News – Page 74

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.”

by Guy

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/.

by Guy

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.

by Guy

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.

by Guy

Hatherley Services MLP Award First Choice Training

Hatherley Commercial Services’ engineer Sam Clarke has become the first candidate on the First Choice Group’s managed learning programme (MLP) to complete all his ACS assessments and become fully gas safe accredited.

Martin Dagnall, Technical and Training Manager at First Choice Group, said: “I was very proud to present Sam with a technical achievement award and personal gift from First Choice Training.

“This award was to recognise Sam’s hard work and dedication during his MLP to become a gas technician.”

First Choice Group have a variety of training courses and assessments to cater to both experienced gas engineers and new entries.

Clarke was one of the first candidates on the programme and took just over 1 year to complete this and become fully accredited. He completed five weeks’ training at First Choice’s training centre in Cannock as well as working with colleges to produce a portfolio of demonstrated work.

First Choice Group Training is certified by Logic Certification to run courses and carry out assessments under the Nationally Accredited Certification Scheme for Gas Fitting Operatives (ACS). As well as the Managed Learning Programme for Non-Domestic Catering new entrants.

In addition, First Choice Group Training runs its own City & Guilds accredited electrical competency course.

As an approved training partner for key manufacturers and leading brands, First Choice Group Training delivers training in fully functional professional kitchens which utilise the manufacturer’s own equipment while harnessing the very latest in educational technology.

For technicians undertaking their reassessments, First Choice Group understand the importance of returning to work as soon as possible. Often technicians will be off the road for a relatively short period of time and this is due to our 100% focus on catering and also our commitment to a maximum of 2 to 1 assessments. We are focused on assessing the technicians in a calm and relaxed atmosphere.

Our training exposes the risks involved within gas engineering and how to prevent gas leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. We also promote and instruct the importance of taking care of your gas appliances.

Full details of First Choice Group Training’s calendar of training courses and events can be found here.

Gas Safe Kits are also available and stocked from First Choice, a must have for all gas trained catering engineers to have as part of their van stocks (part number 706003 or 706020) https://www.firstchoice-cs.co.uk/media-centre/van-stock-brochures/, page 104.

by Peter

Merrychef Launches Ready Recipes – A Tailored Online Recipe Resource

Merrychef, a leading high-speed oven brand from ceda Platinum Partner Welbilt, today launches the innovative ‘Ready Recipes’, a downloadable resource which provides hundreds of recipes at the click of a button. Designed with chefs, caterers and independent businesses in mind, the recipes are carefully tailored to the Merrychef product portfolio for the perfect result, every time.

Boasting a library of over 600 recipes, with more to come from Merrychef’s development team, the dedicated Ready Recipes website provides free and instant online access to a range of model-specific cooking profiles which are easily transferred to the customer’s personal e-cookbook. This e-cookbook is then downloaded to the customer’s Merrychef high speed oven via a USB, allowing customers to develop their menus with ultimate ease.

An intuitive filter system allows operators to search through a library of model-specific recipes. Each recipe featured has been rigorously performance-tested at the Merrychef culinary centre to ensure operators achieve perfect serving temperatures and top-quality results, with each recipe precisely honed to the customer’s exact model. Caterers can also filter through the extensive library of recipes by course or cuisine which further enhances customisation.

For recipe choice with extra finesse, Merrychef has also uploaded a variety of signature dishes to the new Ready Recipes website. Created by chefs from around the world, these show-stopping dishes are accessed via the ‘Chefs World’ tab on the culinary website.

Colin Lacey, Managing Director of Merrychef, commented: “Thanks to the launch of Ready Recipes, customers will be able to take full advantage of the incredible culinary capabilities of Merrychef high speed ovens. We want to help our customers expand their menu choice and ensure they are able to easily deliver the high quality, fast-paced food service that has become synonymous with Merrychef ovens.”

