Mechline presented with FCSI Sustainable Catering Equipment Award
Mechline presented with FCSI Sustainable Catering Equipment Award
Mechline have been presented with the FCSI Sustainable Catering Equipment Award for its newest product HyGenikx, awarded at the annual CESA conference.
Initiated by the FCSI UK & Ireland (Foodservice Consultants) this award is the only annual equipment award to recognise the CESA members’ product that is considered to best achieve the requirements of sustainability in its practical application and use.
CESA (Catering Equipment Suppliers Association) members, of which there are over 200, are invited to submit their entries for this award, which is intended to recognise innovation and excellence in achieving savings of energy, water, CO2 emissions or consumables.
As there are a wide range of products that are eligible, the entry process has been designed to give every member’s product the opportunity to compete and be judged for this prestigious award which is an annual feature of the CESA conference.
The theme of this year’s conference was 2020 Visions, looking to the future of the foodservice equipment industry, and for the first time in its history the Sustainable Catering Equipment accolade was presented to two companies, Mechline and Hobart, after judges failed to separate the two high-quality entries.
Mechline’s new revolutionary air and surface hygiene system, HyGenikx, is proven to eradicate bacteria and viruses throughout the food service and hospitality environment—helping to improve cleanliness and infection control for customers and staff. HyGenikx provides 24-7 hygiene and safety protection and has been proven to extend the life and quality of fresh perishable food, which significantly reduces food waste and cost!
The advanced and compact, wall mounted system, utilises a combination of the most effective air and surface sterilisation technologies available (Dual Waveband UV, Germicidal Irradiation, Photocatalytic Oxidation) to produce Superoxide Ions and Plasma Quattro, which are proven to eradicate harmful bacteria, viruses, VOCs (volatile organic compounds), moulds and fungi, as well as neutralise all odours.
Nick Falco, Product & Technical Manager at Mechline comments: “It was a great honour to accept this award on behalf of Mechline. Our product, HyGenikx, was designed and manufactured using the most effective and refined technologies with the intention to make a real positive difference across the food service environment—for hygiene, food safety and, the big one, reducing food waste! It really is revolutionary, and great that this has been recognised.”
In an independent validation study carried out by ALS Laboratories—the UK’s leading provider of food and drink testing services—the ability of HyGenikx to prolong the shelf-life of perishable food stored in a cold room and improve environmental conditions was tested. The overall results showed that HyGenikx increased the shelf-life of fresh produce on average by 58.1%, or ~7.5 days (with some produce proving to last as much as 150% longer), improved surface hygiene by ~45% and reduced the overall airborne contamination levels by ~76% during the length of the trial (31 days).
The HyGenikx range has models to suit every application, from food preparation areas, cold rooms and front of house, to washrooms, refuse areas and beyond, and joins Mechline’s ever-expanding collection of environmentally friendly, hygienic solutions for the food service industry.
To find out more about the award-winning HyGenikx range please visit:
mechline.com/hygenikx-info
Electrolux Professional and Catering Partnership Join Forces to Launch New North West Showroom
Electrolux Professional and Catering Partnership Join Forces to Launch New North West Showroom
ceda Platinum Partner, Electrolux Professional, is collaborating with Catering Partnership, suppliers and maintenance providers of commercial kitchen equipment in Cumbria, Lancashire, and Yorkshire, to open a new showroom at the latter’s HQ in Staveley.
A launch event will be taking place on 21st and 22nd November, exhibiting the latest foodservice products from Electrolux Professional, including the recently launched SkyLine combi oven and blast chiller range. It will be open to both existing and potential customers, who will be able to get hands on with appliances and receive practical training.
Alex Reed, Head of Sales at Electrolux Professional, comments: “Catering Partnership is a valued partner that we’ve always enjoyed a strong relationship with. Its location gives customers in the north of England a chance to see our equipment up close and personal, and we’re excited to be working together on the opening of this new facility.”
Electrolux Professional’s very own training and development chefs will be at the launch event, giving practical demonstrations on the various pieces of equipment in the showroom. They will also be training Catering Partnership staff to facilitate bespoke demonstrations and segment focused events long-term.
The collaboration will ensure that the best training will be provided to new and existing customers, both at the launch of the showroom and into the future. It highlights Electrolux Professional’s commitment to offering support to its customers, helping them to get the most out of their equipment.
