Food & Food Equipment News

ConAgra Foods, Constar Receive WorldStar Award for Hunt’s Ketchup Bottle

ConAgra Foods, Inc., one of North America’s leading packaged food companies, and Constar International, were clear winners for the World Packaging Organization’s 2008 WorldStar Award, the international packaging industry’s most prestigious honor. The two companies were recognized for ConAgra Foods’ 46-ounce Hunt’s® Ketchup bottle made using Constar’s DiamondClear® PET technology.

This is not the first honor the Constar-produced Hunt's Ketchup bottle has received. In 2007, the Institute of Packaging Professionals’ Ameristar Awards recognized it as the top sustainable package of 2007. The package also won a second AmeriStar Award in the Food Category.

“At ConAgra Foods, we’re focused and committed to utilizing new and better packaging materials that are environmentally friendly and designed for better recyclability,” says Gail Tavill, Vice President of Sustainability and Channel Development, ConAgra Foods. “We’re proud to receive this prestigious WorldStar Award for our Hunt’s Ketchup bottle.”

Commenting on the WorldStar Award, Constar CEO and President Mike Hoffman said, “Being one of only five packages from the United States to be recognized by the global packaging industry as among the best in the world is very gratifying. The WorldStar Packaging Award is a tribute to ConAgra Foods, who saw the value of our technology, and to our people, who pushed the boundaries of materials science and engineering to bring DiamondClear to life. It is a privilege to be able to offer a package that meets the goals of sustainability, product protection and merchandising.”

By using Constar’s DiamondClear PET technology, ConAgra Foods was able to reduce the weight of its 46-ounce ketchup bottle by nearly 12 percent, a significant sustainability gain. In addition, DiamondClear provides glass-like clarity, a real breakthrough for an oxygen scavenging material that is blended directly into PET. Its exceptional barrier performance preserves the vibrant red color and flavor of Hunt’s Ketchup, while delivering optimum presentation on the shelf. Once the product is gone, consumers can place the empty bottle in a curbside-recycling bin.

For more information, visit www.conagrafoods.com.

ThyssenKrupp Stainless Announces New Sales, Marketing Structure

ThyssenKrupp Stainless USA today announced a sales and marketing structure to strategically serve ThyssenKrupp Stainless’ North American customers with the capacity and service provided by the new stainless mill under development  in Calvert, Alabama. Full stainless production will begin at the mill in 2010 when ThyssenKrupp Stainless USA officially opens the project it is building along with sister company, ThyssenKrupp Steel USA.

ThyssenKrupp Stainless USA CEO Dr. Ulrich Albrecht-Frueh announced that Jose Ramon Salas has been appointed as Vice President, Operative Planning, ThyssenKrupp Stainless USA and ThyssenKrupp Mexinox. Salas will be responsible for the coordination of capacities and material distribution to North American customers for both ThyssenKrupp Stainless USA and ThyssenKrupp Mexinox. Stephan Lacor has been appointed as Vice President, Commercial for the United States and Canada for both ThyssenKrupp Stainless USA and ThyssenKrupp Mexinox, and Carlos Hernandez will continue to serve as Vice President, Commercial for Mexico for ThyssenKrupp Mexinox. Building on a successful market approach, ThyssenKrupp Stainless USA will sell its production through ThyssenKrupp Stainless‘ existing sales structures for North America, which include the sales office in Chicago, IL, headed by Lacor, for sales into the United States and Canada, as well as the sales office in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, headed by Hernandez, for sales into the Mexican market. 

“The construction of ThyssenKrupp Stainless‘ new world-class facility in Alabama is making great progress.  As we move towards completion of the mill, we look forward to serving our customers in the Americas with the service and quality approach that is characteristic of ThyssenKrupp´s business philosophy,“ says Albrecht-Frueh. “I am both pleased and proud of the strong sales and marketing organization we have put together to coordinate the production capabilities that will best serve our valued customers in North America.“

In May 2007, ThyssenKrupp announced that it would build a new state-of-the-art steel and stainless steel processing facility in Alabama. The facility will process carbon steel and stainless steel for high-value applications by manufacturers in the U.S. and throughout North America. 

The new facility is considered to be one of the largest private industrial development projects in the United States over the next decade.  During construction, the facility is expected to create up to 29,000 jobs. When fully operational, the plant will employ 2,700 people.

