in fast-paced kitchens. Papaya also symbolises speed, innovation and progress — qualities that reflect the product’s next-generation design.
The new liner is fully compatible with the Panasonic NE-1878, NE-1864 and NE-1815 inverter microwaves, with plans to extend the range further over the next 12 months.
Iain Phillips, Managing Director of Regale, commented: “As the largest independent commercial microwave specialist in the UK, and the largest reseller of Panasonic catering equipment products in the world, we must adapt and move with the industry, ensuring that our product range also aligns with the evolving demands of modern foodservice operators.
“Operators are currently facing huge pressures, not only with the impact of both the National Living Wage/National Minimum Wage and National Insurance contributions, but also with rising energy bills. At Regale, we fully understand and appreciate these challenges, which is why we have developed Microsave Gen:2 — a more cost-effective option, using a material that is not only durable but 100% recyclable too.”
Both the original transparent Microsave liner and the new Gen:2 will be sold side by side, giving operators flexibility and choice when selecting the right protection for their Panasonic microwaves.
For further information visit www.microsave.co.uk.
Panasonic Professional Kitchen Launches NE-1815 – Inverter Microwave for Faster, Even Cooking
News
Introducing the NE-1815 from Panasonic Professional Kitchen, a new compact inverter microwave built for speed, efficiency, and consistent results in the busiest professional kitchens.
With Inverter Technology, it delivers precise power control for faster, more even, and gentle cooking – helping you save on energy, time and cost without compromising on quality.
Why Choose the NE-1815?
- Energy-saving Inverter Technology – consistent power for even results and reduced energy use
- Lighter & smaller – 12kg lighter than the NE-1843 for easier handling and cleaning
- Powerful 1800W output – perfect for quick single portions in busy sites
- Dual energy feed – even heating from top and bottom
- Easy maintenance – stainless steel body, removable ceiling plate, and air filter
- Stackable design – save valuable workspace
Built for Performance. Designed for Convenience.
Compact yet powerful, the NE-1815 is ideal for fast-paced environments where reliability and consistency matter most.
For more information:
Email: commercial.ovens@eu.panasonic.com
Visit: www.panasonic.co.uk/professionalkitchen
Adande Refrigeration to attend The Catering Innovation Show
News
Adande Refrigeration is exhibiting at the brand new Catering Innovation Show later this month, showcasing sustainable kitchen solutions in partnership with Synergy Grill Technology.
Live Cooking Demonstrations & Energy Savings
Visit Stand 64 to see live cooking demonstrations featuring equipment that delivers exceptional performance while dramatically reducing energy costs. The pairing of Adande’s renowned hold-the-cold refrigerated drawers with Synergy’s sizzling grills can save operators up to 50% in energy costs.
Equipment on display includes:
- Synergy ST600 Grill and 900 Griddle
- Adande HCS1/HCHS drawer (A+ energy rated, fridge only)
- Adande VCR1/HCHS (Variable temperature control -22°C to +15°C)
Chef Base Drawers: The Cookline Solution
Adande’s Chef Base drawers are specifically designed to sit beneath heavy cooking equipment like grills, griddles, and combi ovens.
Key features include:
- Heat-shielded top surface supporting heavy equipment
- Bulk storage at point of use (up to 40 kg/ 4 x 1/1 GN pans D100 mm)
- Precise temperature control for meat, fish, and fresh produce
- Streamlined workflow, reducing steps and improving efficiency
About The Catering Innovation Show
Created by the industry, for the industry, The Catering Innovation Show brings together leading brands and pioneering suppliers serving restaurants, hotels, contract catering, healthcare, public sector, stadia, and leisure operators. Jackie Venn and Lyndsay Smith from Adande will be available throughout the day to discuss more about the drawers.
Register to attend the show today: www.cateringinnovationshow.co.uk

Top 5 benefits to upskilling your staff via our Commercial Catering Equipment Apprenticeship
News
In an industry that depends on safe, efficient, and reliable commercial kitchen equipment, we know that having in-house expertise in gas engineering provides a competitive advantage.