Graham Heath, Managing Director at Catering Partnership, concludes: “Based in the north-west of England, Catering Partnership offers an opportunity for commercial kitchen operators in the surrounding area to see the potential of Electrolux Professional’s range. Anyone interested in attending the launch event on Thursday 21 November or Friday 22 November should register their interest as soon as possible.’”
To attend the opening of the new Catering Partnership showroom, please visit:
https://www.trybooking.com/uk/book/event?eid=9251&
Convotherm go full steam ahead with launch of Mini Condensation Hood Pro
Convotherm go full steam ahead with the launch of their Mini Condensation Hood Pro
The brand-new Convotherm Mini Condensation Hood Pro effectively and efficiently captures steam, both before and after the door of the oven is opened, due to a unique combination of dual fan speeds, intelligent technology and high-quality hardware which work together to automatically capture condensation. This is particularly useful for sites that are looking to place their combi oven front of house as it not only helps prevent cooking smells finding their way around the dining area, but also improves health and safety for staff.
Boasting minimal energy and noise levels, despite its exceptionally efficient operation, the Mini Condensation Hood Pro is controlled directly through the Convotherm Mini Oven’s simple to use easyTouch® operating system and is as kind to the working environment as it is to the pockets of the operator, from a life-cycle cost. Unlike many conventional extractors, Convotherm’s Mini Condensation Hood Pro is exceptionally easy to maintain and clean, with the front grease filter able to easily be removed without the need for tools.
The good news is that as the Mini Condensation Hood Pro can be retrofitted, it is not only for the benefit of new customers who spec it as an option when ordering, but also for those that that already own a Convotherm Mini easyTouch® model, who also want to profit from the benefits of the new Condensation Hood Pro.
Steve Hemsil, Sales Director – UK & Ireland, Welbilt, explains:
“For caterers looking to ensure an optimal front of house environment, whilst at the same time benefiting from the tremendous flexibility of a Convotherm Mini combi, then the brand-new Mini Condensation Hood Pro is the option for them.
By preventing steam from escaping both before and after the door is opened, Convotherm is not only able to eradicate the issue of steam entering the front of house area, but also help operators to maintain a pleasant climate at all times. This is thanks to the inclusion of an intelligently controlled, high- performance, front extractor which automatically extracts vapors even before the door of the oven is opened.”
Just 51.5cm wide and available in two sleek finishes – stainless steel and matte black – Convotherm’s Mini Condensation Hood Pro not only improves the environment by capturing steam, but also makes for an aesthetically pleasing addition to Convotherm countertop models, both front and back of house.
For operators that want to check if their Convotherm Mini model is eligible for a retrofit, then they can contact Welbilt’s sales team on 01483 464901.
For further information on Convotherm’s Mini Condensation Hood Pro or other products in the Welbilt portfolio of brands, please visit www.welbilt.uk or call 01483 464900.
CSCS cards – A Well Intentioned Decision by the Construction Leadership Council Could Cost our Industry Many Thousands of Pounds
CSCS cards – A well intentioned decision by the Construction Leadership Council could cost our industry many thousands of pounds.
Many Catering Equipment Installation engineers and project managers work on construction sites and therefore require a CSCS card.
CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) cards were introduced in 1995 to verify that all workers on construction sites had sufficient knowledge to identify hazards and risks and to work safely. To obtain a card it was necessary to study a CITB produced booklet covering all aspects of Health and Safety on construction sites before satisfactorily completing a multiple-choice questionnaire. The cost of the Health and Safety booklet and test is about £30 and the CSCS card itself is £36.
CSCS identified that there were many trades that were not directly considered to be construction but were construction related in that they were often required as part of the fitting out of a building. These trades were classed as Construction Related Occupations (CRO). The installation of Commercial Catering Equipment was considered to be a CRO and CSCS cards could be obtained for this purpose, however, this is no longer the case.
In 2016, the Construction Leadership Council decided that CSCS cards should in future not only indicate a person’s competence in Health and Safety matters but should also confirm technical competence to do the job they were contracted to do. To confirm this they decreed that to qualify for a CSCS card it was necessary to have a relevant qualification (NVQ level 2 minimum or equivalent). They therefore decided that the existing CRO card scheme would be discontinued and laid out a 2 year transition period as follows:
• Existing CRO cards issued before 1 October 2015 that expired after 30 September 2017 to remain valid until their expiry date
• CRO cards issued from 1 October 2015 to expire on 30 September 2017 and will not be renewable
• CSCS stopped issuing CRO cards from 31 March 2017.
ceda recognise that the decision by the Construction Leadership Council is well intentioned, however, they feel that it is both unnecessary and unwelcome for the catering equipment industry and could cost employers many thousands of pounds in obtaining qualifications that have never been necessary before. They have argued this with both CSCS and Build UK but sadly to no avail.
