Hot food solutions hot food.

Hot food solutions

As the food to go sector continues to recover alongside other parts of the hospitality business, hot food to go looks set to have a key role to play as we enter the colder months, with value for money, good presentation and high quality ingredients the key factors when it comes securing customer appeal as the pressure of rising infl ation also starts to bite.

VALUE FOR MONEY

IGD’s UK food-to-go market recovers faster than anticipated but challenges lie ahead August 2022 report states that “in 2022 the UK food-to-go channel will be worth £18.9bn, 3% more than its pre-Covid value in 2019. Further growth is predicted, with the sector’s worth estimated at £23.4bn by 2027.”

However, with challenging times ahead, the report also acknowledges “the cost-of-living-crisis will place considerable pressure on foodservice businesses as they become more of a premium option compared with lower priced food-to-go alternatives from a retailer or preparing food at home.”

Thus, it is likely that consumers will still be seeking good quality, satisfying food-to-go options - the desire to eat out remaining – but that value for money will be a key consideration.

Addressing the need for speedy food-to-go options, The Sausage Man reports that it has just launched its Sausage2Go unit (made by Flexeserve) which they feel presents an appealing hot-hold solution for caterers across all sectors wishing to off er hot dogs as a quick serve or grab and go option.

Hot Dogs are a well proven food to go off er as they appeal to all ages, are simple to serve and easy to eat, requiring no real kitchen support, being supplied to many foodservice caterers including pubs, restaurants, cafés, beer gardens and hot dog stalls, as well as wholesalers. The Sausage Man say that their authentic German sausages are in demand all year round, not only at Oktoberfest or at Christmas markets.

The company is a UK-based supplier of highquality German sausage and other speciality foods and drinks, having been importing premium sausages and other speciality foods from Germany since 2005, and their Sausage2Go unit is available directly from them on loan.

It utilises patented air recirculation technology, retaining heat without over-cooking for optimal food condition, as well as superior fl avour and texture, and no moisture loss throughout the day, claim the company. Two tier bar top Sausage2Go units are available in 884mm height/356mm width/66omm depth or 884mm height/975mmwidth/660mm depth, with free standing units available in various sizes. “Unfortunately, we are all familiar with cheap, poor quality hot dogs, that have been held warm and presented in a substandard bread roll. Well not anymore – our sausages don’t roll over!” says Jorg Braese, The Sausage Man’s managing director. “We off er premium quality, authentic German sausages, many of which have been awarded Great Taste Awards. They are paired with fi ne quality, indulgent brioche buns with the aim of delivering the best tasting hot dogs you will fi nd in the UK… Our Sausage2Go concept brings a dramatic and delicious change to the hot dog off ering,

delivering artisan hot dogs created from exceptional quality meats and ingredients, made to traditional German recipes, with a natural casing that gives a burst of flavour and just the right snap on eating.”

Currently, The Sausage Man offers five bestselling sausages from its extensive range to feature in the Sausage2Go unit (Bratwurst, Bacon Krakauer, Cheese Frankfurters, Chilli Beef or Vegan Hot Dogs). All the sausages are fully cooked, ready to eat and reheat, and are supplied chilled or frozen, benefiting from a long shelf life. With the exception of the Vegan Hot Dogs, the range of sausages are offered for sale accompanied by luxurious St Pierre brioche baguettes.

“When we launched the 150g Porky Hot Dogs from the Sausage Man, we were surprised to sell out before kickoff! We restocked for the break and the fans seemed to love the sausages so much that this will become our biggest food selling item,” says concessions manager, Dave Gorwill, on using the Sausage2Go unit at Ashton Gate Stadium Bristol.

TEMPTING DISPLAY

“Hot food to go has long been a popular choice for three reasons – convenience, choice and quality. Today’s time-poor consumers are looking for something quick and simple, yet delicious to eat on the move. With an ever-increasing choice of freshly prepared, nutritious, and varied foods, ready to pick up and eat on the move, many operators are making the most of the opportunity,” says Gary Thacker, sales director at food display and merchandiser supplier, Fri-Jado UK.

“The crucial element to tempting a purchase is making foods look irresistible. Whether that is using eye-catching packaging or writing tempting menus, the decision will ultimately rest on how easy it is for your customer to see the product.

“The Fri-Jado MDD range has been designed to offer an enhanced view of your food offering. Boasting a sleek, ergonomic design, the MDD’s layout allows for greater space between shelves and a lower shelf that is 12cm higher than previous models, creating maximum product visibility to ensure the customer’s focus is fully on the food inside. What’s more, the improved design and incredibly thin shelves mean the MDD has a display area that is 5% per m2 larger than the units it replaces.

“It’s also important to consider how the correct packaging can drive sales, particularly from repeat customers. We know that the right packaging creates a microclimate that maintains flavour and taste. This helps to extend food

Helping to meet the day parts

“By 2025, outlet growth in the food to go market is expected to reach its highest figure in six years with 156,120 outlets, according to Lumina Intelligence’s UK Eating Out Market Report 2022, so it’s important for operators to remain competitive by offering the convenience and variety that consumers are looking for in a food-to-go menu. Handheld options produced with speed, efficiency and consistency are the ideal food to go format and quick for consumers to grab and go during a busy day,” says Karen Heavey, brand manager for Kerrymaid.

