Five years on from its original launch, Electrolux Professional has unveiled a new and improved version of its popular SpeeDelight high-speed cooking solution.

Launched in 2017, SpeeDelight is an all-in-one solution for the preparation of hot snacks such as sandwiches, roll-ups, tacos and pizzas. The combination of contact plates, infrared radiation and microwave technology into a singular compact footprint allows ‘grab and go’ meals to be prepared up to three times quicker than traditional panini presses and toasted sandwich machines.

Now, the appliance has been updated with a host of new features to help improve user experience, based on operator feedback collated in the years since its launch.

Stuart Flint, Training & Demonstration Manager at Electrolux Professional, said: “Customer feedback is an incredibly important part of our R&D process. Listening to comments from operators has allowed us to double down on the traits that make SpeeDelight so unique, including cooking times, ease-of-use and consistency. As such, customers will now be able to benefit from even better results than ever before.”

SpeeDelight will now offer cooking cycles for both burgers and club sandwiches, in order to provide a truly comprehensive menu of hot snacks. The introduction of a new non-stick tray will also enable uniform heat distribution for even cooking, which can be effectively cleaned through the use of water alone.

Moreover, customers can now access recipe management through OnE Connected, allowing for greater consistency across the fleet and a reduction in food waste.

The upgrade has also integrated a number of operational improvements to the appliance, including the removal of a choke cover on the lid, a brighter display, a 10°C increase in bottom plate temperature (230C°), and a shorter timer before entering standby mode.

Since its launch, the upgraded SpeeDelight has already been adopted by a number of major chains including Caffenio and Autogrill.

The new model is on display at Electrolux Professional’s Center of Excellence in Luton, where visitors can book in to experience a hands-on demo alongside the company’s full range of foodservice and laundry solutions.

Stuart concluded: “As a one-stop-shop for the preparation of hot snacks, SpeeDelight is a core product in our commercial foodservice offering. We strongly advise anyone who’s in the market for a comprehensive cooking solution to undertake a demo at our Center of Excellence, as experiencing our products in person is the best way to see what they’re really capable of.”

For more information on SpeeDelight, click here.

ceda is pleased to announce that entries to the 2022 Grand Prix Awards are now open.

The highly coveted Awards, for which competition between Member companies is exceptionally fierce, recognise excellence in hospitality and foodservice projects for every type of establishment.

By winning one of the Awards, members demonstrate to the rest of the industry that they operate with professionalism and excellence in all that they do.

This year, members can enter six categories:

Design Project Under £50k

Design Project £50k to £200k

Design Project £200k to £500k

Design Project Over £500k

Outstanding Customer Service

Project Management Excellence

In the ‘Design Projects’ categories, entrants will be rewarded for; good, original, and sustainable designs, professional installations during which issues were overcome, and client satisfaction. If Consultant involvement in the project was significant, this will also be taken into consideration when scoring the design section of the entry.

Key factors in the judging of the ‘Outstanding Customer Service Award’ category will be the level of service provided by the company and overall client satisfaction.

To be considered in the ‘Project Management Excellence’ category, companies should demonstrate project understanding, effective communication, and documentation practices, managing change and cost control, project execution and client satisfaction.

Projects of any size and in any sector are eligible for inclusion.

The overall winner will receive the Sir Donald Thompson Cup.

ceda Member companies can also put forward nominees for the ‘Rising Star Award’. Candidates must demonstrate how they have exceeded expectations and benefitted the member company.

The judges will once again be veterans of the industry John Savage and Ron Neville. Once the projects have been shortlisted, the judges will visit the sites in person to assess the work carried out and to talk with staff.

The deadline for entries is Sunday 10th July 2022.

The winners of the prestigious awards will be announced at the ceda Conference & Awards Dinner 2022 will take place on Thursday 29th & Friday 30th September 2022 at The Belfry Hotel & Resort, Sutton Coldfield.

Members can submit their entries by following this link: https://ceda.co.uk/members-area/submit-your-entry/

The Stima oven is now in stock and available for purchase EXCLUSIVELY at Cater-Bake.

This range is the perfect solution for those who do not have or cannot install the flue, due to its revolutionary filtration hood.

