Imperial Cooking Equipment Expands Collection with Pro Series Broiler
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A reliable and efficient tool for the commercial kitchen
A high-performing kitchen requires products and accessories that are built to last and can stand up to the demands of a restaurant environment. Imperial Cooking Equipment has been at the forefront of the commercial cooking industry for more than 60 years and continues to over-deliver on its promise to produce high quality, premium cooking equipment for restaurants and chefs. Today, Imperial introduces its Pro Series Broiler that assists with producing high quantities of food quickly and is designed to conserve space in a busy commercial kitchen.
Imperial’s Pro-Series Broiler is made with heavy duty stainless steel along with a long-lasting stainless steel liner and radiant covers. It features a fully welded frame assembly, industrial metal knobs, and a custom designed brass control valve. The industrial strength cast iron top grate has multiple positions to ensure different heat zones for unmatched versatility.
Consistent results
Restaurant chefs can be assured that the Imperial Pro Series Broiler will provide consistent results by cooking everything from chicken to vegetables to the proper internal temperature. With its small footprint and reliable engineering, the Imperial Broiler is an efficient and powerful addition to the commercial kitchen.
“All of our pro series countertop products are over-engineered to ensure superior performance,” says Imperial President, Peter Spenuzza. “When you’re supplying commercial kitchen equipment to high volume, high-need chains and fast-paced restaurants, the tools of the trade have to perform at the same rate. They count on us and we deliver.”
About Imperial
Since its inception in 1957, Imperial has remained a family-owned company whose mission is to be the preferred global supplier of superior cooking equipment to the foodservice industry.
Imperial utilizes highly skilled employees combined with innovative manufacturing processes. Imperial continually invests in state-of-the-art technology and machinery as part of the commitment to future growth. This focus provides enhanced efficiencies, lower production costs and consistent, top quality equipment. The Imperial commitment to their customers extend to service after the sale. When you buy from Imperial, you join the Imperial family and benefit from world-class service and support.
For more information visit www.imperialrange.com.
Kitchenology: visitors can also explore Rational’s ConnectedCooking in the Smart Kitchen
Rational has created the ultimate cooking combination in its market leading VarioCookingCenter (VCC) and SelfCookingCenter (SCC) models, eliminating the need for a kitchen to be crammed with traditional appliances. On stand 310 at the Professional Kitchen Show (PKS) will be a selection of models providing solutions for even the most compact kitchen. Rational UK managing director Simon Lohse says, “It’s essential that all space is maximised in the kitchen, and product quality should go hand in hand with functionality. The Rational appliances provide chefs with the ability to maximise their output, in just two machines.”
Rational appliances will also feature in the PKS Kitchenology Smart Kitchen, showcasing its market-leading technology and the ConnectedCooking feature. This allows users to link Rational appliances to a network, monitoring operation remotely, via the internet. It makes it possible for staff to check operational efficiency remotely, improving kitchen safety, and allows chefs to upload new programs and recipes.
Reduced electricity consumption
The VCC combines the functions of a fryer, kettle, griddle, bratt pan, pressure cooker and tilting pan in one unit, saving up to 30% of space in the kitchen. Its VarioBoost heating technology and the built-in VarioCooking Control improve efficiency, reducing electricity consumption by 40% and water usage by up to 70%, compared to traditional appliances. At the PKS, Rational will be presenting two VCC models, the VCC 112T, a twin-pan, compact unit ideal for smaller kitchens, and the VCC 211+, a single pan unit that can cook up to 300 meals a day.
Rational’s market-leading combi oven, the SelfCookingCenter, is able to roast, grill, bake, steam, stew, poach and blanch food. Its intelligent functions ensure perfect cooking results, reducing staff time and power consumption, while the iLevelControl makes it possible to cook different dishes simultaneously in the same unit. The compact SCC XS model has a footprint of just 0.2m3, and will be joined at the PKS by the six-grid SCC 61 and the SCC 101, which has a capacity of 10×1/1GN.
