ceda and Cedabond become strategic partners to Autoquotes UK
ceda and Cedabond become strategic partners to Autoquotes UK
It has been announced that ceda and Cedabond are entering a formal strategic partnership with AutoQuotes (AQ) UK, following a month’s-long period of discussions and collective collaboration pieces, to further develop the foodservice market.
The new partnership is set to further strengthen the UK position and align with the strategy of AutoQuotes’ US model of working closely with FEDA.
All parties want to utilise this opportunity to further underpin their collective strategy of consolidation and growth as they try to navigate the impacts of Covid and support the sector as it enters 2021 and beyond.
The collaboration will see the new partners work closely to produce research reports and live market information, as well as create and share statistical analysis to help members and partners better understand the market and plan accordingly. Industry insights will leverage anonymised, aggregated information and will keep with AQ’s dedication to protecting customer data.
Adam Mason, director general of ceda, stated that it was critically important for the association to be a part of the development of existing products and the creation of new software solutions for members, partners and the wider industry.
Both ceda and Cedabond will work closely with AQ to provide feedback on AQ’s product roadmap to continue developing technology to increase efficiency and accelerate sales for the foodservice equipment and services (FES) industry.
Mason said:
“ceda is delighted to enter into this formal, strategic partnership with AQ, as the vast majority of ceda members and partners are using AQ products already, we can therefore help drive greater awareness and knowledge to ensure that they are making the most out of the solutions available.
We very much look forward to this venture with AQ’s UK and US teams, to assist growth and innovation and continue to add value and support to the distribution network in the UK.”
Mark Kendall, commercial director at Cedabond, added:
“After lengthy talks and careful planning we are delighted to be working closely with the AQ UK team.
“Industry-wide AQ offers digital solutions that really bring the industry together and we’re here to support that further with ongoing innovation, strategic direction and support.”
David Demres, AQ VP of marketing and strategic development, commented:
“AQ is focused on fully supporting our customers, especially during this difficult period for the FES industry, and we are thrilled to be able to collaborate with new partners who share the same objectives as we do.”
Demres said the partnership will also add further value to manufacturers and dealers looking to join in the New Year.
He added:
“This partnership, along with our recent acquisition of Axonom and our ongoing product roadmap, is strong evidence of incredible things to come in the UK FES market in 2021.
“Together with ceda and Cedabond, we will be able to serve even more of the market and provide comprehensive education on how customers can get the most out of our solutions.
“This is a time to be united for the betterment of the industry, and we are delighted to be doing this with our friends at ceda and Cedabond.”
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.
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:
Versatile, space saving Chef's Drawers from ceda Silver Partner Williams Refrigeration
Versatile, space saving Chef's Drawers from ceda Silver Partner Williams Refrigeration
The variable temperature Chef’s Drawers from Williams are perfect for use in any commercial kitchen, especially where space is limited.
All models in the Chef’s Drawers range are variable temperature models that can be conveniently switched from a refrigerator to a freezer. They provide refrigerated storage of key ingredients right where it’s needed most – at the cook face.
Our compact VSWCD1 model is just 670mm deep, allowing it to fit comfortably under a standard 700mm work surface, and it accepts 2/1GN pans, up to an impressive 150mm in depth.
Two drawers can be stacked – doubling the footprint capacity. Crucially, the stacked height is just 838mm, including castors, so they fit under a 900mm high worktop.
Made of stainless steel throughout our Chef’s Drawers can cope with ambients as high as 43°C making it ideal for busy commercial kitchens.
Read more here:
https://marketing.williams-refrigeration.co.uk/chefs-drawer/
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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.”
ceda Platinum Partner Hobart promises Fireworks in the first of a series of new inspirational Webinars
ceda Platinum Partner Hobart Promising Fireworks for First in Series of New Inspirational Webinars
Hobart Equipment Division is urging its UK sales partners to sign up for its new series of inspirational webinars, with the very first going live on Thursday 5th November at 11am.
The 45-minute webinars have been specially designed to enrich and not impinge on the working day of the manufacturers’ dealer and consultant partners. Each will be underpinned by a framework that first examines a specific industry challenge or issue, introducing a number of innovations that can meet these head-on, before culminating in an interactive Q&A session.
