Liebherr Refrigeration Newsletter image from December 2020 Pro-File edition

Latest news from ceda Platinum partner Liebherr Refrigeration

Latest news from ceda Platinum partner Liebherr Refrigeration

ceda members are encouraged to read the latest news and developments from our Platinum supply partner Liebherr Refrigeration by downloading their latest Pro-File newsletter here:

https://ceda.co.uk/download/17853/

Liebherr Refrigeration Newsletter image from December 2020 Pro-File edition

Rational Leasing option screenshot

ceda Platinum Partner Rational launches intelligent leasing scheme for foodservice operators

ceda Platinum Partner Rational launches intelligent leasing scheme for foodservice operators

Rational offers foodservice operators an iCombi Pro from just £5 a day – and an iVario from £8 per day

Rational has launched a leasing scheme making it easier than ever for operators to get an iCombi Pro or an iVario, with costs from as little as £5 per day.  The scheme is designed to be as flexible as possible, to allow for different budgets, cash flows and aspirations.

The Rational Leasing Scheme is operated in partnership with the CF Capital PLC (CF), one of the UK’s largest sales aid leasing and financial services organisations. CF has excellent customer service, offering high acceptance levels and competitive rates.   

Customers who are interested in finding out about leasing a Rational cooking system can do so via the Rational nationwide dealer network.  Rational and CF have created an online portal where dealers can create bespoke customer leasing packages, including a quotation calculator, instantly.

Simon Lohse, managing director of Rational UK says:

“The Covid-19 crisis has led many foodservice businesses to look hard at their budgeting, “We felt a dedicated leasing scheme would be one way to support them in their growth.  We wanted to work with a leasing company that was not only accommodating of our customers’ circumstances, but that could also adapt schemes to suit specific purposes.  We didn’t just want an off-the-shelf package, we wanted a leasing scheme that is intelligently constructed to offer maximum flexibility and maximum benefits.  We believe the scheme CF Capital has created with us fits the bill perfectly.”

Rational is known for the quality of its products, and their longevity.

Lohse continues:

“A Rational iCombi or iVario multifunctional cooking system will give years of valuable and loyal service. “The scheme can run up to five years and then there is the option to buy.”

Costs for the iCombi Pro range from £5 per day, for the iCombi Pro XS, to £23 per day for the iCombi Pro 20-1/1, which is suitable for producing up to 500 meals per day.  The smallest iVario cooking system, the 2-XS, is £8 per day.  Meanwhile the iVario Pro XL, suitable for up to 500 meals daily, is £17 per day.

The scheme is also available for the iKitchen package, covering both an iCombi Pro and an iVario.  Examples include £20 per day for the iCombi Pro ten grid (10-1/1) combi steamer with the iVario Pro 2-S, which has two 25 litre pans.

Leah Wright, CF’s head of the commercial catering channel, says,

“We are really excited to be working with Rational.  We know that many foodservice operators aspire to own an iCombi Pro or an iVario.  CF has the range of financial products that will allow the maximum number of businesses to take advantage of the considerable benefits of leasing Rational appliances.”

To find out more about the Rational leasing scheme, email rational@thecfgroup.co.uk or call 01279 759359.   ceda members are advised to contact their own account manager for specific information.

Rational Leasing option screenshot

Rational's latest iVario Cooking System. Featured image for ceda website

ceda Platinum Partner Rational introduces its iVario Pro multifunctional contact cooking system.

ceda Platinum Partner Rational introduces its iVario Pro multifunctional contact cooking system.

iVarioBoost: maximum power and precision cooking with Rational’s new iVario Pro.

Heating system is four times faster than conventional technology.

Rational’s new iVario Pro cooking system sets a new standard in precision temperature control combined with ultra-fast cooking.  The speed and accuracy is down to iVarioBoost, the intelligent energy management system, which is up to four times faster than conventional cooking appliances.

iVario Pro is the latest version of Rational’s multifunctional contact cooking system.  Available in a range of models, with a choice of one or two cooking pans, the iVario Pro can be used to boil, pan fry, deep fry, griddle, pressure cook and confit – in one space-saving unit.