The versatility of these machines will be showcased in live demonstrations by Rational’s chefs, who will explain how, in ‘tomorrow’s kitchen’, chefs can use the VCC and SCC in tandem for all their cooking solutions. They will be cooking food from a menu that includes mixed breakfast items, griddling steaks, snacks, stir fry, fish, desserts, steamed food, bakery products and a la carte dishes.
Customers will also be able see Rational’s ConnectedCooking network solution demonstrated on stand.
Further details:
RATIONAL is the leading provider in hot food preparation equipment and, with the SelfCookingCenter and VarioCookingCenter, 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 SelfCookingCenter Live or VarioCookingCenter Live demonstration, call +44 (0)1582 480388, freephone 0800 389 2944 or visit www.rational-online.com
Manufacturer will phase out ice machines containing HFC refrigerant from 1 January 2019
Effective from 1 January 2019, Hoshizaki is pleased to announce it will be phasing out ice machines containing HFC refrigerant, replacing them with the latest, sustainable HC alternative, in a move designed to make the company’s entire ice machine portfolio 100% HFC free by 2020.
Since the introduction of EU regulation 517/2014, which was designed to reduce the use of fluorinated greenhouse gasses in commercial refrigeration by 2020, eliminating all HFC refrigeration used by 2022, Hoshizaki has been an early adopter of the latest refrigerants such as R290 and HC290 with the new HC ice machines using the latter. These naturally occurring gases not only allow operators to make significant environmental improvements, but they also allow vast long term savings to be made thanks to a reduction in energy usage.
Greenest solutions
Roz Scourfield, national sales manager at Hoshizaki UK comments: “As global leaders in commercial refrigeration and ice making equipment, Hoshizaki understands the importance of offering the greenest solutions at a competitive price. The phasing out of the existing HFC units will begin from January 2019, seeing the equipment replaced by the significantly greener, HC models, which will also be sold at a lower purchase price than the remaining HFC appliances to encourage operators.
“Industry wide energy saving driven by the use of sustainable equipment is the key to generating an environmentally friendly future for the foodservice industry, and by committing to make our entire ice machine portfolio HFC free, Hoshizaki has taken a major step towards greater sustainability.”
Linking with the company’s recently announced ‘Eco Supply Chain’ plan, a holistic approach to creating a better, cleaner future, which includes a focus on production, transport, durability and recycling, the new HC ice units will help operators drive a greener commercial kitchen. The new appliances are designed specifically to generate savings by cutting energy costs and reducing the life cycle expenditure thanks to greater durability.
Further details:
For more information on Hoshizaki ice machines, please visit www.hoshizaki-europe.com or call 01322 616 900.
Manufacturer expands staff, office space and distribution facilities to support growth
Rational North America, the leading manufacturer of combi-steamer technology, announced today that the Rational North American Distribution Center shipped a record-breaking 10,000 Rational SelfCookingCenter® combi ovens to customers across the United States and Canada. The North American Rational install base now exceeds 60,000 units, solidifying Rational’s position as the market leader within this foodservice equipment category.
Apart from being the first manufacturer in North America to cross this milestone, year-over-year shipments in 2018 show an increase of 50% over 2017, exceeding category growth rates. Rational combi oven market share is estimated at 45% in the United States and 65% in Canada, demonstrating clear customer preference for the Rational brand. Rational employs 150 people focused on the combi oven market segment in the United States and Canada.
“At the beginning of the year, shipping over 10,000 units was our goal. Today I am proud to say that we surpassed it. The North American team’s determined focus on delivering unmatched customer benefit enabled us to grow our business across all customer segments. We have a tremendous amount of momentum, and as combi technology gains greater acceptance in our market, we anticipate further growth,” said Markus Glueck, executive vice president of Rational North America.
Advanced intelligence
Common in European commercial kitchens for four decades, combi technology is now gaining traction in North America where approximately 20% of relevant foodservice locations purchase combis, often in place of ovens. However, with the capability to steam, blanch, poach, bake, roast, sear, fry, grill, smoke, sous-vide, overnight cook & hold, and much more, combis frequently replace several pieces of kitchen equipment. This unexpected multi-functionality combined with advanced intelligence needs to be experienced to be embraced, so Rational invests heavily in live programs ranging from cooking demonstrations, to tradeshow pop-up restaurants, to culinary school seminars.
