Hupfer’s Easy Rider Solves Storage Challenges At Café Spice Namasté

Hupfer’s Easy Rider Solves Storage Challenges At Café Spice Namasté

When Cyrus Todiwala moved his iconic Café Spice Namasté to the London Docklands in 2022, he knew that the change would bring both benefits and challenges after 25 years of trading in Whitechapel. 

Café Spice Namasté now offers capacity for 60 diners across two floors in a 2,500 sqm restaurant. However, the key to the operation lies in a separate storage facility in an adjacent unit, kitted out with the innovative Easy Rider system. 

The new venue provides a light-filled arena for Cyrus’s vibrant, neighbourhood restaurant and cooking academy at the Royal Albert Wharf, overlooking the Thames with views of the Canary Wharf skyline and London City Airport. 

However, it is a smaller site than the old location, which had built a cult following over more than two decades. With bulk ingredients to manage, not to mention storing equipment and accessories to cater for 150 people off-site, in addition to the restaurant, Cyrus knew that storage space in particular could be a challenge – until he was introduced to the Hupfer Easy Rider racking system. 

Cyrus Todiwala said: “Storage is one of the biggest challenges in a daily kitchen routine. It’s always a challenge to keep things fresh, properly stored and well stocked whilst making sure everything is visible to us.

Cyrus initially put all his existing racks in the middle of the room, but it was cramped with ingredients inaccessible or difficult to find. 

Hupfer’s Easy Rider provided the solution.

Café Spice Namasté has installed a total of 12 racking units across dry store and cold store areas, which is made possible thanks to non-corrosive Easy Rider fixings and shelving from the Hupfer Norm range. Installation was completed in under five hours with no need to drill holes in the floor and no need for special tooling. The units join together with a clamp for safety, which can be easily unlocked when required. 

With Easy Rider, shelves are positioned on traversable rails, which saves space because there is no need for walkways as users slide the shelving for easy access. At Café Spice Namasté, the system saves at least one third of the space that would be required for fixed shelving.

“With Hupfer’s Easy Rider system, I can store almost a ton of food including 500kg of rice, plus onions, flour and sugar on one sturdy shelving unit and move it with just one finger. And, I know it’s not going to break. 

Todiwala adds: “It gives us so much flexibility. The shelving can be taken out for cleaning and easily slides back in, which is not always possible with fixed shelving. We even moved the whole system by four feet because we wanted to put freezers along the wall. And when it’s all pushed back, it gives a real open space feel in the storage areas.”

Hupfer makes work flow

Todiwala has used Hupfer equipment since he first opened in London in 1995. He adds: “I was told back then if you want to buy the best, you buy Hupfer. And it’s true. When I first looked at the product, I wasn’t sure it would be as strong as the racking I was used to, until my first storeroom was converted to Hupfer. 

“Then I realised how practical it is. It’s German-built, so practicality comes first – then design, aesthetics, and everything else. It’s not the cheapest, but you’re paying for quality that will last.

A one-stop solution for kitchen logistics

With a long history of German manufacturing excellence, Hupfer’s product range for restaurants goes beyond shelving and racking systems. The company also offers food transport, regeneration, holding, presentation and storage solutions that drive efficiency across every catering process. All built with energy efficiency in mind.

Todiwala adds: “I have a Hupfer trolley too and it’s the best trolley I’ve ever had. The movement of the trolley, the way the wheels turn, the silent rolling of the castors – it’s out of this world. It makes you appreciate good engineering, and I would always recommend Hupfer’s products for their build quality.”

Marc Sumner, sales and marketing director for Hupfer UK, said: “Our product range has been built to solve common issues in professional kitchens and catering operations. We deliver a wide range of solutions that increase productivity, boost efficiency and improve workflows. More than that, they’re built to last, as Cyrus has already discovered in using our shelving systems for the last 25 years.”

Visit our website here www.hupfer.com 


How Hupfer supports sustainability goals

How Hupfer supports sustainability goals

Recognising the challenges faced by ceda members and their customers, Hupfer has taken steps to help caterers achieve their efficiency goals and build a more sustainable supply chain. 

From energy-saving features and 85% recycled stainless steel products, to on-site renewables and lower carbon production methods, Hupfer is committed to supporting caterers on their sustainability journey. The company also offers a Buy Back scheme on all Hupfer stainless steel products. 

