Following the launch of the Equipped For The Future research report, Hoshizaki UK and Footprint Intelligence have once again collaborated; this time to establish a facilitated steering group of industry experts to better address, as well as act upon, issues of sustainability throughout the foodservice equipment supply chain.
On 20 March, leading foodservice equipment manufacturers Grande Cuisine, Rational and Wexiodisk, joined Hoshizaki to form the first steering group at the exclusive Soho Hotel in London, debating and discussing the challenges surrounding sustainability within the foodservice industry.
Panellists including contract caterer, BaxterStorey, and foodservice consultant, KEG Consultancy, provided an expert insight in front of an audience of around 50 key industry leaders and stakeholders, allowing for a broad perspective to be given at the thought-provoking steering event.
Keith Warren, Director of CESA, also delivered a engaging talk on how the green agenda is being viewed by associations around the world, including in Europe through EFCEM and on a truly international scale through GFESS. Keith also gave insight into the future of energy use in the commercial kitchen, discussing hydrogen as a fuel source to replace gas, and how connected kitchens will lead to greater operator knowledge and significant energy savings.
One of the main conclusions of the Equipped for the Future Steering Group was that representatives of the whole supply chain, from manufacturer through to operator and beyond, need to be more pro-active in their approach to addressing issues of sustainability, working together to ensure a more sustainable future for the foodservice industry.
Simon Frost, Managing Director of Hoshizaki UK summarised in his speech: “In this age, there is no longer an excuse for inaction. The foodservice industry must work together to embrace the framework’s action plan points to ensure energy efficient catering equipment becomes today and tomorrow’s norm.”
Hoshizaki UK and Footprint Media Group, along with the supporting manufacturers, Grande Cuisine, Rational and Wexiodisk, will now begin planning for a follow up roundtable event which aims to define a clearer roadmap of solutions for the issues raised in the Equipped for the Future Steering Group event.