In 2018 alone, nearly 33,000 chefs and commercial kitchen operators and more than 7,000 culinary school students, were introduced to the Rational SelfCookingCenter®. The Rational Culinary School Initiative prepares future chefs for the next generation of culinary excellence. Rational CookingLive events introduce participants to combi technology and show how the Rational SelfCookingCenter® in particular improves day-to-day kitchen operations.
To learn more about Rational products and services, or to register for a Rational CookingLive event visit www.rationalusa.com.
About Rational
The Rational Group is the world market and technology leader in the field of hot food preparation for professional kitchens. Founded in 1973, the company employs more than 1800 people worldwide. Since the IPO in 2000, Rational has been listed on the Prime Standard of the German Stock Exchange and is included in the MDAX.
The primary objective of the company is always to offer its customers maximum benefits. Internally, Rational is committed to the principle of sustainability, expressed in its policies on environmental protection, leadership, and social responsibility. Year after year, numerous international awards testify to the exceptional quality of Rational’s work. Visit www.rationalusa.com to learn more.
Parent company to CaterQuotes reveals partnership to advance product expansion and further strengthen market position
AutoQuotes, the leading technology company for the foodservice equipment and supplies (FES) industry, has announced that it has received a strategic growth investment from Luminate Capital Partners, a private equity firm investing in software and software-enabled services businesses in the middle-market, to support continued growth and market leadership for AutoQuotes and CaterQuotes, its UK-based subsidiary.
AutoQuotes’(AQ) and CaterQuotes’ (CQ) software platforms connect foodservice equipment manufacturers and suppliers and their customers to market, configure and quote equipment and supplies efficiently. AQ and CQ enable its publishers to position their products to more than 21,000 dealers, reps and consultants in North America and Europe and provide value-added services in the design of commercial kitchens and order tracking. The AutoQuotes and CaterQuotes’ platforms publish over 800 manufacturers and suppliers, generating over $70 billion in quotes annually.
AutoQuotes has become the CPQ (Configure, Price, Quote) standard for the FES market through 28 years of working closely with customers to meet their evolving needs.
“Our family is very excited, this investment from Luminate will allow AutoQuotes to continue its critical role of serving the FES industry as a trusted long-term technology partner, bringing ongoing innovation and value to the industry,” said Kate Motes Schmidt, former chair of AutoQuotes board of directors. “We believe that the Luminate team’s extensive experience helping software companies grow and scale will not only preserve the legacy our father created but help elevate AutoQuotes to the next level.”
Impressive accomplishment
Kent Motes Jr. and Alex Motes will continue to maintain representation on the Board of Directors for the Motes family. Additionally, Hollie Haynes, Mark Haidet, Scott Kingsfield, and Sanjay Palakshappa from Luminate Capital Partners will join the Board as the majority shareholder.
“Creating a market leadership position as a stand-alone family owned business is truly an impressive accomplishment,” said Hollie Haynes, founder and managing partner at Luminate Capital Partners. “We believe our experience growing software companies combined with the 20 years our operating partners each have in the restaurant technology market will allow us to take AutoQuotes to the next level of success.”
“We are excited to be working with a market leader like AutoQuotes, who is delivering tremendous value to the entire FES market,” said Mark Haidet, operating partner at Luminate Capital Partners and executive chair of AutoQuotes. “We look forward to working closely with the team to deliver even more value to the industry through deeper relationship development, expanded product offerings and ongoing innovation.”
About AutoQuotes
AutoQuotes, Inc. is a leading technology company that delivers products and solutions for the foodservice equipment and supplies industry, including an online catalog, quotation and design applications. Located in Jacksonville, Florida, the company serves customers throughout North and South America and is the parent company of CaterQuotes, Ltd., a U.K.-based company that serves the U.K. and European markets. Learn more at www.aqnet.com.
