The Shortlist
Congratulations to all who made it through to the finals which will be judged on contestants' stands at the show on 20 January at the NEC.
Food & Drink
A diverse range of products were short-listed for the Hospitality Week New Product Awards in the Food & Drink category. These products will now be judged at the exhibition when the panel of judges will visit the companies on the stand to select the Gold, Silver and Bronze Award winners.
The panel of judges is Stefan Breg, Food & Beverage Director, Hilton UK & Ireland; Peter Gordon, chef and restaurateur (The Providores); Jackie Mitchell, Food & Drink Contributor, Catering Update; Steve Munkley, executive chef, Royal Garden Hotel; Steven Poole, director, The Food Bureau; and Christopher Thompson, director, The Millennium Conference Centre.; David Nicholls, The Mandarin Oriental; Andrew Powis, Stirling Food Service Design; Claire Keene, The Grosvenor House Hotel; Bruce Whitehall, Freelance Writer; Neil Stratton, The Russell Partnership; Ian Neill, Wagamama; James Thomson, The Witchery by the Castle; Katharina Lehmann, The Landmark Hotel. Chairing the panel of judges, Amanda Afiya, Chef edior, Caterer & Hotelkeeper and Kathy Bowry, editor of Catering Update.
The four shortlisted products were:
Frozen desserts from Coppenrath & Wiese under the Profi-Line label, 253. This company has become a household name in Germany, its domestic market.
The Profi-Line range includes an extensive array of frozen tortes, which are ready to serve after defrosting for an hour and a half. They are not pre-portioned but are easily cut into 16 portions.
Varieties include Raspberry Mascarpone Torte, Black Forest Gateau and Sparkling Wine & Cassis Torte. The tortes measure 28cm diameter with a 10cm volume depth. The judges tasted a selection of tortes and were impressed with the packaging. They are supplied on polystyrene which easily lifts off the bottom. They are packed in sturdy boxes with protective greaseproof paper. The judges agreed that this was excellent, when compared with other manufacturers which tended to supply frozen desserts in flimsy boxes.
Comments from the judges included:"There is a market for these - it sells - for example pubs and mid market hotels." "The packaging is good - there would be no damage."
Other products in the Profi-Line range include Traybakes in six flavours include Plum, Cheese & Apricot, Honey & Almond. Each Tray holds four strips and is available sliced or unsliced. Other products include Cream Rolls, Danish pastries and white and wholemeal rolls and baguettes.
Fricopan Bruschetta from Fricopan Back, 254, comprises bruschettas in four flavours - Cheese & Tomato, Tuna & Cheese, Spinach & Cheese and Green Pesto & Cheese. They can be either just thawed and served or reheated in the oven from frozen. The company developed this product for the retail sector in Germany, but they are popular in foodservice. They are supplied three in a packet.
The judges felt they would need to be served warm. The bruschettas served for tasting had been heated for ten minutes in a pre-heated oven and it was agreed that this product is quick and easy to serve. For buffets and finger food, each bruschetta would need to be cut in half.
The judges' comments included: "The base has stood up well"; "The ingredients are all natural"; "It will sell - outside caterers need something quick and easy which can be served in big numbers."
Jian's Chinese Dumplings, 255, can be boiled, shallow fried, deep fried or steamed. Each method produces a different flavour and texture. All ingredients are natural and contain no preservatives.
To save time, the dumplings can be prepared in advance by boiling and then refrigerated. They only need to be deep fried in shallow or deep oil so can be served from fridge to table or bar in a few minutes. The refrigerated dumplings will keep for 48 hours even after boiling.
The dumplings are crescent-moon shaped cases of dough with a choice of three fillings - pork, chicken or vegetable. They can be served on their own or with a variety of sauces such as sweet chilli or sweet and sour sauce.
Judges' comments included: "They are easy to prepare and can be boiled and refrigerated for future use".
The Original Pretzel Company, 256, supplies frozen pretzels in five different varieties with five of each type to a bag, with five bags to a box. All you do is defrost and serve or reheat from frozen. They could be served as part of a continental breakfast.