Here’s more detail about Hupfer’s efforts: 

Closed loop recycling

Hupfer uses 85% recycled stainless steel across its product range, which is sourced from within 30 miles of its production facility in Coesfeld, Germany. 

More than that, it guarantees that it will buy back all stainless steel products (including shelving) at the end of its useful life, to be recycled. This gives operators confidence that they are contributing to a circular economy as part of a fully sustainable, closed loop system.

Product innovations 

Energy efficient products helping to cut carbon emissions for operators include the ThermaDry drop-in servery units, which don’t require a water connection and offer up to 63% lower energy consumption than a Bain-Marie with tubular element and 700kW connected load. This is based on comprehensive trials that show ThermaDry can save around £150 per year due to the energy consumption.

In addition, the Easy Rider racking system raises the game for dry and cold room storage solutions. It offers enhanced flexibility and up to 100% more shelf space with the same room size – enhanced capacity means fewer deliveries, helping to reduce carbon footprint for operators.

Reducing manufacturing emissions

Hupfer has also taken steps to improve its own environmental performance across global operations, and in particular the Coesfeld facilty.  

Investment in Ventis laser cutting technology has saved over 90 tonnes of CO2 each year and on-site renewables technologies including a block-type thermal power station and solar PV save 85 tonnes of CO2 per year. This helps customers to boost their own performance by investing in a more sustainable supply chain.

Continuous improvement

The hard work doesn’t stop there. Hupfer is also working with an independent sustainability specialist to identify areas for further improvement and improve independent reporting opportunities. This journey will ensure every Hupfer product will have its own embodied carbon calculation under CIBSE TM65, an internationally-applicable methodology for the calculation of embodied carbon in building services engineering. 

Hupfer is also proud to have been shortlisted in the Sustainability category in the Catering Insight Awards 2023. If you receive an invitation to vote, please consider voting for Hupfer.


iCareSystem AutoDose – the new cleaning system for iCombi Pro tabletop units

iCareSystem AutoDose – the new cleaning system for iCombi Pro tabletop units 

With the iCareSystem AutoDose, Rational now offers an integrated cleaning and reserve cartridge system as an option for the selected iCombi Pro tabletop units. Cleaner and care products are securely stored in the cooking system in solid form, enabling autonomous cleaning, either at the push of a button, or according to a cleaning schedule. 

Gone are the days when cleaning and care products needed to be handled for each cleaning process or cleaning was forgotten altogether. The iCareSystem AutoDose starts either at a specific time, for example always after closing time, or at the push of a button whenever it fits into the daily routine. In the settings, the cleaning can be programmed separately for each day according to appliance usage or according to the weekly schedule. The iCombi Pro automatically retrieves the cleaning products in the required concentration from the loaded cartridges. Graham Kille, Technical Sales Director at Rational, summarises the advantages as follows: “iCareSystem AutoDose increases work safety, saves time and ensures HACCP hygiene safety. Unlike many other cleaning solutions, there is no need for liquid cleaners or canisters outside of the cooking system.”  

With iCareSystem AutoDose, employees no longer need to handle daily cleaning tasks, Kille continues, this makes it all the more important not to lose sight of cleaning. Therefore, the iCombi Pro always keeps the user up to date and warns if, for example, the amount of cleaner product falls below a certain level or when cleaning is due. This information is displayed directly on the cooking system panel or via ConnectedCooking, the Rational kitchen management system.

“iCareSystem AutoDose is a breakthrough in cleaning innovation and the environment,” says Kille. This is because the cartridge is made of 100% recyclable PP (polypropylene). At the same time, plastic waste is reduced by up to 50% compared to conventional cleaner tab solutions. In addition, the AutoDose only uses the required amount of chemical that is needed at the time. iCareSystem AutoDose is the perfect carefree package: “The iCombi Pro is always clean and free of limescale, ensuring longevity and lower service costs.”

Further information on iCareSystem AutoDose can be found at rational-online.com. The new cleaning system for the iCombi Pro tabletop units will be officially launched at the Host trade fair in Milan in hall 4, booth D23 E24 D33 E34.

Rational recently presented the iCareSystem AutoDose at eight international events held at its headquarters in Landsberg am Lech. The company also gave its partners an insight into the new appliance category for the first time, which guarantees the shortest cooking times with the highest food quality thanks to intelligent and adaptive control of microwave technology.