For more information on Ready Recipes and tips on how to create a profile, please visit
https://www.merrychef.com/culinary

by Peter

Electrolux Professional Adds Comprehensive Beverage Systems and Soft Serve Range to UK Offering

ceda Platinum Partner, Electrolux Professional, has launched its Beverage Systems and Soft Serve range to the UK market, in a move which consolidates its position as the OnE global business partner providing Food, Beverage and Laundry.

The hot, chilled, and frozen beverage equipment portfolio incorporates the high-quality finish and performance currently associated with Electrolux Professional’s extensive range of commercial kitchen equipment. Crucially, it now ensures a comprehensive foodservice solution can be offered to all customers, contributing to greater profits and superior sustainability.

Alex Reed, UK & Ireland Foodservice Sales Manager at Electrolux Professional, comments: “We know that there is an increasing demand for high-quality beverages, whether that is a premium cappuccino or a perfectly-served ice cream. By expanding our foodservice offering to incorporate beverage, we are ensuring that customers can access this expanding revenue stream.

“It also presents a single point of contact for those in the foodservice market, which provides consistency and helps to overcome issues associated with having multiple suppliers.”

There are a number of product types in the range, including:

Coffee brewers, grinders and espresso machines;
Chilled beverage dispensers and juicers;
Frozen granita dispensers, frozen cream dispensers, and soft ice cream dispensers.

Within each of these categories there are a variety of customisation options, offering a significant amount of versatility for a number of applications.

The range has been subject to several years of R&D, following the acquisition of three major beverage brands. This is underpinned by a two-years parts and labour warranty, which is in line with Electrolux Professional’s foodservice range and beyond the industry standard.

There are a number of unique features across the range, best highlighted by the innovative functionality of the PrecisionBrew line of shuttle coffee brewers. For example, the Java-Tate technology provides gentle stirring of the coffee to maintain a consistent quality and taste, helping it to last up to twice as long as other coffee brewers.

Alex continues: “Our range of beverage equipment has been designed to bring a host of innovative features to the market, as well as a convenient single point of contact for customers. By operating as the OnE global business partner in food, beverage and laundry, we are able to provide an unparalleled level of consistency across the brand.”

He concludes: “To support the launch of the new beverage line, we have also made a significant investment into our Center of Excellence, transforming it into a fully operational showroom. This highlights our ability to both test and demonstrate foodservice equipment, instilling confidence in our customers and allowing for a truly unique hands-on experience.”

To view Electrolux Professional’s range of beverage and soft serve products, please visit: https://professional.electrolux.co.uk/

by Peter

Rational Underlines Commitment to the UK

In the face of Brexit, ceda Platinum Partner Rational moves to support UK customers.

“Whatever happens, Rational is totally committed to the UK market.” That’s the statement of intent from the UK’s largest combi oven supplier, and one of the world’s top foodservice equipment brands. Rational UK’s managing director, Simon Lohse, says, “The company is very positive about its future in the UK, and is making plans to ensure that any potential disruption does not impact on its customers.”

Rational has already invested heavily in areas such as increased stock in the UK. In addition, while the company normally builds to order, it has recently introduced a new policy tailored to help speed up response times for UK customers, so that it can keep up with demand.

Rational invented the combi steamer back in the 1970s and its SelfCookingCenter is now the UK’s favourite combi oven. In the VarioCookingCenter, Rational has another market-leading appliance. Rational UK was one of the German company’s first overseas divisions. The subsidiary was established in 1991 and has seen continued growth, year on year. In the UK and Ireland, the company has a workforce of 72 and, despite tough economic conditions in 2019, Rational UK sales continue to grow

In addition to increasing stocks in the UK, Rational have a number of contingency plans, so whatever happens in the face of Brexit, Rational will continue to deliver a high level of support to the UK and Irish market.

Rational is working closely with its key UK distributors to ensure that they are aware of the plans and the support the company can offer them.

Key to the continued success of Rational UK has been its relationship with its parent company. Lohse comments, “Our German colleagues have been hugely supportive in the investments we have had to make in the UK to prepare for any Brexit scenarios. We hope our forward planning for future growth, and our continued investment in the UK market, will give our customers and distributors some peace of mind.”