The patented iVarioBoost heating system features ceramic heating elements built into the fast-response, scratch-resistant pan bases, delivering precise and even heat distribution.  With iVarioBoost, the iVario Pro can heat up to 200°C in less than 2.5 minutes and the largest model, the XL, has enough energy to cook 45kg of beef fillet stroganoff in 20 minutes, or 15kg of pasta in 22 minutes.

iVarioBoost is so powerful that when cold liquid is poured into a casserole, for example, there is a minimal drop in temperature with a quick recovery.  Equally, the system’s intelligent and precise temperature control prevents foods such as milk-based puddings and sauces from sticking or boiling over. This intelligence assists chefs to achieve perfect, consistent cooking results every time.

Because iVarioBoost’s intelligent energy management system constantly monitors the cooking process, it uses exactly as much power as is required, minimising energy consumption.  In fact, the iVario Pro is ideal for the modern, sustainable foodservice kitchen, since it uses up to 40% less energy than conventional equipment.  Meanwhile, the opportunity to use the balanced power option on the largest models in the range, iVario Pro L and the Pro XL, offers a lower connected load option.  Managing director of Rational UK Simon Lohse comments:

“The iVarioBoost offers maximum power and precision, delivering high quality and consistent results while at the same time saving on energy.”

There are three models in Rational’s iVario Pro range. The iVario Pro 2-S has two 25 litre pans, the Pro L has a single 100 litre pan and the Pro XL a single 150 litre pan. In addition Rational offers the iVario 2-XS, a smaller unit that has two 17-litre pans.

RATIONAL is the leading provider in hot food preparation equipment and, with the iCombi Pro and the iVario multifunctional cooking system, the company delivers 95% of all conventional cooking applications. Rational’s ConnectedCooking allows operators to monitor, manage and update their Rational appliances remotely, from a PC, tablet or smartphone. iKitchen is the combination of the iCombi Pro, iVario Pro and ConnectedCooking – iKitchen delivers the best kitchen management and the best cooking solutions.

ceda members are encouraged to contact their dedicated account manager for further information.

Rational's latest iVario Cooking System. Featured image for ceda website

World Quality Day graphic from First Choice Group

ceda Partners First Choice, Hobart and BRITA Endorse World Quality Day

ceda Partners First Choice, Hobart and BRITA Endorse World Quality Day

Thursday 12th November is the fifth annual World Quality Day and this year, the theme focuses on creating customer value. This is a timely reminder of the importance of truly understanding customers’ needs. At First Choice – working in partnership with BRITA Professional and Hobart Service – we’re committed to working together to meet those needs, not least when it comes to providing good value in the upkeep and maintenance of catering equipment.

Inevitably, 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic has brought increased stress and challenges to our industry with many more worried than ever about the implications of equipment failure. A recent survey by BRITA Professional of professional kitchen workers found 81% have altered their equipment cleaning and inspection regime post-lockdown. One third are also more cautious about costs due to the pandemic and are looking to maintain and mend equipment where possible,

On World Quality Day, we believe prevention of breakdown has never been more important. This approach will save our customers time, money and ensure operational efficiency as well as having an impact on equipment sustainability.

To celebrate World Quality Day, here are our top three tips on how to maintain the quality of your catering equipment.

1) Always use OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Parts

Catering equipment is the lifeblood of any commercial food service operation, so maximising its uptime is crucial to running a profitable business. As such, it’s essential to look beyond price when caring for your equipment and ensure you put quality first by using genuine parts.  The result will be equipment that continues to operate optimally, safeguarding your investment and the people who operate it.
OEM parts also mean you can guarantee high-quality materials and functionality. Such parts keep equipment running exactly as the manufacturer intended, reducing the chances of a failure right in the middle of a busy food service.

2)  Preventative Maintenance is Crucial

It’s essential to carry out preventative maintenance such as descaling, deep cleaning and changing water filters on time as this will undoubtedly help improve the performance and lifespan of equipment. The good news is that recent research has found 20% of professional kitchen outlets have recently introduced preventative maintenance, such as a water filter, to prevent limescale build up and damage. It’s essential though that more of us adopt this approach as without it, catering equipment can operate at an ever-decreasing rate of efficiency.

Even with the highest quality equipment it is completely normal for certain parts to degrade with use. Leaving them unchecked could lead to reduced efficiency, higher running costs and, in the worst case, large and costly, avoidable repairs.