Our Level 3 Commercial Catering Equipment Technician Apprenticeship will help you to build this expertise internally, at little to no cost.
What the Apprenticeship Covers
To understand the benefits, it helps to know what the apprenticeship involves.
Key features include:
- Duration: 27-30 months, with about 20% “off-the-job” training at our Stockport training centre in block weeks) and 80% “on-the-job training.
- Qualifications: Apprentices will work toward ACS qualifications in 4 appliance categories/globally relevant commercial catering equipment standards (e.g. solid/open top ranges, deep fat and pressure fryers, etc).
- Outcomes: On successful completion, candidates can apply to join the Gas Safe Register.
Top 5 Benefits for you
1. Cost-Effectiveness & Funding Support
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- Government funding: The course is ESFA-funded. For staff under 21, this means full funding; for those 21 or older, 95% funding is available.
- Incentives: You may receive additional incentive payments (e.g. £1,000 for apprentices under 19) if eligibility criteria are met.
- Reduced recruitment costs: Rather than hiring fully trained technicians (who can command higher salaries), upskilling internal staff spreads cost over time and often at lower total cost.
2.Tailored Skills & Quality Assurance
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- Skills aligned with your equipment and needs: Because much of the training is on the job, apprentices will learn how to use your own equipment, procedures, standards, and culture. This ensures the skills gained are directly relevant.
- Standardised certification: With ACS qualification and Gas Safe registration potential, you ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards. This reduces risk and increases trust.
3.Retention, Morale & Employee Engagement
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- Career progression: Offering advanced apprenticeships signals to staff that there is a future for them within your organisation. This boosts morale, loyalty and helps reduce turnover.
- Motivation & pride: Being able to develop tangible technical skills and becoming certified gives staff a sense of achievement.
4.Operational Reliability & Reduced Downtime
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- In-house expertise means quicker diagnosis and repair of catering equipment. This reduces downtime, which in a commercial catering environment, can be costly in terms of lost revenue and customer satisfaction.
- Proactive maintenance: Technicians with deep understanding are more likely to spot issues early, meaning fewer emergency breakdowns.
5.Competitive Advantage & Reputation
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- Having well‐trained technicians gives you more control over safety, compliance, maintenance schedules. This can become a selling point if you supply to or partner with larger organisations that demand high standards.
- It can improve your brand’s reputation – safety, professionalism, reliability are key in catering and hospitality.
As a fellow ceda member, we believe that upskilling your existing staff via our Level 3 Commercial Catering Equipment Technician Apprenticeship is a powerful strategic investment.
It delivers regulatory compliance, technical excellence, cost savings, and staff engagement.
While there are some upfront time and resource demands, the long-term returns in reliability, efficiency and quality are substantial.
Our offer to you: 10% off any training course
As well as our Level 3 Commercial Catering Equipment apprenticeship, we’re offering 10% off any of our paid courses in Gas, renewables and electrician training.
Get in touch with us today to discuss more:
Level 3 Commercial Catering Equipment Apprenticeship:
Helen Walker
helen.walker@ectatraining.co.uk
Commercial training:
Carl Sutcliffe
carl.sutcliffe@ectatraining.co.uk

Elevate Your Pasta Offering with Bottene from Valentine & Cuisinequip
News
Bringing theatre and authentic Italian dining to the table
Valentine & Cuisinequip is proud to be the exclusive UK agent for Bottene, a market-leading Italian manufacturer with over 150 years of pasta-making expertise. Among its impressive range is the Bottene PM80, designed to meet the growing demand for fresh, authentic, in-house pasta.
With an extrusion rate of up to 17kg per hour, the PM80 gives restaurants, production kitchens, and caterers the freedom to create a variety of pasta shapes using their own ingredients and recipes – with or without eggs, and from any flour type. This flexibility and transparency make responding to dietary needs, allergen requirements, and evolving health trends very simple. Batches can also be made on demand, in desired quantities, helping minimise food wastage associated with purchasing ready-made pasta.