RATIONAL is the leading provider in hot food preparation equipment and, with the VarioCookingCenter and SelfCookingCenter, the company delivers all a commercial kitchen’s thermal cooking requirements. Together, the two appliances offer the best cooking solutions. For information and brochures, or to come to a free VarioCookingCenter Live or SelfCookingCenter Live demonstration, call +44 (0)1582 480388, freephone 0800 389 2944 or visit www.rational-online.com

by Peter

WaterCare are proud to announce the launch of WaterCare Recycling initiative.

WaterCare are Proud to Announce the Launch of WaterCare Recycling Initiative

Building on WaterCare’s core philosophy of providing the eco-friendliest water treatment products available on the market today, it was a natural decision for them to progress this and develop a new area of our business dedicated to the recycling and re purposing of ALL water filters.

Therefore, WaterCare are now able to recycle and re-purpose ALL types of plastic and aluminium water filters using their newly operational recycling facility at their Head Offices in Harlow, Essex. They are also able to regenerate the expired resin from within these water filters to be used in future manufacture of new water filters.

The added value and service this new operation provides means that not only can you purchase your water filters, made right here in the UK by WaterCare, but you can also utilise this facility and help reduce plastic waste from filters to zero. In addition, all components of any expired, unwanted or end-of-line water filters will be re-purposed or regenerated for future manufacture in their products.

WaterCare’s ability to use the recycled, high quality, raw materials in the production of their water filters is a key element in their efforts to protect the environment and continues their aim to become the most sustainable producer of water treatment products. It also offers their clients the opportunity to deliver a strong and transparent message, both internally and to their customers, that they are passionately committed to reducing plastic waste throughout the industry through the supply of sustainable, eco-friendly water filters from WaterCare.

How do you get involved? Simple!

Either send your unwanted water filters back to WaterCare for recycling or contact them with details on how many you have to return, and they will have them collected from you, free of charge! *

What type of Water Filters can you send back to WaterCare Recycling?

Any Water Filter! WaterCare can recycle all major brands of filter; Brita, BWT, Everpure, 3M and all other manufacturers.

*Free Collection is dependent on location and volume. Please contact WaterCare for more details and to discuss your requirements on 01279 780250 or email info@watercare.co.uk.

by Peter

TAG Team Defend Cyclone24 Title & Beat Lap Record

A team from TAG Catering Equipment UK Ltd have beaten the Welsh record and defended their 2018 title by winning the non-stop 24-hour track cycling challenge Cyclone24.

Cyclone24 is the UK’s original velodrome cycle challenge that pitches teams against each other over 24 hours in a relay format. The TAG Team won the 2018 Newport event and once again took the track this year from 20th to 21st October at The Geraint Thomas National Velodrome of Wales.

Starting at midday on Sunday the team of six lead by Project & Creative Director, Tyron Stephens-Smith rode 3884 laps, equivalent to 971,000 metres or 603 miles. The total distance ridden is further than London to Inverness.

This also beats the Welsh velodrome record of 3836 laps previously broken by TAG in 2018. The team also posted the fast lap time of 14.624 seconds.

“2018 was a real challenge and one of the hardest things I’ve done both mentally and
physically” commented Tyron.

“To return for 2019, take the win, beat the lap record and post the fastest lap time is beyond anything we could have imagined. But it was tougher in every way than 2018!”

The TAG Team took on the challenge in 2019 intending to raise £1,250 for the Velindre
Cancer Centre in Wales. Velindre is Wales’ premier cancer centre providing treatment, care and support to patients and their families.

“Velindre have been great in treating someone close to the team and we are delighted to
have so far raised over £2,000. Thank you to everyone who has donated, it has made the
challenge worthwhile” concluded Tyron.

If you’d like to donate to the challenge please visit the TAG team’s GoFundMe page at
https://www.gofundme.com/f/y5x5ay-24-hour-bike-race