“Breakfast is a key to go occasion for a satisfying hot snack and when it comes to filling breakfast sandwiches, baguettes, wraps or panini, cheese remains one of the most popular options and helps to add that finishing touch to breakfast staples such as bacon, sausage and ham, or their plant-based alternatives. The ever-popular breakfast croissant also becomes a more substantial savoury snack when filled with bacon, ham or mushrooms and topped with cheese.

“According to Lumina data, lunch has seen the biggest increase in day-part share, driven by workers returning to offices looking for quick and affordable options, and to go options fit the bill perfectly.

“Consumers, particularly the younger demographics, are increasingly seeking snacks that reflect global cuisines and operators can cater for them with tacos, burritos and quesadillas, for example, with cheese as a key component. Kerrymaid offers a range of foodservice cheeses with the taste of Irish dairy. Kerrymaid Grated Red and Kerrymaid Grated White produce a more even melt than standard cheddars, delivering a higher standard in hot sandwich options.

“Burgers are the ultimate to-go option for many, and had the highest share of to go food items purchased with 19.2% according to Lumina Intelligence’s UK Food To Go Market Report 2021, even beating sandwiches as the most purchased item. The cheese slice is an intrinsic part of the iconic burger. Our slices are suitable for vegetarians and there’s a vegan-friendly slice, so we have your plant-based burgers covered too.”

holding time and preserve food quality and food temperature, and that’s why we work with the leading packaging manufacturers to create the perfect environment to ensure food is kept fresher for longer.

“Getting your hot food offer right can mean significant sales are balanced against ongoing cost savings, a win-win situation. As hot foods are served throughout the day, display equipment can be some of the most energy-demanding appliances. As such, it is vital that businesses consider appliances that achieve efficiency, care for the environment and help to keep control of overheads.”

Fri-Jado’s MDD range uses several innovative green technologies to deliver impressive savings. A combination of Fri-Jado’s patented ‘Hot Blanket’ technology, efficient DC fans, improved insulation and doubleglazed glass, means the MDD range offers a 50% energy saving compared to other units available on the market, claim the firm.

The MDD range is constructed from high-quality, durable components, helping to extend the operational life of the units, and when the appliances reach the end of their usable lifecycle, they are up to 99% recyclable, report Fri-Jado, further helping the environment in the process. Another benefit of quality display equipment is the way in which it can keep foods fresher for longer, they point out, as this in turn can have a substantial effect on the amount of food waste.

Launched in December 2021, Pavilion is an independent delicatessen, fine food store and cookery school located right in the heart of the idyllic town of Henley-onThames. A celebration of exceptional ingredients, wonderful cooking and inviting hospitality, Pavilion is the dream of owner and founder, Micah Judah.

“A ‘pavilion’ is a place where people from all walks of life can join together, a hub for the community, a place to build friendships and make lasting memories. This is exactly what I wanted for my business. By building bonds through a love of food, curating and creating the most delicious dishes in a shopping environment like no other, Pavilion can help inspire the foodies of tomorrow,” says Micah Judah.

Situated in a grade II listed building, right on the bustling high street, Micah and his team have sourced more than 1,000 products from some of the finest suppliers locally, nationally and internationally. A large deli counter welcomes guests to one side of the door, while a cosy seating area is neatly positioned to the other. At the back of the store, a glass fronted development kitchen come cookery school adds a real sense of intrigue, and it is this engagement with the customer that makes Pavilion unique, feels Micah Judah, who selected Fri-Jado’s Multisserie and Multi-Deck Display (MDD).

“Not only did we want to have the very best ingredients from around the world, but we wanted to immerse the customer in the art of cooking and the enjoyment of creating wonderful dishes. Our skilled chefs can be seen handcrafting many of our products throughout the day and the kitchen also doubles up as a cookery school, enabling our team to share some of their incredible ability and knowledge with our customers. Ultimately, it’s all about entertaining and wowing our guests,” adds Micah Judah.

“Our menu was created around certain dayparts, with customers enjoying different options for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Each service has an element of dine-in, food-to-go and take home with quality at their very heart… We quickly decided on the MDD hot holding display cabinet because of its technology and design, but the standout appliance for us is the FriJado Multisserie, a real showstopping rotisserie that we’ve positioned front and centre of our store.”

With its 270° view and capacity for up to 60 birds at once, the Fri-Jado Multisserie has helped add a unique and exciting dimension to Pavilion. The distinctive cooking style of the rotisserie combined with the use of high-welfare birds has really got the customers talking.

“The Multisserie has been a revelation for our business. We’ve got customers calling us up to ask when the birds are coming out of the unit and whether they can reserve one in advance,” reports Micah Judah.

“The smell of the chicken being cooked also draws customers in from the high-street, which has been fantastic. It’s not just the cooking capabilities that have impressed us though. The Fri-Jado Multisserie comes with a ventless hood, which means it can be positioned somewhere without dedicated extraction – essential for our front of house setup.”

Situated next to the rotisserie, Pavilion’s MDD is fully loaded with pies, pastries and freshly cooked birds, and it’s clear that this stage for hot food is one that tempts customers no matter what time of day.

“The Fri-Jado MDD gives us the ultimate flexibility. From the simple but clever features, such as the ability to set different temperatures on each shelf, to the energy saving technology and slim shelf design which makes our food effortlessly stand out, the unit has been invaluable. The flexibility has also meant we can offer a varied menu throughout the day. Whether it’s kedgeree, complete with runny egg or delicious, perfectly cooked porridge during breakfast, our own pastries and pies for lunch, or freshly cooked whole chickens and complete dishes to take home for dinner,” says Micah Judah.