Master-Bilt Focuses on Energy Saving Equipment at NAFEM

Master-Bilt, manufacturer of a full line of premier commercial refrigeration systems for over 70 years, proudly displays their energy-saving equipment and technology at the North American Food Equipment Manufacturers Show (NAFEM), February 5-7, 2009 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, booth 3239.

“Master-Bilt recognizes the growing trend and demand for ‘green’ equipment solutions,” says Bill Huffman, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Master-Bilt. “We are always looking for ways to provide products that will help our customers reap the environmental and economical benefits of energy efficient equipment.”

Some of the energy saving equipment and technologies on display at NAFEM include:

• Endura™, the most durable and complete line of institutional foodservice equipment that includes reach-ins, pass-thrus and roll-thrus, heated and dual temp cabinets, prep tables and undercounter cabinets.  The Endura line is made in the USA with many models equipped with energy-saving features such as hot gas defrost. Numerous models are also Energy Star and California Energy Commission certified.
• Fusion™, a series of self-contained bottom mount solid door reach-in refrigerators and freezers, consists of six models that offer increased cost savings with an all aluminum interior. The new line comes equipped with an edge grip door handle for easy opening, and is Energy Star and California Energy Commission certified.
   
• Five- and six-inch thick panels are an option on Master-Bilt’s walk-in coolers and freezers to produce a higher R-factor (resistance to heat flow). Master-Bilt is one of the only manufacturers capable of supplying six-inch-thick ceiling panels up to 23 feet long with no additional support needed. Five- or six-inch panels are required to meet California Energy Code.
• Master-Bilt’s Master Controller with patented Reverse Cycle Defrost for walk-in refrigeration systems offers up to 27% in energy savings for the user, due to its innovative technology. Reverse Cycle Defrost offers up to an 80% decrease in defrost energy usage, as well as significant reductions in defrost time. The reverse cycle process involves a valve that reverses the flow of high temperature refrigerant through the evaporator coil, heating along its entire length and eliminating frost buildup.  A highly efficient electric expansion valve, an integrated part of the optional Master Controller system, eliminates the need to maintain a high head pressure, yielding higher capacity with less energy input.
• MRS series modular multi-compressor refrigeration systems are designed to save energy and reduce in-store heat and noise in quick serve restaurants, convenience stores, hotels and other foodservice operations. By remoting all refrigeration systems, including those in reach-ins, walk-ins and ice machines, to a single MRS system, business owners can remove the heat produced by multiple refrigeration systems from their kitchen or store and reduce their air conditioning load. This outside system, typically roof-mounted, also reduces noise level and extends the life of equipment.
   

Master-Bilt, a member of the Standex Food Service Equipment Group and in business for over 70 years, has set the benchmark in the industry for refrigeration and freezing solutions for commercial foodservice applications. Today, Master-Bilt offers a complete line of refrigerated coolers and freezers, and strives to meet growing demand for energy efficient equipment. Their Energy Saver program helps users to quickly identify their products that reduce energy usage. See www.master-bilt.com/products/energy_saver.htm for more information on the program.

Anchor Hocking, Stölzle Announced Distro Agreement

The Anchor Hocking Company, a leading manufacturer and marketer of foodservice glassware, and Stölzle N.A., a marketer of premium crystalline stemware and barware, have entered into a new foodservice distribution agreement effective January 1. Under this agreement, Anchor Hocking will market the entire foodservice glassware lines of Stölzle in North America from their Lancaster, Ohio distribution location.

“Stölzle is truly one of the world’s finest crystalline stemware manufacturers,” says Mark Eichhorn, CEO, Anchor Hocking. “Their products are used in the finest hotels and restaurants around the world. This partnership will be mutually beneficial: the Stölzle product lines represent a perfect complement to Anchor’s strong tabletop product offering and Stölzle will realize increased market penetration nationally through Anchor’s large network of experienced sales and marketing professionals.”

The Anchor Hocking/Stölzle line of foodservice glassware now includes a full assortment of stemware, barware, serveware and specialty glass tableware products. “This partnership brings together two leaders in the glassware industry, reinforcing Anchor’s commitment to provide innovative solutions to our foodservice customers. Our commitment is twofold: help our customers grow sales profitably and to increase Stölzle’s share of the upscale foodservice glassware market,” adds Eichhorn.