As Steve Buckmaster, BRITA Professional Sales Director explains:

“By implementing measures such as preventative maintenance, financial pressures could be eased. For example, on equipment that uses water, one of the most effective ways to prevent premature breakdowns is by using the correct water filter and exchanging it on time. This can help eliminate damage and inefficiency over time caused by the build-up of limescale.”

3) Protect your Warranty

When you buy quality equipment it comes with a manufacturer’s warranty that will help to safeguard you against breakdown but you need to do your part too. First up, ensure that you only use OEM parts as non-OEM parts may invalidate the manufacturer’s warranty meaning the appliance may no longer be covered for future claims. It also means you may not be able to claim back the cost of the part under the warranty as non-OEM parts aren’t covered by the manufacturer.

Preventative maintenance and servicing is also an important piece of the puzzle to ensure you are protecting your warranty and keeping your equipment in the optimum condition possible.

Ultimately Using First Choice Group for your parts and accessories is an extension of the manufacturer’s service and you have access to quality parts from the likes of Hobart and BRITA Professional. This by extension will help to validate claims and reassure you that the supply chain has the manufacturer’s approval.

Customers are at the heart of everything

Embracing quality remains more important than ever as we look to support businesses in light of the pandemic.  First Choice, Hobart Service and BRITA Professional all hold the ISO 9001 certification which demonstrates the standards that organisations must have in place within their quality management system.

As an industry we continue to innovate with technology embracing auto replenishment schemes which use APIs so parts can be automatically re-ordered. On World Quality Day 2020 our customers remain at the heart of everything we do as we strive to support you to maintain quality equipment no matter what.

For more information on our OEM spares supply for BRITA Professional and Hobart visit:

World Quality Day graphic from First Choice Group

ceda Platinum Partner Hobart Service confirms it will maintain and exceed full national service support during lockdown phase two.

ceda Platinum Partner Hobart Service confirms it will maintain and exceed full national service support during lockdown phase two.

The Peterborough-based specialist service maintenance division has previously proven its capability and managed operations successfully during the first lockdown period.

Today it was announced the team will again maintain full national coverage during the next 4 weeks following the announcements made over the weekend of a second lockdown in England.

The decision for the company to maintain full national coverage was made in conjunction and with the full backing of Hobart Service’s parent company, ITW.

Alongside a nationwide team of service technicians who will continue to be on call for catering equipment repairs and planned maintenance checks, Hobart Service also confirmed their parts supply chain is secure with £6m in stock. Planning capabilities are in place and customer service support staff are available to take call and support customers with any issues.

At the start of the first lockdown in March 2020, the business created a dual business support unit to help customers through any changes to their circumstances caused by Covid-19.

This support unit was a demonstration of commitment to maintain UK coverage to all customers requiring our services throughout lockdown. It comprised a UK-wide team of service technicians and sales professionals and enabled key services to have full access to commercial catering equipment, maintenance and spares.

The sectors that will be a priority for the business during the second lockdown are healthcare; defence establishments and the food supply chain customers.

Keith Mackie, Hobart Service MD commented:

“We have exceeded expectations during the first phase of lockdown and showcased our commitment to customers and sectors that have needed us the most. We are more committed than ever to exceeding our SLAs and we are confident our operations in place to achieve this, the team have received many messages of thanks and recognition for their previous support. Our lessons from earlier in the year put us in a good position for the next few weeks and the future.”

Hobart Service van image

ceda Platinum Partner Hobart UK updates its compelling The Complete Package offer

ceda Platinum Partner updates its compelling The Complete Package offer.

Leading commercial catering equipment manufacturer and ceda Platinum Partner Hobart has today updated its compelling The Complete Package offer.  This supports distributors, many of whom are ceda members, by allowing them to offer an expanded selection of Hobart’s most popular items of equipment via a 24 month, interest free loan.

Our ceda members are encouraged to watch this helpful video and to contact their Hobart account manager for further information.

