The FEA LET Forum, which was free for distributor companies to attend, presented a great opportunity for new and existing team members to build supplier network relationships and get hands on with sector innovations.
The ticket involved one and a half days of LET Forum access, where attendees met supplier companies and experienced the latest in light equipment and tableware innovations.
Twenty two LET suppliers and one competition sponsor were presenting including: Amefa GB, Bluestem Group, Bolsius Group, Cambro, Catertherm, Chef Set, Contacto, Dynamic, Dayes, Dualit, FEM, Grunwerg, Lifetime Brands Europe, Metcalfe, Mitchell & Cooper, Nimbus Products, Signature FSE, TableCraft, Thunder Group UK, Waring Professional, WMF Professional Tableware, and Zodiac Stainless Products, with Ohaus - competition sponsor.
Split across a day and a half, supplier companies showcased their latest innovations and design concepts through mini demonstrations and hands-on sessions. Distributors in attendance learned about the latest gadgets, trends, and innovations in the foodservice light equipment market.
Attendees also experienced the shape, feel, and performance of latest products in the sector. One of key themes across the mini presentations was that companies were finding the market challenging. The products showcased at the LET Forum could be used across the hospitality industry in hotels, hospitals, schools, care home, restaurants and sports stadia.
Cambro showcased a variety of their products, including its square storage containers which have different coloured lids to indicate which food items should be placed in them. For example red is for meat, blue for fish, and green for vegetables. Cambro said that the personalisation of trays was becoming more popular, with hospitals, for example, looking to have their branding, logo or a QR code on them.
Catertherm’s Food Display Trolleys feature ‘pioneering catering technology’ such as invisible induction warming and a celebrated Hot & Cold Plate which allows the user to control the temperature between -5°c and +140°c.
Chef Set showcased a variety of cost-effective products including pizza equipment, grills, skewers, knife sharpeners and a counterfeit note detector. Dayes shared how their woodware range had exceeded their expectations.
Metcalfe had its new Cycloid X Toaster on display, which can toast up to 450 slices of bread an hour. The product, which they say is easy to use and clean, has a Smart Heat toasting chamber that offers a 30-40% improvement in energy efficiency.
TableCraft pointed out that they have the largest range of taco holders in the UK. FEM highlighted the strength of their handles for transporting heavy foods by standing on them. Michell & Cooper, which described its products as ‘dependable and quality’, showcased their can openers that have a lifetime warranty.
To celebrate their 30th anniversary Lifetime Brands Europe launched a new range of products. Some of the key trends highlighted by the sales representatives were the colour sky blue and the popularity of bubble tea.
Waring Professional is an American company with a range of blenders that can be used in care homes to help feed healthy meals to patients with dysphagia.
The FEA is the independent, authoritative voice of the foodservice equipment industry, representing over 160 companies who supply, service and maintain all types of commercial catering equipment - from utensils to full kitchen schemes.
The event was also an opportunity to network with industry peers in an informal environment during the LET sessions and social events.
Henry Stephenson won the Donald Bird Award for his ‘outstanding contribution’ to the light equipment and tableware sector. This was not his first trip to the podium on the evening as Stephensons also won the Group Distributor of the Year Award, beating runner-up Hugh Jordan.
Henry represents the fifth generation of the family to be involved, taking over as managing director from his father in 2009. He paid tribute to the company’s ‘loyal and supportive’ team.
Waltons and Company won Independent Distributor of the Year accolade, with Kitchequip and WV Howe also shortlisted. Emma Barker from Brakes Catering Equipment was named Sales Professional of the Year, ahead of Marco Muraro from Stephensons and Kitchequip’s Andy Smart. Emma won a prestigious trophy, a free place on FEA’s CFSP course and £500.
Paula Sherlock, chair of the FEA’s LET product group said: “These awards recognise those distributors who have done the most to support and promote sales of light equipment and tableware.”
A raffle on the night raised £1,590 for industry charity Hospitality Action, which has been supporting the UK hospitality industry since 1837. Over the past 180 years, they’ve helped hundreds of thousands of hospitality people who’ve found themselves in difficulty or crisis.
Attendees enjoyed a three-course dinner, pub quiz and DJ. John Cunningham, chief executive of the FEA, encouraged attendees to sign up to the Table Top Trends newsletter to stay up to date with the latest information and trends.