Anchor Hocking, established in 1905, is a leading manufacturer and marketer of glassware products for the retail, foodservice, floral and candle markets as well as specialty containers for the wine and spirits industries. Through a dedication to innovative design, outstanding service and industry excellence, Anchor continues to outpace the industry’s growth in the North American markets it serves.

Stölzle is a leading international manufacturer of crystalline glassware for restaurants and hotels based in Weisswasser, Germany. Stölzle stems maximize the full potential flavor and aroma of each pour. Each stem is 100 percent lead-free and dishwasher safe; each product is professionally designed and produced using state-of-the-art production processes to optimize quality, strength and performance.

Maytag Announces External Injection System for Multi-Load OPL Washers

External Electrical and Chemical Connections Make Routine Chemical Installation Fast, Simple and More Precise

Designed to simplify chemical injection, the Maytag® Commercial External Chemical Injection System features easy-access chemical supply and electrical connections on the outside of the machine. This eliminates the need to open up the washer, reduces service time and keeps chemical supplies running smoothly.

Traditionally, electrical, plumbing and chemical hook-ups have been located inside the washer, making it cumbersome for chemical suppliers to service the machine and make sure everything is working properly.

“With an External Chemical Injection System, the time it takes to service the washer is greatly reduced. Since the new system’s electrical and plumbing connections are on the outside of the machine, chemical hook-up is far more convenient,” says Craig Kirchner, Director of Global Commercial Laundry at Whirlpool Corporation.

The new External Chemical Injection System is available for all multi-load Maytag rigid-mount front-load washer/extractors and soft-mount high-speed extractors.

About Maytag Commercial Laundry
Maytag Commercial Laundry offers a full range of commercial washers and dryers to the coin, multiple-housing and on-premises markets through a nationwide network of independent commercial laundry distributors. Maytag is dedicated to energy-efficient solutions, with a focus on producing innovative and dependable products for the commercial laundry market.

Known for its rich and long-standing heritage, Maytag brand celebrated 100 years in the laundry business in October 2007. Another milestone is currently taking place, as 2008 marks the brand’s unprecedented 50-year anniversary of entry in the commercial laundry business.

F.L. Maytag entered the laundry business with one goal in mind: to build quality appliances from durable and long-lasting materials. His ideal holds true today under the leadership of Whirlpool Corporation, which acquired Maytag brand and Maytag Commercial Laundry in March 2006.

For more information, call 800-662-3587 or visit www.maytagcommerciallaundry.com.

Save Time, Frustration & Money By Reducing Chargebacks

By P. Gayle Hoskinson, Interchange and Compliance Manager, and Tara L. Gordon, Dispute Resolution Captain at Heartland Payment Systems

Do you spend a lot of time on the phone with banks or credit card companies disputing their penalty charges to your business? Are you sorting through paperwork because of chargebacks—credit-card transactions that eventually get “charged back” to your business—looking for information supporting the charges? If the answer is “yes,” there are some simple steps you can take to reduce the revenue—and time—you lose due to chargebacks.

You’re at risk for chargebacks anytime you accept a credit card to complete a transaction. A chargeback is simply a dispute from a cardholder or his/her issuing bank requesting a refund for reasons as varied as the charge was fraudulent to the quality of service was poor. One easy way to reduce chargebacks to your business is to make sure your employees are trained on these six card transaction tips:

• Make sure customers sign and return the merchant receipt copy.
• Always verify the customer’s signature matches the signature on the credit card.
• Don’t complete a “declined” transaction. Instead, ask your customer for another credit card to complete the purchase.
• If a card can’t be swiped, and you need to key enter the transaction (for example, because the magnetic stripe is damaged), always take a manual imprint of the card, and make sure the customer signs the receipt.
• If you need to redo a transaction, write “VOID” on the sales receipt and inform your customer the transaction was voided, no charge was made, and it needs to be re-done.
• Deposit all of your sales receipts on the same day, if possible, to avoid “late presentment” chargebacks. A “late-presentment” chargeback is a settlement processed more than 30 days after the transaction date.

Following these six simple steps can save you time, frustration and money so you can focus on running your business — instead of dealing with chargebacks.