Benefits include Small footprint, High output, High temperature, Fast Cook, it is pre-programmable, has independent decks and produces a quality stone-baked pizza

Our new range will enable you to get the perfect baking results every time, and there is no stopping at Pizza. These ovens are flexible, with the ability to cook just like a normal oven, meaning it can be used to cook but not limited to: Sandwiches, toast, bread, meat, fish, vegetables, lasagne etc.

Its sleek design and professional performance can transform your venue into a pizzeria right before your eyes.

“As the only UK official agent for Stima, we are beyond excited to bring this revolutionary oven equipped with filtration hood into the market.

“Since 1995 Stima have been designing, producing, and manufacturing pizza ovens, rotary ovens, pasta cookers, fryers and induction plates exclusively in Italy. Today they produce low consuming and high performing products which respects the environment and our customers wallet. Winner Winner! Their range of ovens will enable those who do not have or cannot install the flue, to produce delicious and fresh pizzas in minutes. We are so excited to bring this range into the market, we know it is sure to be a hit with customers” – Steven Lilley

Whilst expanding our product range, we meticulously test and carry our due diligence on the both the products and suppliers alike. Stima have proven to be innovating with leading edge technology, which are low cost and can prepare delicious pizzas in minutes.

The Stima oven is an excellent choice for those who want the stone-baked taste and quality without the installation hassle.

If you need advice or have any questions on the new range, please contact us by phone or email and we will endeavour to help.

Contact us today to learn more about this offer on 0151 548 5818 or email info@cater-bake.co.uk.

Welcome to the May issue of ceda’s connected

We’re shining a light on the women in our industry and suitably kicking things off with ceda Chair Kirstin Hatherley. She tells us about how she got into the
industry, the various roles she’s held and challenges she’s faced.

As part of our 50th anniversary year, this month we look back at the 1980s and the decisions, initiatives and people driving the association.

ceda Partner Marco Beverage Systems introduce their new products POUR’D and the MT Boiler Range.

Earlier this month we hosted an industry-wide webinar detailing the Apprenticeship Standard for Catering Engineers ahead of our autumn intake. Find out more about the Standard, why it was developed and the benefits of taking on an apprentice engineer.

We’re delighted to announce two new appointments to the ceda Board! Discover which ceda initiatives Nick Archer and Michaela Stephens-Smith are passionate about progressing in their new roles.

There’s also an educational marketing piece to help you make the most of your LinkedIn presence and elevate your company’s profile in just 4 easy steps.

We hope you enjoy this issue of connected and we welcome your feedback and contributions for future editions.

We’re delighted to announce two new appointments to the ceda Board.

On the 31st March 2022 both Nick Archer, of Archer Catering Systems Ltd and Michaela Stephens-Smith, of TAG Catering Equipment UK Ltd, were duly ratified in by the ceda Board and are now ceda Board Directors.

ceda Chair, Kirstin Hatherley, is enthusiastic about what the duo can bring to the Board. She said, “The ceda Board should represent a good cross section of our members. It is great to welcome two new members onto the Board that represent large sectors of our membership as well as having many years of knowledge of our industry. I have no doubt that both Michaela and Nick will make excellent contributions and will become valuable members of the team.”

Nick is proud to have been approved by the Board. He’s passionate about the technical training ceda offers and is keen to see this grow during his term. He said, “It was an honour to be asked to join the ceda Board. As the current Vice Chair of the ceda Technical Group it almost feels a natural progression to continue pushing the industry to promote all that is good, plus what we can achieve when we all work together. I especially want to see the continuation of the training platforms that have been put in place, being able to assist in taking these even further is something we all should within the ceda family be very proud of. May I take this opportunity to thank Kirstin and the fellow Board members for this opportunity and congratulate Michaela as the other new Board member. I look forward to working with you all.”

“Having been part of ceda for the last 13 years, I am privileged to have been invited and delighted to join the ceda Board. As the industry recovers from one of the most turbulent times in its history and continues to face supply-chain challenges, we must support and learn from each other to progress the industry and association. I look forward to working with the ceda Board and other ceda members on progressive initiatives and hope to see you at a face-to-face event soon! And congratulations to Nick who joins as a fellow Board member.”