Many catering equipment installation engineers do not have any formal qualifications as they have never needed them to carry out basic plumbing and electrical work when connecting to services usually brought to within a metre by other trades. These engineers are going to be affected by the changes and will not be able to get a CSCS card without a recognised level 2 NVQ or equivalent qualification.
CSCS had a number of partner schemes which allowed other bodies to issue CSCS cards and one of these was the Joint Industry Board for Plumbing and Mechanical Engineering Services (JIB-PMES) who also had a scheme for Plumbing Related Occupations (PRO) which included the installation of catering equipment and it was possible to get a PRO CSCS card and unlike the CRO cards JIB-PMES continued to issue PRO cards after the 31st March 2017 deadline and will continue to do so until the 29th November 2019 after which it will be necessary to hold a suitable qualification to get a JIB-PMES CSCS card.
Whilst ACS accreditations are not technically classed as a qualification they are accepted by JIB-PMES as such and therefore engineers who have appropriate ACS accreditations and are Gas Safe registered can apply for a CSCS card through JIB-PMES.
Whilst there is an NVQ level 2 Diploma in plumbing certified by City and Guilds which is intended for people with plumbing experience but no formal qualification there is currently no suitable NVQ for the installation of commercial catering equipment.
ceda are working with CITB to develop a new pathway for non-gas catering equipment installation engineers using an existing NVQ for Specialised Installation Occupations (Construction). This has involved the development of a new National Occupational Standard (NOS) covering the technical elements of the occupation. This is only the first stage of the NVQ development process, once the NOS has been created, the NVQ has to be developed by a suitable Awarding body such as City & Guilds, however, this then becomes a commercial decision for the awarding body and they will only develop the qualification if there is sufficient demand from the industry to give them a return on their investment. Even if an awarding body agrees to develop the qualification, we then have to find an Assessment organisation to actually assess the engineer meets the requirements of the NVQ and again this is a commercial decision for them based on numbers.
Currently, many NVQ assessments are done through an online portal that allows candidates to upload a portfolio of evidence—such as job sheets, risk assessments, photographs, and videos—to demonstrate their knowledge and experience. This system is convenient for professionals like experienced engineers, as it eliminates the need for time away from work. However, even with these efficiencies, costs can still be significant, around £1000. In sectors beyond engineering, digital verification is also gaining popularity in industries like online gaming, where players seek out options like the bästa casino utan svensk licens for flexible gaming experiences. To support its members, ceda is considering either negotiating favorable pricing with an assessment organization or possibly becoming an authorized assessment provider.
To establish the possible demand for the NVQ, ceda has set up a simple on-line survey to enable companies involved in installation work on construction sites to record the number of engineers who may need the NVQ. To access the survey go to https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/7TLSL3N
ceda has advised its members’ project managers to apply for the JIB-PMES Manager’s card which in addition to the CITB Managers and Professionals Health, Safety and Environmental test, requires either a suitable level 4 NVQ OR two endorsements by current or previous employers/clients to verify that the person has worked in the role of project manager for at least 12 months.
A Bold, Branded and Brilliant New Look For Welbilt UK's Kitchen
A Bold, Branded and Brilliant New Look For Welbilt UK’s Kitchen
ceda Platinum Partner Welbilt UK is excited to unveil a bold, branded and brilliant new fit kitchen lite for their Guildford office.
Championing the Welbilt brand whole-heartedly with striking red and black colors, Welbilt UK’s new fit kitchen lite is home to an array of Welbilt branded appliances including a Convotherm Mini Black, Merrychef e2s, beverage system solutions as well as the newly launched Crem Unity coffee machine. These appliances have been installed so that both Welbilt employees and visitors can take full advantage of Welbilt equipment throughout the working day, whether it’s cooking a quick lunch time meal, making the perfect cup of coffee, or creating a delicious snack. The kitchen also demonstrates the connectivity of the equipment through KitchenConnect.