“Our development team has succeeded in combining the three technologies of steam, hot air and microwave in such an intelligent and adaptive way that this extra power – for the first time on the market – can be used across all rack levels in a 6-1/1 cooking system,” Markus Paschmann, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer explained in his presentation. The result is an absolute specialist: “It was developed with a clear focus and as a supplement to the existing product range and geared to the special requirements of selected businesses. The iCombi and iVario continue to be the best solutions on the market for most customer requirements,” continues Paschmann. According to Rational, a gradual introduction is planned in spring 2024, with further information on technical details to follow in time for the launch.  


The New MyChef Quick Speed Oven

The New MyChef Quick Speed Oven

Promotional Offer 57% Discount until 31st December 2023

Download the MyChef Quick & Easy Recipe Book or the CCP MyQuick Speacial Offer Leaflet here.

A revolutionary design. The most prize-winning high-speed oven.  Reddot Winner 2022 IF Design Award 2022 In addition to being highly efficient and very profitable for your customers business, the design of Mychef QUICK is revolutionary, daring; perfect to be placed in a visible location within your customers premises. It will be the first oven that draws the end user’s customer eyes. Put it on show fearlessly and enjoy its speed!

The high-speed technology that enables food to be cooked and ready for service in seconds.  Combining two chamber heating technologies.

3D Impingement Air Distribution System, creating hot air outlets from the top and sides of the oven chamber enveloping the food and raising temperature ultrafast generating cooking in record time.

The Convection source allows up to six temperature settings from 100°c to 275°c. 

Models Available: 

QUICK 1T 

• 6.8-inch touchscreen with customisable menu 

• Quick access to 32 recipes 

• Able to store up to 1,024 recipes.

• Available in three colours Black, Red & Beige

SPECIAL NET PRICE £2,832.00

QUICK 1 

• Electronic Control Panel

• Quick access to 8 recipes

• Able to store up to 100 recipes.

• Available in three colours Black, Red & Beige

SPECIAL NET PRICE £2,358.00

Say Hello to a World of Benefits:

• 13amp supply

• No installation required.

• Smoke & Odour free space thanks to the catalytic filter

• No external extraction required.

• Simultaneous cooking

If you would like to attend one of our cook live events, we have the following demo dates booked at Partstown UK Cannock.  Tuesday 3rd October, Thursday 9th & Wednesday 29th November


MKN: Creating the future at HOST

MKN: Creating the future at HOST

MKN will be presenting its portfolio of premium cooking solutions at HOST in Milan under the motto “Creating the Future”, with live cooking shows on stand alongside MKN’s new Digital Experience, which allows users to configure all MKN devices individually at the same time.

MKN’s high-end kitchen technology, such as the multifunctional FlexiChef, the FlexiCombi and SpaceCombi combi steamers and the MasterLine premium cooker system, will also be available to see on stand. 

Corinna Düe, Head of Communications and Advertising for MKN, said: “Our HOST show programme offers something for everyone, whether you have concrete investment plans or simply want to find out what’s new.”

MKN has also announced it will once again be the exclusive partner for the IKA Culinary Olympics, which will be held from 2nd – 7th February 2024, parallel to the Intergastra trade fair in Stuttgart.

The manufacturer will be equipping the 16 competition kitchens with premium appliances, such as the FlexiCombi, the SpaceCombi and the FlexiChef, as well as appliances from the Modular series. Visit the stand at HOST to see the products and speak to MKN’s experts about the Olympic kitchen equipment. 

You will find MKN at HOST in Hall P7 / Stand B45 C46. 


New team, new impetus for Hupfer UK

New team, new impetus for Hupfer UK

ceda Silver Partner Hupfer is reigniting its presence in the UK market with a new team, new structure and new investment to support the specification of its solutions across all UK catering sectors.

Known as the efficiency creators, Hupfer’s portfolio includes a wide range of innovative solutions to deliver a one-stop shop for food transport, regeneration, warming, presentation and storage that supports workflows across catering processes.

Its UK operation is now led by sales and marketing director Marc Sumner, who previously spent almost 20 years working in foodservice publishing sales roles.

Marc is supported by national sales manager Neil Greer, who brings a wealth of experience in foodservice sales and senior business development manager (medical) Neil Bryan.

With a new focus on the UK market, the brand is already strengthening its relationship with dealers as it looks to actively grow its distribution network.