About CaterQuotes
Since our founding in 2007, CaterQuotes has delivered premier technology products and solutions for foodservice industry professionals in the United Kingdom and Europe, including our configure, price, quote (CPQ) software with exclusive online catalogue, and design application. Based in Birmingham, UK, CaterQuotes is a wholly-owned subsidiary of AutoQuotes, a U.S.-based technology company that delivers similar products and solutions to the North and South American markets.
About Luminate Capital Partners
Luminate Capital Partners is a private equity firm focused on investments in software and software-enabled services companies. Luminate partners with management teams to provide flexible capital to drive strategy, growth and operational improvements. For more information visit www.luminatecapital.com.
Hupfer has realigned its focus on the UK market, placing an increased emphasis on delivering well-thought-out storing and handling solutions
With the ever-changing political and economical climate, Hupfer have taken the necessary steps to secure their future in the UK catering equipment industry.
Following the European Referendum of 2016, the UK has hung in a state of uncertainty as British political leaders scramble to deliver a British exit from the European Union that is beneficial for all.
The results of the referendum have had a huge effect on all manner of markets, including the catering and foodservice industry. While the outcome of the leave vote is set to become clear soon, Hupfer has already taken the necessary steps to secure their future in the UK.
Philipp Schumacher, a director of the UK-based Hupfer operation, said: “As a German-based company, operating out of the city of Coesfeld, Hupfer has built up a strong relationship with the UK foodservice market. With offices throughout Europe, Russia, Dubai and Singapore, the UK base can be found in Knowsley, Merseyside, where our subsidiary company, Trak Systems, are also based.
“In the last 12-months, we at Hupfer have realigned our focus on the UK market, placing an increased emphasis on delivering well-thought-out storing and handling solutions to establishments across the nation.”
Clearer view
The first step in this process for the manufacturer was the rebrand of Trak Systems, previously known as TrakHupfer. The Hupfer name was unaligned with Trak in an effort to better distinguish the two brands, giving the industry a clearer view on how their equipment and offering differs.
“Trak are known for their innovative dishwash and tray clearing conveyors, as well as their bespoke counter fabrication for a range of catering environments,” says Schumacher. “This works in cohesion with Hupfer’s kitchen logistics and storage solutions, enabling a clearer line between the two companies.”
Following the rebrand and reposition, Trak is now focusing on utilising its over 20 years’ experience to build up its reputation as a small, local manufacturer with a personal touch, but one which is backed up by the expertise and strength of Hupfer.
Schumacher says: “Hupfer in the UK has also made changes and investments in recent months, allowing our offering to be better developed to the UK market. Back in the summer, Anthony Pettit who has over ten years of experience in the industry, joined Hupfer as business development manager, and is currently working hard on growing our relationships and accounts with key players in the industry.
“Anthony’s appointment has been followed by Keith May who has taken on the role of 3D design manager, along with the employment of two other sales and design roles, allowing Hupfer to further improve on our service offering.”
Restructure
As well as the factory over in Germany, Hupfer are now investing heavily in the production facilities available at their Knowsley site, allowing them to further improve the range of products that are available in the UK. This investment involves a restructure of the factory and a new design office, sales office and meeting rooms. This restructure will also ensure that the UK operation is fully capable of producing and assembling Hupfer products, as well Trak equipment.
Alongside taking the necessary steps in securing the operation in the UK, Hupfer also have experience in dealing with companies outside of the EU. Brexit is set to effect the way the UK trades with businesses in Europe, but with offices all over the globe, Hupfer’s export and shipping department in Germany are well equipped and are able to process everything extremely efficiently.
Schumacher says: “As an international company, Hupfer prides itself on being able to react and change to any political environment. Our team in both Germany and the UK can offer flexibility in manufacturing and administration and will be working hard to ensure that the fallout from the Brexit deal will run smoothly for our customers in the UK.”
Connected Wash will star in the PKS Kitchenology Smart Kitchen too
Winterhalter stole a march in the ‘connected kitchen’ with the launch of its Connected Wash technology back in 2016, and the company has kept ahead of the field since. The new models on show at the Professional Kitchen Show (PKS) showcase the market-leader’s expertise – both on stand 620 and in the show’s Kitchenology Smart Kitchen feature.