For a second consecutive year, First Choice Group, the UK’s leading supplier of genuine OEM spare parts, accessories and consumables is partnering with leading equipment manufacturer, MKN, to host a regional heat of the prestigious LACA School Chef of the Year 2022 (SCOTY) competition.

The jewel in the crown of the education catering calendar, LACA SCOTY celebrates and recognises the passion and professionalism of school chefs from across the country. Held for more than two decades, the competition is open to all kitchen-based individuals who are involved in the daily preparation of pupils’ meals in schools across the UK.

In a new and exciting twist for 2022, competitors are tasked with creating a grab-and-go savoury snack in addition to a delicious and imaginative main meal, using at least one Quorn product (headline sponsor), in both dishes, and one Bisto (supporting sponsor) product from a list provided in either meal. This is alongside a 50% fruit-based dessert that should reflect school standards, using one Premier Foods product from a list provided.

Taking place on Thursday 19^th May 2022, the West Midlands and East Midlands Regions will use the dedicated First Choice Group facilities. Attended by some of the most prominent school chefs and judged by an expert panel, the competition will be one of the most hotly contested of all the regional heats. The winner from the heat will receive a £100 cash prize and go on to compete at the national final from the 06^th-07^th July 2022 at LACA Main Event, Hilton Birmingham Metropole. The overall National winner will receive a £1,000 cash prize, a commemorative 2022 LACA School Chef of the Year trophy and an invitation to a calendar of catering industry events. The national second and third place winners will receive £500 and £300 respectively.

Using the restaurant and MKN kitchen at First Choice Group’s HQ in Cannock, the budding competitors will have access to the latest professional catering equipment, including the innovative technology found in MKN’s Flexichef and combi-steamer range.

The dedicated setup of First Choice Group’s conference and event facilities are ideal for hosting the LACA SCOTY regional heats, as Martin Dagnall, Head of Training Division at First Choice Training, the specialist training arm of First Choice Group explains:

“Having hosted the North West regional heats in 2021, we’re delighted to be chosen to host the West Midland and East Midlands regional heats for the LACA SCOTY 2022 competition. Those catering for pupils in the education sector are the true unsung heroes of our industry, so being able to do our bit to support them, in partnership with the team from MKN, is fantastic. From our experience in 2021, we know that the creativity and imagination of these chefs, especially given the low cost per head imposed on their menus, is fantastic. Joining forces with our exclusive manufacturer partner, MKN, we will host the regional heats on 19^th May, where our unique conference and event facilities, restaurant and dedicated kitchen will provide the ideal setup to accommodate the competitors and judges alike.”

The First Choice Group HQ has been specifically designed to host everything from small groups to large scale industry events. Facilities include flexible conference and event spaces, break-out rooms, and fully operational kitchens. Located in the midlands, just off the M6 motorway, the site is easily accessible, has amble parking, restaurant facilities, and the latest technology including high-speed WiFi and multimedia connectivity.

The First Choice HQ facilities are available for bespoke hire or for regular scheduled courses, including MKN’s Flexicombi oven training. Having developed a longstanding partnership with MKN, the First Choice HQ has retained an approved status as the National Technical Training Centre, used by the manufacturer’s engineers and technicians from across the country.

To find out more about the LACA SCOTY 2022, please visit www.laca.co.uk/scoty.

To understand more about MKN and the range of equipment solutions in the portfolio, please visit www.mkn.com.

For more information on First Choice Group, please visit www.firstchoice-cs.co.uk or call +44 (0)1543 577 778.

Being a sustainable business is important.

That’s why we’re committed in showing how a leading refrigeration manufacturer is tackling sustainability targets through our latest Greenlogic initiative.

In celebration of Zanolli’s 70th Anniversary, Cater-Bake is proud to announce a 3-year warranty on all Zanolli conveyor ovens.

This warranty upgrade from 2 years to 3 years, comes at a perfect time, as we celebrate our 30th Anniversary later this year and our 25-year partnership with Zanolli. With this offer, Cater-Bake is the only partner of zanolli worldwide to be able to provide this level of coverage on conveyor ovens. This only enhances the commitment to providing the highest quality products and service to our customers.

We are proud to offer this additional layer of protection and support, giving our customers piece of mind and assurance that they are getting the best possible quality from us. Buying a new product can be a big investment, and we want to make sure our customers feel confident in their purchase.