Marc Sumner said: “We recognise the potential for our products and solutions in all catering sectors and the global business is really getting behind the Hupfer name once again here in the UK. We’ve built a strong team of experienced professionals, we’re investing in marketing once again and we’re ready to show the UK foodservice and hospitality sectors what we can do to help make work flow, whilst supporting ever-important sustainability strategies.”

Enhanced solutions

Hupfer’s portfolio includes the energy efficient Hot and Cold plate, which offers fast temperature changes between hot and cold, and ThermaDry drop-in servery units, with built-in infrared heating lamps.

The Easy Rider racking system raises the standard for dry and cold room storage solutions by offering up to 100% more shelf space with the same room size. Other solutions include Hupfer’s general-purpose trolleys for food serving and clearing and a wide range of mobile foodservice solutions and food distribution equipment.

Marc Sumner adds: “We’re fully invested in the UK with new impetus and keen to chat with any dealers or distributors about the added value potential of our integrated solutions – all built with energy efficiency in mind and to the highest German manufacturing standards.”

Find out more. Register on Hupfer’s website for access to prices, configurators and full product specs. Visit https://uk.hupfer.com/en/account#show-registration.


Two Level Washer Triumphs at 2023 FEJ Awards

connecting our industry

Hobart has scooped Supplier of the Year for ‘New Product Development – Kitchen Efficiency’ at the latest Foodservice Equipment Journal (FEJ) Awards, held this week at the luxurious Pan Pacific London.

The prestigious award was given to our global first Two Level Washer – a unique category of machine designed to address the challenges facing operators in all sizes of commercial kitchens.

The award was created to recognise manufacturers producing some of the most exciting and efficient catering solutions in the marketplace. The shortlist, chosen by a respected panel of operators and distributors, read like a who’s who of suppliers in refrigeration, cooking, food prep and warewashing. Yet it was Hobart’s groundbreaking innovation that was chosen as the perfect, winning solution for improved kitchen efficiency and workflow by an online audience of end users, voting in the lead up to the awards night.

Hobart Sales Director, Cara Williams was on hand to receive the award and commented:

“We’re absolutely delighted to pick up this esteemed accolade, chosen by multi-site operators and an influential online audience of end users, and see it as real validation for our hard work in forecasting, testing and bringing to life the kitchen solutions of the future. Put simply, the Two Level Washer stands proudly in a category all of its own – a double capacity, space efficient design with the same footprint as a single hood machine. The true meaning of innovation. Thank you to the FEJ team for a fantastic night, to everyone who voted for us and congratulations to all the other deserving winners.”

Hobart’s Two Level Washer benefits from:

Double Capacity

The machine’s double capacity chambers can wash up to 120 racks per hour.

Space-Saving Credentials

Space efficient design with the same footprint as a single hood machine.

Improved Efficiency

Use chambers simultaneously or independently to keep up with fluctuations in customer footfall.

Innovative Thinking

Exclusive patent-protected technology.

Maximum Flexibility

Manage the demands of both front and back-of-house teams by washing different types of ware simultaneously.

Reduced Maintenance Costs

Due to higher capacity functionality.

Reduced Operating Costs

Up to 35% reduction in detergent consumption as the SENSO-ACTIVE system constantly monitors the quality of the wash water.

To find out more about the Two Level Washer click here.


Hobart Unveils Suite of Innovative Solutions in Response to Ban on Single-Use Plastics

connecting our industry

As of the 1st October 2023, new legislation around the supply of single-use plastics has officially come into effect across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. 

The new legislation bans the supply, sale or offer of single-use plastic plates, trays, bowls, cutlery, balloon sticks, and certain types of polystyrene cups and food containers.

As a market leader with a real commitment to sustainable issues and a global reach into territories where single-use plastics have either been eradicated or their usage severely curtailed, Hobart’s expert teams have been able to get at least two years ahead of the UK market. 

The result is a range of highly effective and hygienic reusable plastic washing and drying solutions for all sizes of operation – from the smallest cafés to the largest stadiums.

Undercounter Solution

Hobart’s undercounter PREMAX FP machines offer the best possible drying results for reusable cups, bowls and bottles for smaller sites.

• Built-in TOP-DRY reduces drying time and negates the need for drying areas. 

• Specially developed rack systems keep lightweight plastics in place.

• Hobart’s unique HYLINE Rinse Aid provides superior drying performance for plastic cups, cutlery, and dishes – saving on costly and laborious drying and stacking time. 