Judges' comments: "The texture isn't bad - it's comparable to German pretzels." "It's innovative as it's a frozen pretzel"
Equipment & Services
A specially programmed palmtop computer with infra-red link can now be used to carry out a fast and comprehensive diagnosis of FV40.2 dish and glasswashers made by Meiko, 350. Users simply point the "Mike2" device (pictured below) at machines to establish where a fault lies in the event of a breakdown; it can also be used to confirm if the fault is within the machine or external (such as water supply). Information includes time and temperature analysis, detergent and rinse-aid usage and analysis of operator usage patterns. Stand 620.
Aga Foodservice Equipment has recently launched the ‘Snack in the Box' complete, point of sale catering system. The system, which customised to produce pasta, beverages, fast food, griddle or bakery products, occupies only 7.5 to 9m, requires only one electrical connection and has no water or waste connections, thanks to its integral water management system. One freshwater reservoir supplies the oven/bakery system and hand basin, while a tank collects all the waste. ‘It would be great for fast food retailers, or a food court area where drainage is a problem,' said judge s.
Two significant developments in cabinet washers will be featured by Winterhalter, 351. The GS202 Bistro is a compact machine able to wash dishes, glasses and cutlery as quickly as one minute without the usual cross transfer problems. Its 460mm wide x 640mm deep cabinet takes 400 x 420mm racks and the four-stage filter system incorporates an alarm to guard against any water contamination. The company is also launching a Double Stacker system which allows the GS302 compact dishwasher to double its load per cycle. Stand 312
Well-known for its mobile catering vehicles for nearly 30 years, Jiffy Trucks, 355 has combined existing popular body features such as its quilted stainless-steel or outer panels and "sunrise" effect serving hatch doors with the new Citroen Dispatch platform cab. Latest result is the Salsa, which boasts a completely new internal layout and 50 per cent more refrigerated selling space. The need for bulky on board LPG gas tanks is eliminated because the new hot air Turbotherm system fitted heats fresh air using fuel supplied direct from the vehicle's fuel tank. Stand 612.
The British-made Cutler Butler System 5000 to be introduced by Bright Equipment, 356 is designed to dry, sanitise and polish up to 8000 pieces of cutlery per hour with the help of a controlled oscillating action in conjunction with special granulate. Result: consistent cutlery cleaning while reducing costs, towel litter and the manual effort of hand-finishing. With 13 am plug, the unit is light enough for movement to a variety of locations. The existing PRO2 version will also be shown with new features. Stand 344.
Latest combi-steamer refinements to be demonstrated throughout the show by Rational, 357 include the AeroCat air filtering system and the related Ultravent system, both of which enable combi-steamers to be operated in front-of-house areas without any additional ventilation.
Furniture, Furnishings & Tableware
Aimed at functions requiring draught beer service, the Front Cellar Mobile bar from Astore Harrison, 362 couples a fully insulated two-metre long cellar storage unit holding up to four kegs with a 2 metre back bar containing three Bottle fridges. The unit, which can be clad in wood or other materials, minimises beer wastage by eliminating the need for flash cooling. It operates off a 13 amp socket and can be moved by one member of staff, enabling it to be stored away from main function areas when not required. Stand 856.
A stylish sphere-shaped teapot to be launched by Elia, 364 is made in heavy gauge 18/10 stainless steel with highly polished mirror finish. A novel feature is its accompanying teapot tray for extra style when served to table. The company is also showing Maypole cutlery, which features a handle taper with hand crafted raised ring detail, and several new contemporary shapes in fine bone china with a cream white glaze and fully vitrified body. Stand 950.
A novel knife format features in the Vista range of stainless steel cutlery to be introduced by Robert Welch Tableware, 368. The knife is designed to sit blade down on the table, making for a distinctive setting and mirroring the upward sweep and soft flowing lines of the forks and spoons Stand 1150.
Dudson's Elements range, 780 has been developed with presentation of signature dishes in mind. It is extremely tough, microwaveable and dishwasher safe This product is extremely attractive and versatile.