Members can also look at The Complete Package website to view the products available.


ceda Platinum Partner Press Release image November 2020

ceda Platinum Partner Liebherr shortlisted for two RAC Cooling Industry Awards

ceda Platinum Partner Liebherr shortlisted for two RAC Cooling Industry Awards

Liebherr Appliances has made it to the shortlist of the RAC Cooling Industry Awards 2020 with two innovative entries including ultra-low energy plug in supermarket chest freezers for Refrigeration Product of the Year and full length glass door multideck freezers in the Innovation of the Year category.

The freezers in both ranges are plug in with integral systems and they utilise environmentally friendly hydrocarbon refrigerants. They are suitable for food retailers, convenience stores and supermarkets. The chest freezers are also suitable for the wholesale and cash & carry markets.

Talking about being shortlisted for the awards Stephen Ongley, national sales manager for Liebherr GB’s Business & Industry Appliance Division, said:

“We are really proud to have been shortlisted for the respected RAC Awards virtual ceremony that will be held on December 9th for two really exciting freezer ranges.

“There is the new concept Multideck FGD plug in freezer that we feel has caught the eye of the RAC Awards judges for its obvious build quality, full length glass doors for great impact with consumers seeing food products face-to-face, excellent energy saving features and above all its ability to be located in areas where space is limited and siting refrigeration cooling plant is often ruled out.

“Add to this the highly energy efficient range of SGT freezers for food retailers and wholesalers going forward as a potential product of the year in the RAC Awards and we believe that Liebherr is breaking new ground in these markets. Both ranges feature full connectivity providing data on temperature and energy performance along with key component performance data. LED lighting and seamless white interiors enhance sales, speed up cleaning and promote excellent hygiene standards. Indeed, the Freezer Top SFT 1223 and SGTs 1072 Chest Freezer in the range have both already won accolades from the prestigious 2019 Reddot design and innovation awards.”

Several of the UK’s leading multiple retailers and convenience store groups are already looking at and trialling the latest plug in refrigeration options that Liebherr has to offer.

About Liebherr-Hausgeräte GmbH

Liebherr-Hausgeräte GmbH is one of eleven divisional controlling companies of the Liebherr Group.  The Domestic Appliances division employs more than 6,200 staff and develops and produces a wide range of high-quality fridges and freezers for the household and commercial sectors at its headquarters in Ochsenhausen (Germany) and in Lienz (Austria), Marica (Bulgaria), Kluang (Malaysia) and Aurangabad (India).

About the Liebherr Group

The Liebherr Group is a family-owned technology company with a broad and diverse range of products.  The company is one of the biggest manufacturers of construction equipment in the world, but also offers high-quality, user-oriented products and services in many other areas.  Today, the corporate group comprises over 140 companies on all continents and employs more than 48,000 staff, and in 2019 generated consolidated total sales of over € 11.7 billion.  Since it was established in 1949 in Kirchdorf an der Iller in southern Germany, Liebherr’s goal has been to win over its customers with sophisticated solutions and contributing to technological progress.

ceda Platinum Partner Press Release image November 2020

ceda Platinum Partner Mechline helps operators build customer confidence during the pandemic

ceda Platinum Partner Mechline helps operators build customer confidence during the on-going Pandemic.

Ceda Platinum Partner Mechline Developments, manufacturer of HyGenikx air and surface sterilisers, has launched a Customer Confidence Campaign to support operators in getting customers safely back into venues.  All HyGenikx units now come supplied with a HyGenikx sticker, to show customers when a venue is going that extra mile to look after their safety and well-being.

Commenting on the new initiative, Kristian Roberts, Marketing Manager at Mechline said:

“The HyGenikx range has already proved very popular with restaurants, cafes, bars and hotels across the country who have supplemented their own rigorous manual cleaning regimes with the 24/7 protection HyGenikx offers against bacteria and viruses, in the air and on surfaces.

“As HyGenikx is wall-mounted, compact and works quietly, most customers don’t even notice it’s there, and therefore aren’t aware of the safety benefits it brings. The HyGenikx sticker can be displayed front of house–in windows, on doors, on walls or menus—to provide added reassurance to prospective diners that the venue is taking an important extra step to make its operation as safe as
possible. With the sticker displayed we hope it will help give customers the confidence to eat inside venues again, safe in the knowledge that advanced hygiene technology is installed there. The sticker also acts as a portal to more information, as it features a QR code that will take diners to a landing page explaining the benefits of HyGenikx.”