Hood-type Solution

Hobart has created a unique, active hood-type drying system which can be retrofitted to existing tabling at any time. 

• Installation is simple and can be adapted to a specific kitchen footprint. 

• Using HYLINE Rinse Aid, operators can achieve fast, stain-free drying of plastics, saving valuable time, while prioritising a fully hygienic finish.

Rack and Flight-type Solutions

When there’s absolutely no compromise on capacity, speed, efficiency and easy drying of reusables, Hobart’s ground-breaking Rack and Flight-type machines provide the perfect solution.   

• The DYNAMIC-DRY function on Hobart’s rack machines increases drying efficiency by up to 50% – cleaning up to 60 racks or 1,500 cups per hour.

• Hobart’s flight type dishwashers can wash up to 10,000 cups per hour, while a specially developed cup conveyor belt enables lightweight, reusable cups to be cleaned without a rack.  A powerful and highly efficient blowing zone removes excess water via air blades on all four sides.

To discover the right set up for your operation, and to see how much switching to reusables could save your customers, visit www.hobartuk.com/reusables

Hobart, redefining innovation to make kitchen life easier.


Largest cohort of new apprentices will be inducted into the ceda apprenticeship training programme next week

connecting our industry

September 26th will see 20 new apprentices from companies across the industry, inducted onto the apprenticeship course developed by ceda and run in conjunction with ECTA. The induction will take place at ECTA’s training facility in Hazel Grove, Stockport.

This is the fourth cohort of apprentices to join the programme and the largest to date indicating the value those companies involved in the foodservice equipment industry see in bringing new talent into their businesses through ceda’s apprenticeship.

The apprenticeship standard, developed by ceda members, is officially called “the Commercial Catering Equipment Technicians Apprenticeship Standard (No. ST0791)”. The scheme has already seen three successful intakes since its launch in February 2020.

Peter Kay, ceda’s Technical Support Advisor Commented, “ it’s hugely rewarding to see such a large group joining the programme. We put a lot of effort into creating the standard and encourage all businesses both within ceda and those who are not affiliated with us, to talk to us about how this can help their businesses. The course is open to all.”

Two training organisations offer the 27 month course in the UK, ECTA in Hazel Grove, Stockport and NESCOT in Epsom, Surrey. NESCOT are currently recruiting for their first group and are conveniently based for those in London and the South East although those from further afield are welcome.

The funding for the apprenticeship is £15,000 which covers the cost of all the training and the End Point Assessment. Employers who do not pay the Apprenticeship Levy (those with an annual payroll of less than £3 million) are entitled to 95% of the total funding and have to pay the balance of 5% (£750). Employers who do pay the apprenticeship levy will be able to claim the full £15,000 from their levy account.

For further information on the course, please contact Peter Kay of ceda at peterkay@ceda.co.uk or on 07770 848798.


The benefits of using Ramco – for your business and the planet

connecting our industry

59% of businesses in the UK have disposed of good equipment by sending it to scrap or landfill, wasting organisation’s resources and causing harm to the planet.

Ramco (a ceda Associate Partner) want to change that. They’re experts in helping foodservice, catering and hospitality businesses to sustainably dispose of their unwanted equipment – and helping them benefit financially in the process. It’s a win-win for planet, profit, and people!

Sustainable disposal tailored to your needs

Having worked with many UK Catering Equipment Distributors in the past, we have a comprehensive understanding of the industry and know about the challenges involved. That’s why we offer an all-inclusive service that covers everything from pick up to resale, individually to your business.

We contribute to the circular economy

Sustainability is at the core of everything we do. We actively contribute to the circular economy, by avoiding valuable assets going to waste and instead extending their lifespan, minimising environmental impact.

Peace of mind – your asset disposal in expert hands

When you choose Ramco, you can trust that we operate with transparency at every stage of the process. We understand the importance of compliance and ensure that all necessary regulations are met.

We maximise the value of your used equipment

If you’ve got surplus assets sitting idle, the sooner you shift them, the more resale value they’ve got. We’re able to find potential buyers for nearly every piece of equipment we pick up. Then we split the sale price with you – boosting your bottom line.

Do you have surplus catering equipment sitting idle?

Contact us here, and our team of experts will be glad to assist you in maximising the value of your old assets, efficiently and sustainably.