Premises
EBC , 781 is launching a machine that will help to deal with the problem of waste that is now facing many in the hospitality industry. A new law that will come into force in January 2003 will require caterers (whose turnover is more than £2 million or who handle more than 50,000 tonnes of waste per year) to separate their waste glass from the rest of their general waste and recycle a minimum of 48% of it. EBC will lease the new safe and easy to use machine to caterers, which they can then use themselves to crush glass of all shapes and sizes (reducing the volume of waste by up to four times).
EBC will also provide free bins to store the glass and will collect it free of charge before taking it to glass recyclers. The cost is estimated to be around £31.50 for the lease of the machine, inclusive of bins and collection.
CST's (Stand 738), 273, new ServiceCall service system speeds up service by enabling customers to discreetly summon staff from the comfort of their own table. According to CST, a ServiceCall unit installed on a table in a restaurant can increase service per head on drinks and desserts by up to 20 per cent.
Tony Team, 782 will launch the first can crusher to be able to separate aluminium and steel cans automatically. The C500 is compact and easy to use, and has been designed to deal with drink cans up to 500 ml volume. The compactor removes any liquid, crushes the can before choosing which basket to put the can into. The compactor can hold up to 750 aluminium and 500 steel crushed cans. The compactor can crush up to 12 can s a minute, meaning that schools and large organisations could begin to make a return by selling the crushed steel cans.
The stand at Hospitality Week will also welcome one of Britain's strongest men, Frazer Tranter, to demonstrate how much quicker the machine is at its work than a human!
Signconex 373 is launching a brand-new display case for up-market menu and information display. Features include branding plates finished to the customer's own specification or house style and a mirror-polished, black chrome Albrifin electrophoretic lacquer finish with illumination via low energy, high intensity lighting. Stand number to be advised. Check official programme.
A new range of a luxurious leather furniture features among 4000 different product lines to be shown by Andy Thornton 375 on stand 1257.
Capricorn Imports 376 is showcasing exclusive Italian style restaurant furniture including chairs and tables which can incorporate company names or logos. Stand 1259.
The Valpak Recycle More Glass scheme 377 assists restaurateurs when disposing of glass bottles.
Unlike some other recycling schemes, a single type of bin is provided and emptied by the company with no need for users to segregate the different coloured bottles. Stand 639
Technology
A breakthrough in hotel bedroom mini-bars to be unveiled by Bartech Automatic Systems 378 interfaces e-fridge software and the VDA pay-TV system. This allows the mini-bar to send messages to the in-room pay-TV, alerting the guest when an item has been charged or is the subject of a special promotion such as a mini-bar happy hour. Stand 1854
The RH441LDG glass-fronted mini-bar produced by the Electrolux Group's Dometic 379 is notable for a glass door which stretches from corner to corner to enable guests to view their favourite beverages and snacks easily. Patented fuzzy logic software ensures low energy costs and silent operation of the 40 litre capacity cabinet. Stand 1030
Guestline 380 is launching a fully featured conference and banqueting system at the Hostec/Eurhotec 2003 show which runs in parallel with Hospitality Week. The Windows-based system offers a wide range of functions from sales automation to room and resource scheduling and advanced menu management. It integrates with the Guestline PMS to provide full guest room blocking and master billing functionality. Stand 1847.
The Nomad M-POS unit to be demonstrated by H.I.T. Solutions 381 was developed in a pilot study for the new Hard Rock Casinos in Manchester and London, providing a more effective approach to speeding customer service and revenue optimization. Stand 1952.
The new ServiceCall system from Call-Systems Technology 382 is designed to speed up service. Available in various formats including TableCall and ConferenceCall, it sits on the diner's table or anywhere else where customers need to call for service or help. Stand 738.
Getting there How to get to Hospitality Week and Hostec-EurHotec at the NEC
By car: Birmingham lies at the crossroads of the UK's motorway system with direct links to the M6, M5, M1, M42 and M40. The NEC is on the intersection of the M42 and the A45, just a few miles from junction 4 on the M6. There's plenty of car parking (£6 per car) and a regular shuttle service will take you to the halls.
