MONEY MATTERS
FEA warns of continuing price increases and equipment delays Look after equipment to make it last and ensure it runs efficiently
F
oodservice equipment prices will continue to rise for the foreseeable future, and the new equipment will take longer to arrive. Those are the stark
Warren. “Worst case scenario, an under-specced appliance
warnings of FEA (Foodservice Equipment Association) in
could compromise safety of staff and customers.”
the face of what it is calling a ‘perfect storm of challenges.’
So what’s the answer? FEA says it’s more imperative than
“Recent media coverage of the dramatic rise in the price
ever that new equipment orders are placed as quickly
for nickel have underlined the problems,” says Keith
as possible and that they look after the equipment they
Warren, chief executive of FEA. “Stainless steel prices had
already have, in order to maximise its service life and
already risen by between 17 and 33% recently. The price
ensure it is running as efficiently as possible. The two
is going to rise further with the dramatic increases in the
elements to that are staff training, so that appliances are
cost of the alloys used in stainless steel for foodservice
maintained day-to-day, and regular servicing by qualified
appliances, such as nickel and molybdenum. The cost of
engineers.
nickel rose from $25,000 a tonne to $100,000 a tonne in
Most suppliers and manufacturers will offer staff
just two days! Meanwhile energy and employment costs are
training, and many have online resources, such as ‘how
increasing, along with inflation. And while the availability
to’ videos, that staff can easily access to learn about
of components is more stable and is improving, they are
specific maintenance and cleaning tasks. To find a reliable
still on extended order times.
service company FEA says it’s important to use a certified
“Sadly, these are global issues – there is nowhere else to
organisation, such as a member of the FEA Accredited
go to get equipment.”
Service Provider Scheme. delays,
The Foodservice Equipment Association (FEA) is the
manufacturers and importers are having to deal with staff
independent, authoritative voice of the foodservice
shortages and the complications of Brexit.
equipment industry, representing nearly 200 companies
FEA advises against purchasing equipment that’s not
who supply, service and maintain all types of commercial
up to spec simply because it’s available. “It won’t meet
catering equipment - from utensils to full kitchen
the need and, in a short time, it’ll need replacing,” says
schemes. For more information on FEA visit www.fea.org.uk
Alongside
price
pressures
and
component
Smales are delighted to announce the appointment of Darren Russell to the role of National Sales Manager for the Fish & Chip Sector.
T
he new role will head up our regional selling teams
and colleagues alike. As the largest supplier of Frozen At
to help maintain and improve existing sales, with a
Sea fillets direct to Fish & Chip Shops we are committed to
focus on strategically growing our Fish & Chip shop
offering our customers, existing and new, the widest choice
customer base across all areas the UK.
of brands and the best possible service.
Sales & Marketing Director, Bobby
Having started with the business as a
Joyce, said “We are delighted to appoint
junior Sales Executive, Darren’s journey
Darren to our senior management team.
to this new role is another example of
Since joining the Company in 2006,
our proud tradition of developing and
Darren has built up a substantial amount
rewarding our employees and I know his
of knowledge of the Fish & Chip Sector
experience and work ethic will be vital
and is highly regarded by Fish Friers
to our future success.”
50
Fastfood Professional • April and May 2022
April and May 2022 • Fastfood Professional
50