“Being first off the block has given us an edge and we’ve learnt a lot in the past two years,” says Paul Crowley, marketing manager. “The latest Connected Wash models are easier to monitor remotely and have very robust connectivity – an issue that had troubled early connected appliance adopters.”
On stand 620 Winterhalter will show its new UC undercounter glasswashers and dishwashers – as well as offering Connected Wash, they have been extensively upgraded to make them even more energy and water efficient, while delivering the best ever wash results. A new smartphone-style touchpad control panel makes them even easier to use, and offers more functions, while the UC warewasher cabinet has been reengineered to give the longest possible service life.
Load and unload
Also on stand will be the company’s latest PT passthrough dishwashers, which include a variety of energy saving features as standard. In addition, Winterhalter is offering the new PT under its innovative Pay Per Wash (PPW) scheme. This allows operators to get a Winterhalter with no upfront costs or capital outlay. They simply pay per wash as they go along, by purchasing ‘wash credits’ online or by phone. PPW includes not only the machine but also service and chemicals – so most of the headaches associated with dishwashing are taken away. All staff have to do is load and unload!
Another stand draw will be the opportunity to meet Glenn Roberts, Winterhalter’s new sales director. One of the foodservice equipment industry’s best known faces, he officially joins Winterhalter on January 1st, so PKS will be the ideal time to catch up with him and find out about his plans for his new role.
Winterhalter will have a selection of models featured in the PKS Kitchenology Smart Kitchen. Here the focus is on how the most innovative products and smart technology are delivering business efficiencies and sustainability: Stand 620, Birmingham NEC 22-23rd January 2019
About Winterhalter
Winterhalter provides a total solution for warewashing, from pre-sales advice to after-sales service, training and maintenance. Alongside its market-leading dish and glasswashers, the company’s range includes utensil washers, advanced water treatment machines, cleaning chemicals and detergents. For further details, call Winterhalter on 01908 359000, see www.winterhalter.co.uk, or www.winterhalter-scout.biz or email info@winterhalter.co.uk.
HOUNÖ’s Let’s Cook Cloud Solution has received a ‘Special Mention’ in the Interactive User Experience category at the German Design Awards 2019
Danish combi oven manufacturer, HOUNÖ A/S, has received an international accolade for its innovation within the foodservice sector. HOUNÖ’s Let’s Cook Cloud Solution has received a ‘Special Mention’ in the Interactive User Experience category at the German Design Awards 2019.
Presentation of the award will be made at a ceremony on 8 February 2019 during the Ambiente trade show in Frankfurt. This latest recognition follows the success of the company’s cloud based technology from award schemes in the UK, Europe, Australia and the USA.
User experience
HOUNÖ’s CEO, Morten A. Nielsen, stated: “We are very proud of the award, which emphasises that we are innovative and provide the user experience that our customers demand. We offer a specific and tangible solution utilising cloud technology for the benefit of the users.”
The services of Let’s Cook are made available via a simple and user-friendly digital interface, which delivers an outstanding interactive user experience. The technology is scalable for individual restaurants to global restaurant chains. The Let’s Cook Cloud Solution for the foodservice industry is designed around input from industry professionals and came to fruition following collaboration with large international hospitality operators, restaurants, QSR chains and other sector specialists.
Based on industry feedback Let’s Cook addresses the performance and cost issues facing foodservice operators, simplifying essential activities for increased operational efficiency and cost savings. The Let’s Cook Cloud Solution may be specified for all new HOUNÖ SmartTouch® ovens and all existing SmartTouch® ovens can be retrofitted with the technology.
Delivering valuable services
Global restaurant chains are experiencing the many benefits of using HOUNÖ’s IoT-based central management tool. The Let’s Cook Cloud Solution enables a real-time overview of users’ oven fleets. It lets users access and monitor their ovens anytime, anywhere, on any device, without a limit on how many ovens users can connect. It is a professional tool for increased control of product performance and user behaviour, which gives chain management the ability to optimise procedures.