In the current climate the campaign acts as an important sales aid for distributors, providing them with a more complete package to offer operators. The customer confidence campaign works alongside HyGenikx to highlight to, and reassure, the public that a food service establishment takes their safety and well-being seriously.  The current survival of any operator is not only challenged with the physical fight against the spread of infection but also the psychological fight to instil confidence in diners to eat out.

It’s clear from the comments of wide variety of restaurateurs and operators that the protection HyGenikx offers is making a positive difference to their business:

“I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend HyGenikx to other foodservice or hospitality businesses as it is the ideal complement to manual cleaning. It helps to protect customers and staff, extends the shelf life of fresh produce and provides additional reassurance so our industry can move forward with confidence and return to some kind of normal.”
Cyrus Todiwala OBE DL, Owner Café Spice Namaste

“Reopening after lockdown, we knew we had to adapt to a new normal, add in extra safety measures, and align with the changed mindset of customers. HyGenikx sounded like a great safeguarding solution to complement our increased cleaning procedures.   As it can work all day it is constantly killing airborne and surface viruses and bacteria.”

Sean Donkin, Managing Director at The Inn Collection Group

The technology within HyGenikx is proven to inactivate viruses, including coronaviruses, by using a unique combination of UVC, PCO and trace ozone to destroy these microorganisms. Studies have shown that this technology is effective against SARS-CoV, a virus from the same family as the current, COVID-19, coronavirus strain (SARS-CoV-2). It works by damaging the genetic material of viruses so that they can no longer function or reproduce, rendering them harmless. The HyGenikx technology has also been shown to significantly reduce the presence of MS-2 coliphage (a surrogate for Norovirus) both in the air and on surfaces. MS-2 is a non-enveloped virus that is more difficult to eradicate than lipid-enveloped coronaviruses, such as SARS-CoV-2.

Together with regular handwashing, frequent cleaning, and social distancing, HyGenikx can help prevent the spread of harmful coronaviruses and reduce the risk of infection.  HyGenikx models start from as little as £289, require no training to use and no costly installation as they simply plug into a standard socket and consume very little energy, requiring only 9-13 watts.

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.  For further information on HyGenikx please go to www.mechline.com/hgx


ceda Platinum Partner Hobart UK creates "One Click" complete selling package for members

ceda Platinum Partner Hobart UK creates "One Click" complete selling package for members.

Hobart is unveiling its most innovative measure yet to enable dealers to support end user customers – a simple, one click ‘complete package’ sales solution that will secure a piece of equipment on interest-free finance with delivery, installation and a
two-year all-inclusive service plan for less than the published price of the machine itself.

Created to help end users free up vital cash flow and spread the cost of ownership, dealers can use Hobart’s Complete Package to offer customers a selection of the company’s groundbreaking warewashing and cooking equipment, including its new two-level washer
and class-leading range of combi ovens.  There’s nothing to pay upfront and the end user will own the machine once the 24-month period elapses.

To make the process even simpler, Hobart has created an exclusive interactive calculator, available at https://www.hobartuk.com/tcp/ allowing dealers to add in a number of variants as well as equipment required including; in-house manufacturer costings, desired customer discount, ancillary items, and any details of extra installation or disconnection work.  The calculator will then create a detailed quote breakdown.  There is also a check box option for dealers to make the calculator customer facing, hiding any potentially sensitive information, so an exact itemised breakdown of the package can be viewed.

Once the customer is happy with the quote, it’s submitted to Hobart as lender.  Approval is confirmed in a maximum time frame of 24 hours, with the manufacturer immediately assuming all of the costs, giving end users the keys to innovative new equipment and leaving dealers free to add the sale to their monthly tally.  Tim Bender, Sales Director, Hobart Equipment Division comments:

“In amongst all of the support tools we have created to try and help dealers and their end users get back to business, the Complete Package offer stands out as one of the most innovative and compelling. Its strength lies in its simplicity and ability to remove not just one, but multiple headaches at a stroke.  Every part of the process is taken care of, from specification, delivery and installation, right through to aftercare and maintenance – at a price, and payment schedule, to suit the operator!”

Hobart’s Complete Package is exclusive to UK catering equipment distributors. To find out more, visit: www.hobartuk.com/tcp/ today