equipment news
BE BETTER EQUIPPED FOR THE FUTURE While the pandemic has upended the foodservice industry, it also prompted the innovation and evolution of restaurant and foodservice equipment and technology. Necessity is the mother of invention after all.
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ecent equipment trends have been boosted by COVID-19 and the renewed focus consumers have on health, hygiene, and both economic and environmental sustainability. Here are the top three equipment trends to take your business into the future:
Visually Appealing and Multi-Functional Cooking Equipment
• Kitchens are adopting open concepts and front-of-house prep, especially as the trend toward natural ingredients and clean menus continue. Customers want to see where their food comes from, they want to feel like they are part of the experience and be assured that the cooking facilities are squeaky clean. Visually appealing cooking equipment includes ovens and fryers in bright colours. The new equipment also features sleek touchscreens instead of bulky buttons and knobs. Restaurateurs are also trying to make the most of their kitchen space. Many restaurants and cafes are downsizing for takeaway only options as pandemic directed
consumer trends change the way they eat out. Some of the hottest kitchen equipment includes combination and rapid cook ovens that feature several cooking methods for preparing a variety of foods.
Equipment that Reduces Labour • Any foodservice equipment that reduces labour and improves efficiency is a musthave because today’s restaurant kitchens are getting smaller, not to mention the reduction of staff caused by COVID-19. Equipment that saves on labour and makes training easier, along with technology that is simple, is the trend.
Automated Technology • Even before the pandemic, customers expected fast service, personalisation, and convenience, including a more convenient and customised dining experience, COVID-19 set this expectation into overdrive. The foodservice industry responded with contactless ordering and payment, digital menus, and atthe-table technology. Restaurants stand to benefit from this adoption of technology, not only as it
streamlines operation, but as it also enables operators to learn more about guests through the data the technology collects.
Stoddart Gets a New Showroom! Stoddart New Zealand was established in 2018, as an extension of the successful Stoddart business in Australia. Its aim is to provide quality products and services to hospitality businesses, councils and private enterprises in New Zealand. Stoddart continue to be Australia’s premier suppliers of food service equipment and are once again expanding their footprint in New Zealand with a larger warehouse, demonstration kitchen, showroom, and additional products and brands. Stoddart’s signature is their ability to combine traditional and high-level customer service with the complexities and technological demands of kitchens today. With a 22,500 m2 manufacturing facility in Brisbane, acquisitions undertaken, and new brands launched, Stoddart NZ has moved to a larger warehouse, showroom, demonstration kitchen and office located in Mangere, Auckland. The new showroom will have its official opening next month.