By allowing employees to operate Welbilt appliances on a day-to-day basis, they will also be able to experience the benefits and capabilities of each individual appliance first-hand, thus allowing employees to gain broader understanding on each unit which will inevitably allow them to discuss and pitch each product even more accurately and passionately, as Steve Hemsil, Sales Director – UK & Ireland, Welbilt, explains:.
“At Welbilt, we often talk about how seeing a product in situ is the best way for an operator or caterer to extol the benefits of one of our products. Reflecting on this claim, we began to wonder: why can’t the same principle apply for our employees? The answer is, it can!
By investing in this this state-of-the-art fit kitchen, we hope employees will gain a stronger infinity to the brand, appreciating the benefits that Welbilt appliances not only bring to customers, but also to them when they cook and create drinks during working hours.”
Welbilt UK’s fit kitchen lite was designed in partnership with Devapo, an innovative company that passionately completes fitting solutions for food establishments.
For further information on Welbilt, please visit www.welbilt.uk or call 01483 464900.
For further information on Devapo, please visit http://devapo.com/
Hobart’s New 24-Hour Delivery Enables Sites to Order and Own a Kitchen in a Day
Hobart’s New 24-Hour Delivery Enables Sites to Order and Own a Kitchen in a Day
Key items from one of Hobart’s most ergonomic, diverse and compact cooking ranges – the modular Hobart 700 series – are now exclusively available on a completely free, 24-hour delivery service, giving professional kitchens even more reason to quickly and easily replace or upgrade their cooking equipment.
Launching this November, for all orders placed before 3pm, the free and speedy service is available on the most popular Hobart 700 lines, including 4 and 6 burner oven ranges and solid top models, electric and gas fryers, electric and gas griddles and modular extras including a 4-plate hob, charcoal grill and pasta cooker.
Manufactured from hard wearing, laser cut stainless steel, the 700 series’ modular units can be installed individually or with other units as part of a suite. With space at a premium in many modern kitchens, this compact workhorse offers a smart solution.
Crucially, the items can be purchased using one of Hobart’s interest-free finance solutions. Because Hobart is the sole lender and not a broker, the manufacturer can approve the application* and deliver, all within the same 24-hour timeframe. Recently, I came across an article on beste norske casino sider that highlighted similar flexibility in service delivery, where top-rated Norwegian casino sites offered streamlined payment methods and quick access to games. Just like Hobart’s seamless financing process, these casinos are gaining popularity for their efficient operations and reliable customer support, making them highly attractive to users seeking both quality and convenience.
Tim Bender, Sales Director, Hobart Equipment Division, says: “The 700 series is trusted by chefs across hospitality, we selected the most popular products from the line and will be confidently holding them in stock, ready to despatch. This enables us to make good on our promise of a 24-hour turnaround; enabling sites to literally order and own a professional kitchen in a day.”
Hobart UK has now aligned its Warewash and Cooking divisions into one single sales and administration operation known simply as the Hobart Equipment Division.
To learn more, visit: www.hobartuk.com or call 0844 888 7777
ceda Continues Expansion of Board
ceda Continues Expansion of Board
ceda is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Board member. Oliver Booth, Group Financial Director of the Buttress Group, has been co-opted onto the Board and will be responsible for ceda finances following the retirement of Ian Bass of Gratte Brothers earlier this year.
Derek Maher, ceda Chairman, commented, “The catering equipment industry is rather insular, but ceda have greatly benefited from the fresh approach that Adam Mason has brought to the association. This concept has been continued further with the appointment of Oliver Booth to the ceda Board after only two years in this market.
Oliver has come from a supplier background that distributed both directly and via distributors and as he is FCCA qualified he will bring strong financial guidance to the association. Ian Bass’s legacy will not be forgotten by ceda but I am sure that Oliver will serve the association well in these times of rapid change and development.
Discussing what he feels he can bring to the association, Oliver Booth said, “Having joined the industry just 2 years ago, I think I would certainly be considered a newcomer. But with a solid background in finance and senior management roles together with my experience in alternative distributor led markets, I feel I can provide a fresh perspective to the ceda board.”
He continued. “This is an exciting time to be joining the association, as it continues to take a leading role in the industry. I look forward to taking the opportunity to work alongside some senior figures in the marketplace and to advance my knowledge and understanding whilst contributing towards the development of ceda and its trading partners.”
WaterCare’s No. 1 low level Combi Pump solution
WaterCare’s No. 1 low level Combi Pump solution
Specifically designed and developed by WaterCare’s own research at the request of a leading combination oven manufacture requiring wastewater from their oven to be pumped away at a height of just 40mm from floor level.