When you buy equipment from us, you’re not just getting a great product–you’re getting a commitment. We have always had a passion to create strong and lasting relationships, both with our partners and our customers. To be able to announce to our customers that we are the only company worldwide to offer them a 3-year warranty on Zanolli conveyor ovens is an honour. What better piece of equipment to be able to offer it on too! They are so versatile with many of our customers using them to make nutritional bars and cake not just Pizzas and bread.

I am extremely proud of our team, our company and what we have achieved over the past 30 years. Thank you Zanolli and thank you to all our incredible network of customers.

Steven Lilley, Sales Director

Conveyor ovens are a staple in many industrial kitchens and tend to have a long lifespan, but with proper care and maintenance, they can last even longer meaning means less downtime and more production for their business. This is why we’re so excited to offer our customers an additional 1-year warranty on new Zanolli conveyor ovens.

The Zanolli conveyor ovens are some of the best on the market, designed with traditional ingenuity and the latest technology making Zanolli a guarantee of 100% Italian excellence both in Italy and across the world. The 3-year warranty, is sure to be a hit with customers and the dealer channel is excited to sell and maintain these ovens, knowing that they’ll be able to keep customers happy for years to come.

Contact us today to learn more about this offer on 0151 548 5818 or email info@cater-bake.co.uk

Existing commercial model – boiling Only – chilled Only

We are excited to give you advance notice about the upcoming launch of the next generation of InstaTap, which can be pre-ordered now, with stock available from June 2022. The new InstaTap has a brand-new sleek design incorporating an antimicrobial SteriTouch® touchpad which kills 99.9% of surface bacteria.

Some other key advancements to the range include:

• In addition to the existing stainless steel version, a matt black finish is now also available
• Boiling safety lock included on our 10 litre capacity taps
• Increased height option now available to allow for an increased choice of vessels
• Range of capacities available, with up to 50 litres for the boiling only tap
• Double and triple font options are available on 40 and 50 litre versions to allow for simultaneous filling of 2 or 3 vessels
• The chilled version contains environmentally friendly R290 gas to meet recommended environmental best-practice guidance

Our current range of InstaTap has now been superseded and all models have a direct replacement, in addition we are pleased to launch new models in the range to provide more choice of colour and capacities. Please find attached a spreadsheet detailing the new range from June 2022, with a column listing the old codes vs the new, where applicable.

Due to unprecedented demand, we have now depleted stock of our current range and production of our new version is underway. We can take pre-orders now and will fulfil as soon as we receive stock (currently planned for June 2022).

Please visit instanta.com/instatap-commercial for more information.

NEW small office model – boiling only

Alongside our upgraded commercial range, we are introducing a new range ideal for small to medium sized offices which will provide filtered boiling water. Boasting the same design and many features of the commercial product, it is an affordable drinking water solution to end the lengthy wait for the kettle to boil. Product codes have also been listed on the spreadsheet attached.

European WaterCare are pleased to announce the promotion of Andrew Slark to the position of Managing Director.

Andrew has been with WaterCare for over 12 years, initially joining as an on-road sales representative before working his way up to the position of Sales Manager and more recently, Group Head of Commercial Strategy.

Steve Slark retires but remains in a consultancy capacity and director for the time being and will continue his work with the BSA and FEA. Steve commented, “I have had the great honour to manage the WaterCare Group for almost eight years through a time of transition and reinvention to position the company to meet and exceed the expectations of our growing customer base.

As I am now planning retirement, I am stepping down as M.D of WaterCare and its other associated companies; and it gives me immense pride to hand over to my son Andrew Slark. Andrew has been at WaterCare for over 12 years and has been designated by the Board as my replacement for the last two years. He has the proven capability and ambition to drive the business forward.”

Andrew adds, “I am delighted and honoured in equal measure to be assuming the role of Managing Director of the WaterCare group of businesses, taking over from my father, Steve Slark.

I have been at WaterCare since 2010, and alongside my experienced team of senior management and dedicated staff, I am looking forward to continuing our positive progression and further enhancing our growing reputation meeting current and future customer demands.

Being a market leader in British made, environmentally friendly and sustainably based filtration solutions and with many new products in the pipeline I believe this is an exciting time for all to be connected with WaterCare and I am looking forward to my new challenge.”