Energy saving topped the agenda at the inaugural CESA 2014 Heavy Equipment Forum last month with sustainability and lifetime costs very much to the fore in new product development.
The forum was testament to the fact that catering equipment manufacturers really have got their heads around the importance of energy efficiencies, with products on show highlighting how much technologies have changed in recent years for the operator’s benefit.
For example, the Generation 5 Superior Plus 72 refrigerator from Gram uses just 15% of the energy compared to the equivalent model launched 13 years ago; Corsair’s latest ventilation system incorporates heat recovery; FEM’s Sirman’s panini grill has ceramic cooking plates that save 30 – 40 per cent on energy compared to conventional models; and Lincat’s Vortech fryer uses advanced gas burner technology to deliver 97 per cent efficiency, certified by BSI, while Jestic, with its new Henny Penny fryers, has made great inroads on oil and operational costs for intensive fast food service operations.
Delgates were also impressed with Wexiodisk’s hood-type pre-wash machine that can simply bolt on to the company’s warewashers and dispense with water guzzling wasteful spray rinsing altogether. The PRM system replaces the traditional pre-wash hand shower, using waste water from the adjacent warewasher to remove residue before washing saving 7-8 litres of water for every wash cycle.
CEDAbond’s Phil Martin commented on Metcalfe’s Roband high speed clam contact grill station with the element cast inside the cooking plate, eliminating burn out problems. It can grill an open panini in 20 to 40 seconds and a steak in two minutes. At the same time, Victor Manufacturing’s eminently practical energy-saving kitchen gantry, which uses the simple concept of having the kitchen pass hot lamps on a timer, also attracted interest from the dealers.
Simon Frost, chair elect of CESA, and managing director at Danish warewasher manufacturer Wexiodisk, thanked CEDA, Cedabond and ENSE for their support of the event and told delegates: “The Forum’s goal is to build on the professionalism in our industry. It’s an opportunity to gain knowledge and exchange ideas on the latest products, technologies and concepts. Over 80 per cent of all catering equipment sold in the UK originates from a CESA member. It’s very exciting to see so many innovative products here today.”
More than 60 delegates attended, from many of the UK’s leading distributors. Simon Parry of BBCS was impressed by the exhibitors’ 30 minute presentations saying: “The chance to meet 15 suppliers in one day, without turning the key in the ignition between visits, is just brilliant.” Trevor Bradley of 3663 welcomed the chance to be updated on the latest products straight form the horse’s mouth and added: “We’re also interested to meet up with several companies we don’t currently deal with.”
The Forum launched three awards for heavy equipment distributors. The Distributor Initiative of the Year for the company whose activity has ‘driven customer satisfaction,’ through criteria such as receptiveness to new products and initiatives including website development was won by 3663 Catering Equipment.
The Outstanding Sales Initiative of the Year for a marketing initiative resulting in increased sales of equipment went to Lockhart Catering Equipment, for its annual supplier and customer event at Wembley Stadium.
The Heavy Equipment Sales Person of the Year for an individual’s, company’s or team’s sales growth or contract success was Ryan Clark of Bunzl Lockhart.