WaterCare’s CombiPump range has now become an almost essential part of any commercial kitchen set up where floor gulley drainage is absent or where ovens are sited away from the drainage points of the kitchen such as islands.
Having an operational ability to pump away to a 9-metre head and to withstand water temperatures up to 96°C together with a choice of capacities to suit any size oven means the CombiPump series is the ideal alternative to expensive alterations of existing drainage systems.
WaterCare’s CombiPump has a capacity to pump away up to 160 l/pm which not only means it can be connected to 2 ovens but can also be used in various other circumstances where drain water is required to be removed and no immediate drainage is available.
The Combi Pump is available in two sizes, each colour coded for easy identification. The CombiPump4 comes in a light blue cabinet and the CombiPump7 in a distinctive midnight blue.
For more information on the Combi Pump range, please visit www.combipump.co.uk or www.watercare.co.uk/combipump/.
Crem develops state-of-the-art fully automatic coffee machine with SmartFoam™ technology
Crem develops state-of-the-art fully automatic coffee machine with SmartFoam™ technology
Global catering equipment supplier, Welbilt, has once again led the way with pioneering product development by launching Crem’s state-of-the-art fully-automatic coffee machine range with world-class automatic fresh milk foaming technology, the “Unity 1+”:
Uniting filter- and espresso brewing capabilities with a world-class fresh milk foaming system, the intuitive Crem Unity 1+ is truly one of a kind, allowing operators to create consistently amazing barista-quality coffees, which can be tailored to the individual preferences of customers, by the touch of a high definition screen.
Speaking of this highly anticipated launch, Anders Bäckström, Field Marketing Manager for Crem UK & Ireland:
“Crem are thrilled to announce the launch of Unity 1+ – a state-of-the-art fully automatic coffee machine which has specifically been designed to ease barista duties and enhance drinks quality, in every way imaginable. From ensuring optimised water temperatures for teas through to Unity’s one-touch cleaning function and thermos brewing capabilities, this pioneering unit truly ticks all the boxes.
Undoubtedly though, out of a long list of amazing features that the Unity 1+ boasts, the single most desirable feature that truly breaks waves within the hot beverage market is Crem’s automatic fresh milk foaming system – SmartFoam™. This unique system automatically delivers a variety of different milk textures including flat, wet and dry, thus allowing operators to offer an extensive variety of milk-based drinks with ease. As well as this, Unity 1+’s SmartFoam technology allows operators to consistently achieve optimal milk taste, textures and temperatures.”
In addition to being able to automatically heat milk, operators can also keep their fresh milk cool thanks to Unity 1+’s ultra-convenient, built-in refrigerated container with adjustable temperature and holds up to 4 litres of fresh milk. The SmartFoam system also boast an advanced one-touch cleaning technology to ensure that the highest standards of hygiene and functionality.
The inclusion of smart iECO technology is also sure to impress sustainably conscious operators by helping them to save energy whilst Unity 1+’s various design-led features satisfy the gaze of both customers and staff. For further visual appeal, the Unity 1+ also boasts a super sleek silver and black exterior, attractive door lights and a discreet separate hot water outlet.
First Choice Group Host CESA & ceda Service Engineer CPD Forum
First Choice Group Host CESA & ceda Service Engineer CPD Forum
First Choice Group are proud to have hosted the first ever Service Engineers CPD, organised by CESA and ceda.
Taking place on Wednesday 9 October, at the First Choice Training centre in Cannock, the event covered a variety of service and maintenance hints and tips, as well as common diagnosis issues and prevalent faults that occur through lack of maintenance.
First Choice Group are recognised for accommodating innovative events at our Cannock base, which acts as an industry hub for catering innovations and updates.
The event was an initiative from the leading trade associations for the foodservice equipment industry. The forum imparted delegates with key information and insight on day-to-day issues through one-to-one knowledge development sessions with manufacturers.
The forum’s content was tailored to Foodservice Equipment Service Managers and Service Engineers with the aim to give engineers an in-depth knowledge and insight to aid them in their daily roles which can be shared with their teams and colleagues.
Our work with these companies allows them to utilise our outstanding conference facilities, providing training and full-day seminars for foodservice professionals to attend and learn more about the industry.
Find out more information about hosting your own event at our purpose-built facilities.