About P.Gale Hoskinson and Tara L. Gordon
P. Gayle Hoskinson is Manager of Interchange and Compliance and Tara L. Gordon is Captain of Dispute Resolutions at Heartland Payment Systems. Heartland, a NYSE company trading under the symbol HPY, delivers credit/debit/prepaid card processing, payroll, check management and payment solutions to more than 250,000 businesses nationwide.
Heartland is the founding supporter of The Merchant Bill of Rights, a public advocacy initiative that educates merchants about fair credit and debit card processing practices. For more information, call Heartland Payment Systems at 866-976-7207 or visit www.heartlandpaymentsystems.com and www.nerchantbillofrights.com

Master-Bilt Focuses on Energy Saving Initiatives

As the United States moves toward greater energy independence and security, companies are scrambling to develop energy efficient equipment that will adhere to the Federal Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 going into effect on January 1, 2009. Master-Bilt, manufacturer of a full line of premier commercial refrigeration systems for 70 years, is a step ahead of the competition, offering numerous energy efficient options on their walk-in coolers and freezers which are compliant with the new federal regulations.

“Master-Bilt recognizes the growing trend and demand for ‘green’ equipment solutions,” says Bill Huffman, vice president of sales and marketing for Master-Bilt. “We are always looking for ways to provide products that will help our customers reap the environmental and economical benefits of energy efficient equipment.”

Listed below are the requirements and a short explanation of how Master-Bilt is embracing these energy saving initiatives:

• Requirement: “Have automatic door closers that firmly close all walk-in doors that have been closed to within 1 inch of full closure, except that this subparagraph shall not apply to doors wider than 3 feet 9 inches or taller than 7 feet;”

Master-Bilt walk-ins have standard spring-loaded hinges and door closers that will close the door fully if the door is within one inch of the closed position.

• Requirement: “have strip doors, spring hinged doors, or other method of minimizing infiltration when the doors are open;”

Master-Bilt walk-ins have standard spring-loaded hinges and door closers that close the door fully if the door is within one inch of the closed position or if the door is inadvertently left open.
 
• Requirement:  “contain wall, ceiling, and door insulation of at least R-25 for coolers and R-32 for freezers, except that this subparagraph shall not apply to glazed portions of doors or to structural members;”

Master-Bilt offers walk-in panels in standard four-inch thickness with optional five- and six-inch thicknesses.  The four-inch panel has an R-value of 33, the five-inch has an R-value of 41, and the six-inch has an R-value of 50. Additionally, Master-Bilt is one of the only manufacturers to offer a six-inch ceiling panel of up to 23 feet in length with no additional support needed.

For more information on Master-Bilt's full product line, visit www.master-bilt.com.

Peugeot Peppermills: A Winning Combo of Quality & Heritage

Since 1840, Peugeot has been manufacturing grinders of unparalleled quality and durability. Part of their recipe for success is an unyielding adherence to their commitment: a specific mechanism for each spice, with a lifetime guarantee.

To this day, Peugeot mills are manufactured in France, their legendary reputation of performance and resilience being well earned. Mills carrying the prestigious marque of the Lion on the Arrow are renowned for reliably producing superior results, day in, day out, year after year. They have been gracing the tables of some of the finest establishments—and chefs—for decades.

All Peugeot peppermills use the same grinding mechanism. Made of a unique steel alloy, it has been case hardened and given additional protection against wear and corrosion. The result is a fully adjustable grind in a mill that lasts for years and years to come. Peppercorns are drawn into the chamber, where they’re cracked and ground, providing all the flavor the pepper can offer.

Peugeot’s unique salt mill is made of a high quality stainless steel that is highly resistant to the corrosive potential of dry sea salt. Two plates fracture and crush coarse salt crystals to the desired size.
Front or back of the house, Peugeot mills are simple, elegant and guaranteed for life by a company that has thrived for more than 160 years!

Produce Waffle, Brunoise Cuts in Minutes With Robot Coupe CL50 Gourmet

Yes, finally there is a machine that will produce beautiful brunoise cuts and waffle cuts in just minutes...it is the Robot Coupe CL50 Gourmet Vegetable Prep machine! Stop by booth 1315 here at the show to see with your own eyes how quickly, efficiently and precisely it produces both brunoise and waffle cuts. It's a real time-saver for your kitchen.