Once kitchens have made their fresh, artisanal pasta it can be paired with a variety of sauces for a premium, varied and individualised dining experience. Fresh pasta improves texture, holds sauce better, is more visually appealing, and can elevate a pasta dish from “every day” to exceptional. With over 70 bronze dies available, as well as custom options, chefs can opt for classic or bespoke pasta shapes, giving them the chance to be creative with their Italian menus and put their own stamp on them.
What’s more, when paired with the Valentine VMC pasta cooker, operators can deliver consistently perfectly cooked pasta, too. Compact at just 350mm wide, the stainless-steel VMC is ideal for small and busy kitchens. Its insulated pan, efficient water management, and rapid temperature recovery means it can be relied upon to deliver consistent results, even at peak service times.
Together, the PM80 and VMC offer a complete, efficient, and sustainable pasta solution. Fresh pasta production gives operators control over ingredients, costs, and portioning – reducing waste and boosting margins. Both machines are simple to use, and require minimal training, and can be used by any team member.
At Valentine & Cuisinequip, we’re helping chefs and operators combine Italian craftsmanship with modern efficiency – unlocking creativity, control, and profitability across every sector of the hospitality industry.
For more information visit: www.valentinefryers.com or www.cuisinequip.com


Discover Liebherr innovations at HOST Milano
News

From beverage fridges to SmartMonitoring, see the full Liebherr hospitality range in Milan.
Heading to HOST Milano? Join us on the Liebherr stand from 17-21 October to explore our latest hospitality refrigeration solutions and discover how we can support your business.
Why Liebherr?
As a precision manufacturer trusted worldwide, Liebherr brings together performance, efficiency, and design to support professionals in the hotel, catering, and foodservice industries. Our appliances are built to deliver reliability, lower running costs, and long-term value.
On the stand, you’ll find:
- Beverage fridges — including our MyStyle Professional configurator for customised branding
- Merchandising chest freezers for impactful sales presentation
- SmartMonitoring — digital condition monitoring for peace of mind
- Self-service fridges designed to maximise convenience
- Commercial wine fridges for premium presentation and storage
- A wide selection of appliances for hotel and catering storage
- Solutions tailored to back-of-house efficiency and front-of-house appeal
Explore ahead of time:
Book a meeting at HOST
To make the most of your visit, arrange a dedicated time with Stephen Ongley:
Stephen.Ongley@liebherr.com
+44 (0) 7713 270167
We look forward to welcoming you in Milan.
Best regards,
Liebherr UK – Refrigeration
cedaBIM to accelerate knowledge, performance and compliance
News
ceda has partnered with Okana Global to launch cedaBIM – an online learning and accreditation portal that will help to drive knowledge, performance and compliance of BIM in the industry.
The e-learning portal contains a comprehensive suite of 50, ISO 19650 aligned, interactive modules, across 4 Learning Pathways:
- BIM Fundamentals – 17 modules
- BIM Project Delivery – 17 modules
- Understanding COBie – 8 modules
- BIM for Health & Safety – 8 modules
The platform can be accessed from a desktop, tablet or phone and modules range from 5 to 15 minutes in length.
At the end of each module there are two formative multiple-choice questions and at the end of each pathway, there are ten summative multiple-choice questions.
And on the successful completion of each pathway a certificate of learning is generated.
On the successful completion of the BIM Fundamentals Pathway, learners are awarded Bronze learner status.
Then completing and passing the BIM Project Delivery Pathway awards Silver learner status.
And on successful completion of all 4 Pathways, learners are awarded Gold learner status.
The business can apply for corporate accreditation in order to demonstrate their commitment to BIM Learning.
ceda Director General, Adam Mason commented, “Working with global industry leaders Okana has been great and I’m really happy that we have been able to create this fantastic resource for our Members and Partners.
“There is a growing need for businesses to be able to demonstrably evidence their BIM capability and Continued Professional Development in this space on PQQ and tender documents so to be able to provide this solution absolutely gives our Members a commercial competitive advantage.”
If you would like more information on cedaBIM then please email Adam Mason – adam@ceda.co.uk
























