FEA launches catering equipment database Industry Insight

The Foodservice Equipment Association (FEA) has launched Industry Insight, a new database that gives an overview of what foodservice equipment is in use in establishments in the UK.

The database is supplied in modules covering specific product areas, with the first three to launch being cooking and warming products, warewashers and refrigeration.

Each module gives the total number of outlets and appliances in the market, and users can drill down by sector or by product type; for example, passthrough dishwashers in small, medium or large pubs, with outlets split by region.

Data is refreshed every week, with equipment numbers reviewed quarterly. Each quarter subscribers receive an executive summary report, highlighting trends and changes.

Industry Insight is a collaboration between FEA, its members, equipment suppliers and consultants and foodservice database specialist Caterlyst.

FEA chair Steve Hobbs described the database as "an industry first. There is nothing like this on the market; the grass-root granularity of detail is incredible."

Simon Frost, chair of the FEA Statistics Committee, who led the project from its conception, added: "By detailing the product penetration by sector, the database shows users where the gaps and opportunities are, allowing them to optimise their marketing and sales efforts, based on live data.

"There is so much potential here – for example, the regional breakdown can help direct a sales force's efforts. I believe it will become the bedrock of many companies' sales, marketing and new product development strategies."

The cost of Industry Insight is £875 per module per year for FEA members, with a launch offer until 17 March where all three modules are priced at £1,750. An annual user licence will cost £150 per year. For non-FEA members, the three modules are £5,000 plus a user licence.

Photo: Shutterstock