This patented CL50 Gourmet Vegetable Prep machine is designed for specialty cuts—brunoise and waffle cuts—that are difficult and time consuming to prepare by hand in the kitchen. In addition it performs all the slicing, dicing, shredding, grating, French fry and julienne cuts the Robot Coupe CL50E Series machines perform.

Its five new processing discs set it apart from the rest—the new patented CL50 Gourmet machine allows you to produce waffle cuts in two sizes—4mm and 6mm—and dicing cuts in three new sizes: 2x2x2mm, 3x3x3mm, and 4x4x4mm. This gives the operator a total of eight different dicing sizes. With the new processing discs, the user achieves quality consistent cuts easily and quickly; and the design of the new container and collection tray allows for quick and easy processing of small quantities. And, after removing for thorough cleaning, they can be conveniently stored in their lid ready for their next use.
The CL50 Gourmet, like the Robot Coupe CL 50E, also has a large capacity feed hopper to accommodate large quantities of vegetables. It slices, shreds, grates, French fry and juliennes up to 1200 servings in just three hours and has 44 different processing discs that are available to meet every processing need.

The CL50 Gourmet is manufactured by Robot Coupe, the inventor of the commercial food processor and leading innovator in food processor advancements for over 40 years. Robot Coupe has won the FES “Best in Class” Food Processor Award for all seven years the award has been in existence.
No other machine in the industry gives you the versatility and range of processing foods that you get with the CL50 Gourmet. It affords the chef unmatched versatility and creativity with recipes and plate presentations. Stop by booth 1315 here at the show and see for yourself the CL50 Gourmet perform brunoise and waffle cuts.

For more information or to schedule a demonstration call Robot Coupe, 800-824-1646, email info@robotcoupeusa.com or visit www.robotcoupeusa.com.

Accelapay Visa Card: Reduce Payroll Expense, Increase Employee Satisfaction

The U.S. Bank AccelaPay Visa is a payment card designed to replace costly paper checks in a broad range of recurring business cash disbursement needs including payroll, commissions and travel advances. 

The AccelaPay Visa Card helps businesses reduce payment expenses by replacing paper checks with an efficient electronic payment solution. Funds are deposited to an AccelaPay Visa Card account just like direct deposit to a checking account. The card works like any Visa card, but is not a credit card—cardholders only access funds transferred to the card.

This cost-effective solution also gives companies a new employee benefit, as it provides a safe, convenient and economical pay program for unbanked workers. There are over 27.1 million unbanked employees in the United States. Many employees incur significant expenses every payday for check cashing, which can cost two to 14 percent of the value of the check at cashing services. Everyone is eligible for an AccelaPay Visa Card. There are no credit checks or bank accounts required.

The AccelaPay Visa Card solution delivers real cost savings to employers. AccelaPay Visa can eliminate costs associated with: replacing lost or stolen checks, check fraud, reconciling checks, expressing checks to remote employees, giving time off to “cash a check” and escheatment of uncashed checks. An AccelaPay Visa Card program can also increase employee satisfaction. Studies have shown that getting paid on a Visa card improves employees’ opinions of their employers.

Cardholders have multiple ways to access their AccelaPay Visa Card funds: Make purchases at millions of locations worldwide that accept Visa debit cards, get cash at more than one million Visa/PLUS® ATMs, pay recurring bills, get cash back with PIN-based purchases at merchants like supermarkets and retail stores, get over-the-counter cash advances at all banks and credit unions that accept Visa.

The AccelaPay Visa Card gives cardholders a safe, convenient and economical way to receive and use all types of business payments—no issues with remote-location payments, no extra trips to cash a check, no check-cashing fees and no need to carry lots of cash.

The AccelaPay Visa Card opens the door to the purchasing power and convenience of Visa. The cardholder can shop everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted—including online, by mail order and over the phone. If a card is lost or stolen it can be replaced, and Visa’s Zero Liability Policy protects cardholders against confirmed fraudulent purchases, when they report the loss of the card immediately. 

An AccelaPay Visa Card program is an easy choice for businesses. U.S. Bank provides a full range of cardholder education and enrollment materials. Employees or distribution recipients need only complete a brief enrollment form to begin enjoying the convenience and safety of an AccelaPay Visa Card.