November’s webinar, hosted by Hobart Product Managers, John Stewart, and Chris Mansell takes the issue of diminishing kitchen space as its first topic. Those looking to sign up can do so today at: https://bit.ly/3eg7niy
Tim Bender, Sales Director, Hobart Equipment Division comments:
“If the pandemic has taught us anything it’s the importance of innovative digital platforms like Zoom and Teams to both our personal and working lives. This new digital series takes our informal face to face training sessions – previously one of our most valuable customer resources – and repackages them into an enhanced, bite-sized product, perfect for reaching and inspiring our busy sales partners. Yet another step forward in Hobart’s digital revolution.”
Hobart’s sales partners are urged to sign up today. Simply visit www.hobartuk.com for more information.
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 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 Associate Ramco's cost effective service to safely remove surplus catering equipment
ceda Associate Ramco offers a cost effective and time saving service to safely remove surplus catering equipment.
Surplus catering equipment, whether at a ceda members’ own or at any operators’ premise, can become a costly issue. Fortunately, there is a cost effective and simple solution by utilising the services of one of our ceda Associate Ramco.
Ramco has kindly created this user-friendly marketing piece that explains their solution and how it can benefit members and operators alike.
Additional information can be found online or by contacting Ramco directly on the number provided.
Latest News from ceda Silver Partner Falcon Foodservice Equipment regarding their "Connected Kitchen."
Falcon’s Connected Kitchen: Delivering a step change in HACCP, Energy and Kitchen Monitoring
Falcon’s universal system allows operators to connect and monitor every appliance via one platform.
One of the key benefits of the Falcon Connected Kitchen is the ability to continually monitor what’s going on in the kitchen with minimum fuss – allowing the kitchen brigade to get on with preparing and cooking top quality food. For example, there is no need to manually record HACCP data – the system’s intelligent sensors take constant readings and make them available for viewing at any time. Information is stored securely and can be archived for access at any time.
Unlike conventional connected systems, operators can connect any appliance to The Falcon Connected Kitchen and they all share the same platform and dashboard. The Falcon Connected Kitchen monitors temperature and operation, sends alarms and reminders, collects data including energy use and as mentioned HACCP, and it can be monitored remotely. And it’s not limited to Falcon manufactured equipment – it’s a universal system that can be fitted to appliances from any manufacturer.
“This is a step change for kitchens,” says Lawrence Hughes, sales and marketing director of Falcon. “Connectivity is the future – what operators don’t want is to be having to use different platforms, one for each manufacturer. Operators need a single platform where they can monitor all their appliances. And that’s what The Falcon Connected Kitchen delivers.”
“We believe that The Falcon Connected Kitchen is the first genuine connected kitchen solution, since it allows any product or device in the kitchen to be connected to a single platform, viewable on any PC or mobile device,” says Hughes. “For example, in our development kitchen we’ve used the system to simultaneously monitor a Williams blast chiller and fridge, a dishwasher, a Lainox combination oven, plus Falcon prime cooking appliances and the kitchen’s power supply.”
The Falcon Connected Kitchen can save users running costs, not only by warning of any problems, and thus minimising downtime and food wastage, but also by monitoring energy efficiency. “A great example of that is the user can get an alert whenever a piece of equipment is switched on – maybe once and for all putting an end to the age-old habit of switching all the kitchen appliances on first thing in the morning whether they are required or not,” says Hughes.
The Falcon Connected Kitchen has been developed in conjunction with connected kitchen specialist Koolzone, whose managing director Steve Miller says, “Kudos to Falcon for taking this ‘open platform’ approach to the connected kitchen. By allowing operators to connect any brand of appliance to the system, they are making connectivity much more accessible, cost-effective and efficient.”
Falcon is the market-leading UK manufacturer of professional cooking equipment and is the UK distributor for Lainox combination ovens. With a company history going back over 200 years, Falcon now supplies operators throughout the catering industry, exporting around the globe. Its comprehensive product portfolio is backed by award-winning customer support. Visit www.falconfoodservice.com for more information.