By train: The NEC has its own station, Birmingham International, which is on the main London to Birmingham line. Catch the train from Euston and you'll be there in an hour and a half. Birmingham City's main station, New Street, has services from all over the country.
By air: Birmingham International Airport is just two minutes from the NEC.
LIST OF EXHIBITORS
Company Stand
A.A.T. Spa 304
Aberna Ltd 220
ABG Rubber & Plastics Ltd 210
Acold Sifa 221
Action Recruitment Europe 1573
Allied Drink Systems 1 760
Alpha Yorkshire 132
AMS Ltd 1053
Andy Thornton Ltd 1257
Arc International 1040
Arla Foods plc 1561
Armstrong Commercial Laundry System 751
Astore Harrison Ltd 856
Avery Berkel UK 208
Badgemaster 935
Balmoral 1440
Barry Callebaut (UK) Ltd sp16
Bentwood Furniture Company 752
BGL Rieber 420
Blindcraft Edinburgh 1256
Bravilor Ltd 128
Breakmain Ltd 1360
Burco Dean Appliances Ltd 730
Burton Safes 749
Cabana Soft Drinks 1446
Cambro Manufacturing Co 447
Cameo Signs 1236
Canapeum Limited SP6
Capricorn Imports Ltd 1162
Caravell (UK) Ltd 518
Cater-Bake UK Ltd 430
Catering Equipment Ltd 826
CATERING UPDATE 1640
Caterquip Ventilation 360
Caterstyle Ltd 1034
CED Fabrications 406
Charvet Premier Ranges 715
Cheeky Rascals 750
Chef Set Housewares Plc 228
Chegworth Valley Apple Juice 1762
Chomette Ltd 1144
Churchill Dining Out 1050
Cinders Barbecues Ltd 443
Cirio - Del Monte Foods 1432
Cirio - Del Monte Foods 1567
Cirio - Del Monte Foods 1764
CIS Office Furniture Ltd 760
CMA UK 1 563
Coffee Break Solutions 1659
Coldstore Hire UK 814
Comark Ltd 309
Comtrex Systems Corporation 741
Contacto Ltd 815
Continental Chef Supplies 1263
Costa Ltd 1654
Craftwork Upholstery 957
Danmade Candles Ltd SP28
Dart Products 1744
DH Twitchen 932
Die-Pat Holdings Ltd 513
Dietary Foods Ltd (Sweet'n Low) 1556
Digitron Instrumentation Ltd 120
Dinkum Products 1754
Distillerie Peureux 1768
Dometic Ltd 1030
Doves Farm Foods Ltd SP34
Dr Zanolli srl 430
Ducal Contracts 1160
Dudson Ltd 1238
Electro Freeze (UK) Ltd 130
Electrolux Foodservice
Equipment 510
Electronic Temperature Instruments 313
Elia International Ltd 950
Enfield Polymers Ltd 1 237
Enodis Distribution UK 310
Equip Line Ltd 424
Essential Cuisine 1647
European Bottle Crushers Ltd 800
Factory First 447
Fage Srl 430
Fagor Industrial UK Ltd 435
Fast Food Systems Ltd 515
Fast Systems Ltd 743
Fastlane Skolabord 1236
Fat Boys Catering Equipment 344
Fellows 812
Fresh RM 1
Fresherway UK 1571
Frialator International 408
Furnital 1380
Gaggia UK Ltd 710
Gilberts Food Equipment Ltd 530
Grayshott Pottery 1156
H J Berry & Sons Ltd 1041
Harp Products 717
Hartdean Ltd 1260
Health Engineering Limited 1361
Heritage Silverware Ltd 842
Hilden Manufacturing Company Ltd 1068
Horwood 230
Hurst Green Plastics 830
I Grunwerg Ltd 328
Impact Catering SP1
Imperial Catering Equipment Ltd 218
In-Focus 1 732
Initial Garment Manufacturing 1054
Initial Textile Services 1054