Head offices can also monitor and learn from circumstances in each location through Let’s Cook. It then becomes much easier to identify and regulate incorrect processes in every single kitchen across large geographical areas and across borders. Let’s Cook provides the ability to optimise procedures, avoid overproduction, limit food waste and increase revenue, without compromising product quality and the guest experience.
HOUNÖ’s CEO, Morten A. Nielsen, explains: “For example, two locations of a chain bakery both bake 500 pieces of bread per day, but one location sells all 500, while the other only sell 225. With Let’s Cook you can identify and change the behaviour and usage patterns in your kitchens that lead to this situation.”
Quality and consistency
Recipe distribution has been identified as a costly and time-consuming issue by the global hospitality chains with whom HOUNÖ collaborates. Let’s Cook enables the distribution and update of recipes directly from operators’ headquarters to each connected oven. Let’s Cook provides the ability to ensure quality and consistency across all locations. The technology also makes it simple and fast to update the latest oven software to all connected ovens across an estate.
Let’s Cook also offers an online training environment, which makes it easy to ensure that staff get consistent and appropriate training across all locations. Let’s Cook delivers simple and instant access to HAACP reports for all connected ovens. It provides the ability to effortlessly control and overview the cooking processes on all connected ovens, simplifying food safety control.
Preventative maintenance also becomes much easier with HOUNÖ’s cloud solution as service technicians are able to diagnose errors prior to the site visit, increasing the first time fix rate. Let’s Cook facilitates proactive maintenance regimes to reduce emergency service visits and maximise oven uptime.
Designed for cooking and holding, the electric MARENO salamander is perfect for giving the finishing touch to dishes, browning gratins and reheating food
The MARENO high-performance salamander, dedicated to providing a professional finish, is now available from Grande Cuisine, the exclusive distributor of MARENO cooking equipment in the UK. Designed for cooking and holding, the electric MARENO salamander is perfect for giving the finishing touch to dishes, browning gratins and reheating food.
Two models are available, with either three or four heating elements that can be fully or partially activated. The elements are housed within a ceramic, reflective dish, protected by a glass diffuser that increases heat transmission.
Easy to clean
The SDSM6E measures 600mm x 540m x 500mm, while the wider SDSM7E model is 750mm x 540mm x 500mm, holding GN1/1 and 4/3 containers on a cooking surface of stainless steel grilles.
The easy-to-clean unit heats up rapidly, reaching 230°C in the space of a few seconds resulting in units not having to be left on for increased periods of time to reach and maintain operating temperature. Units also feature with a holding mode temperature from 40 to 70C.
Further details:
For further information on the MARENO salamander or other equipment in the extensive Grande Cuisine range, visit www.grandecuisine.co.uk or call 01908 745540.
The introduction of the new brand aligns to the culmination of the Eau de Vie license, which concludes at the end of December 2018
Respected British warewashing brand, Classeq, is pleased to announce that, in line with its world-wide expansion of filtered water bottling systems and accessories, it has developed a new unified, international brand name, ‘EauVation’, which will come into effect from 1 January 2019.
The new ‘EauVation’ brand will be fully adopted across the UK, and the introduction of the new brand aligns to the culmination of the Eau de Vie license, which concludes at the end of December 2018.
Classeq (which is part of the Winterhalter Group of Companies) has reassured all customers of its continued commitment to service, investment and innovation and reiterated that there will be absolutely no change to operational, or contractual, processes.
All customers will be visited early in 2019 to conduct a system health check.
Driving awareness
EauVation has paid tribute to Eau de Vie for the contribution the brand made in bringing sustainably sourced water to the table here in the UK, and through Classeq’s own team, in driving awareness and supporting a shift in out of home behaviour in the delivery and consumption of freshly purified water to support ethical sourcing.
About EauVation:
EauVation is a leading sustainable supplier of ‘real time’ freshly filtered still, sparkling and boiling water systems to the hospitality and catering, care home and education sectors plus many office and conferencing venues. Simple to use, the EauVation’ systems filter and chill mains water supply to produce delicious tasting, fresh still and sparkling water that can be dispensed into stylish, customer branded, bottles.
The unique patented filter removes the impurities from the mains water that adversely affect flavour and smell to produce simply great tasting water.