Irinox UK Ltd 615
Jarshire Ltd 647
Jethro's Marinades sp4
Jian's Dumplings Ltd SP12
Jiffy Trucks Ltd 612
John Robertson Ltd 1140
JSH Security Marketing UK 538
JTECH Communications Inc. 738
Karcher (UK) Ltd 636
King Edward Catering Equipment 611
Lakeland Willow Ltd 1 746
LEC Refrigeration Plc 321
London Leisure UK Ltd 1761
Magrini Ltd 1654
Marlow Foods 1645
Marlow Foods 1657
Marlow Foods 1681
Marlow Foods 1751
Mattison Contract Beds 1043
Mecserflex Ltd 534
Meiko UK Ltd 620
Milliken Industrials Ltd 860
Mil-tek (UK) Limited 546
Minibar UK Ltd 857
Mitchell & Cooper Int 712
MKN UK 320
Mono Equipment Ltd 520
Montague Company 206
Morris Furniture 954
Multipac UK Ltd 428
MVC Multi Products 828
Nelson Glasswashing Machines Ltd 330
Nestle UK Ltd 1646
Neville UK 840
NS International Ltd 1451
Oranka Fruit Juices 1350
Oreck Commercial Sales 640
Osprey Sales & Marketing Ltd 649
Oxford Hardware 810
PAC Consultants 1138
Parry Catering Equipment 514
Pentland Wholesale Ltd 414
Peros 1553
Philip Cowan Interiors 1036
Pland 341
Portable Floor Makers Ltd 944
Portable Refrigeration Company Ltd 500
Rational UK Ltd. 614
Readi-Bake Ltd 1354
Redwood Wholefood Company SP10
Riedel Crystal Uk Ltd 1154
Rivermeade Signs 1045
RMS Ltd 1530
Robert Welch Tableware Ltd 1150
Robot Coupe (UK) Ltd 340
Roland UK 1161
Roland Vlaemynck 1038
Roller Grill UK Ltd 714
Rollover Ltd 1750
Rotowash UK Ltd 536
Royal Doulton (UK) Ltd 1240
Russums 232
Samuel Groves & Co Ltd 820
Satelliet UK Ltd 838
Sauvagnat (UK) Ltd 1058
Sebo (UK) Ltd 642
Shelfspan Shelving Systems 805
Silesia UK Ltd 524
Smartwood Leisure Products Ltd 850
Soabar 1655
Southport Sachet Company 1265
Sovereign Partners Ltd 1630
Stalbridge Linen Services Ltd 1363
Starkeys Products 638
Steelite International Plc 1250
Suggestions Ltd 753
Table Concepts Ltd 1034
Take One Limited 940
Tansun Ltd 1159
Teloman Products Ltd 1136
Terinex Ltd 1356
The Bed Factory 858
The Coffee Machine Company 1546
The Contact Grill Company 331
The Curry Sauce Company 1560
The Handmade Cake Company SP8
The Hobart Manufacturing Co Ltd 314
The Juice Company 1654
The Malted Waffle Company 1430
The Menu Shop 775
The Pure Water Company Ltd 1346
The Robe Works 1063
The Silk Forest 937
The Soil Association 1770
The Wilton Carpet Factory Ltd 1055
The Wizard Of Dogs 1653
Thomas & Davis Ltd SP1
Tony Team Ltd 637
True Food Service Refrigeration 720
TSI - Transatlantic Specialties Inc 958
Tudor Tea and Coffee 338
Tunisie Porcelaine S A 1056
Turnstone Colbrook Ltd 237
U Group Ltd 516
Union Food Machinery 311
USA Rice Federation 1456
Valera Ltd 535
Valpak Ltd 639
Victorian Baking Ovens Ltd 307
Villeroy & Boch UK Ltd - Tableware 748
Vinetree Catering Ltd 635
Virtue Books Ltd 232
Viscount Catering Ltd 407
Vivreau Limited 1650
W D A Food Directorate 1370
Well Well Well UK Ltd 1450
Winterhalter Ltd 312
WMF United Kingdom 724
Woodcon Products Ltd 1236
Woodward Foodservice Ltd 1550
WSM Ltd 610
