Food & Food Equipment News

Alto-Shaam Introduces New Line of Heated Shelf Merchandisers

Alto-Shaam’s newest merchandiser product line now includes individually controlled heated shelves that keep food warm for hours at the highest level of quality.

Featuring exclusive Halo Heat® fanless technology for precise, even temperature, these merchandisers hold a variety of grab-and-go products, including rotisserie chickens, pizza, sandwiches, and more.

“The individual shelf control gives operators flexibility over their holding needs,” said Robert Simmelink, corporate chef for Alto-Shaam. “Different food items can be held at different temperatures, allowing operators to merchandise a cross-section of menu items. The merchandisers highlight the best of your food to increased impulse purchases by on-the-go consumers who need meals that work with their busy lifestyle.”

These merchandisers improve store profits with more consumers looking for hot, ready-to-eat meals. Convenient, fresh meals are displayed to sell to customers in the aesthetically pleasing and customizable merchandiser. The customizable banner (available through Alto-Shaam’s third-party supplier) can enhance a company’s brand image while the shelves include LED lights to draw attention to the food.

Other enhancements include:

• Even heat distribution
• Lighted shelves for added visibility
• Convenient power switch located at the front of the unit
• Glass sides for an open view
• Fully skirted to conceal casters
• Simple operation and cleaning

Countertop models are available in 24-inch and 36-inch widths. Floor-standing units are offered in widths of 24, 36 and 48 inches. The merchandisers can be purchased separately or as part of a full system package to cook, hold and merchandise rotisserie chickens, pizzas, sandwiches and more.

“We work with our customers to determine the best solution for their needs based on sales projections, food they are holding, and packaging type,” said Simmelink. “Unique equipment system solutions are tailored with innovative products that exceed their expectations.”

The heated shelf merchandisers will be available to order starting at NAFEM and shipping mid-March.

MILKchiller II Starter Kit from Frieling For Upgrading Coffee Stations While Lowering Costs

Frieling expands its MILKchiller™ line with its first all-in-one set, the MILKchiller II Starter Kit. Setting the industry standard, the patented MILKchiller II saves money and time by efficiently dispensing milk or creamers, while keeping them at a constant temperature of 41 degrees F or below, exceeding NSF20 standards to guarantee food safety.

The new MILKchiller II Starter Kit comes with everything you need to get started: one MILKchiller II, three refillable containers, and 120 disposable dispensing kits for neat and worry-free transfer of dairy products from container to cup.   The three half gallon refillable containers let you streamline operations, with one inside the MILKchiller, one in the dishwasher, and one in the fridge.

The NSF-certified MILKchiller pays for itself in reduced labor and lower ingredient costs.   The average coffee shop throws out over three gallons of unused milk every week – MILKchiller eliminates this waste by keeping milk properly chilled until every last drop in the container is used. MILKchiller also avoids the high cost and waste of single packaged creamers. The average coffee shop customer will take twice as many single creamers as they use, but with MILKchiller, the customer only dispenses the exact amount in the cup.

MILKchiller is user-friendly for both customers and operators, and it can be tailored to individual needs. It accommodates standard paper cartons as well as the reusable containers supplied with the kit. Refill is a snap: open the lid to exchange containers. The MILKchiller can dispense dairy directly into the cup, or it can be connected to any espresso machine with a frothing nozzle and milk adapter.

Quiet operation adds to its appeal. The LCD display shows up to eight dairy choices, in five different languages, and displays in Celsius or Fahrenheit. The display indicates when milk is low or when the temperature has risen above a safe level due to a power outage. The drip tray is removable and can be connected to a sub-counter drain.

Its compact size – 13 inches long, 7.75 inches wide and 13.75 inches high – adds to its utility. The interlocking platform can securely connect multiple MILKchiller units, if desired.

The MILKchiller II is backed by a 1-year warranty. The MILKchiller II Starter Kit is available for immediate delivery, with a list price of $770.

Frieling offers fresh solutions from around the world. For more information, visit www.frieling.com or contact Frieling at 800.827.2582.

Anchor Packaging Wins Sustainability Award

Anchor Packaging won the 2016 Sustainability Award Certificate of Merit from the World Packaging Organization (WPO). This sustainability award for the Embraceable™ platter and dome follows the prestigious 2016 World Star Packaging Award for this product announced last month. The Embraceable package also won the 2015 AmeriStar Design Excellence Award and the Best New Product in Foodservice by Convenience Store News.

WPO judges awarded Anchor a high sustainability score for responsible raw material sourcing and reduction, energy optimization, and recovery that includes reusability, recyclability, and ease of disposal.

The Embraceable black platter is an 11” x 8” oval designed and patented with a locator ring in the bottom to hold a standard 8-ounce squat paper food container. This popular serving size for chili, soups, oatmeal, grits, mac & cheese, and many other items often accompanies a main dish, sandwich, or salad. The clear, anti-fog, vented PP lid contains an integral sealing flange that forms a lid over the paper container at the same time that it forms a leak-resistant seal on the platter. This seal eliminates the lid for the paper container, which saves expense and reduces the amount of packaging consumed, thereby reducing carbon footprint. It also improves consumer convenience, as the meal travels in one container, rather than two.

Both base and dome work well for hot foods held under heat lamps, chilled ready-to-heat meals in the microwave, and for assorted hot and cold food applications, thus reducing SKUs. The strong and durable, cut-resistant black PP base withstands temperatures up to 230°F. Bases are made with natural mineral additives reducing the use of petroleum-based resin by 40%. Elimination of the extra lid for the paper container also demonstrates your environmental commitment to reduce waste.

Anchor Packaging’s products include affordable, upscale, to-go packaging to merchandise prepared ready-to-heat meals in supermarkets, and takeout meals offered by restaurants and other foodservice operations. Anchor’s unique product line includes stock and custom rigid packaging, as well as a broad line of cling film wraps.

Hussmann Acquires Commercial Refrigerator Door Company and STYLELINE Door Products

Hussmann Corporation announces the acquisition of Commercial Refrigerator Door Company based in Sarasota, Florida. Family owned and operated since 1975, Commercial Refrigerator Door Company offers a full line of STYLELINE products, including heated and energy-free glass door and frame systems for walk-in coolers and freezers and a wide range of shelving and merchandising accessories. “Commercial Refrigerator Door Company is excited to be part of the Hussmann organization as we continue providing industry-leading door solutions to our growing base of customers,” said Jeff Winsler, one of the second generation family members leading the company.

In addition to its display case and refrigeration system products, Hussmann is an innovative leader in developing and offering glass door products to the retail food industry. The acquisition of Commercial Refrigerator Door Company will expand Hussmann’s ability to offer of a complete line of glass door solutions to its wide range of food retail customers.

“We are pleased to welcome Commercial Refrigerator Door Company to the Hussmann team. It was clear the Winsler family took great pride in this business. Working with Jeff Winsler, we plan to carry that proud tradition forward,” said Tim Figge, President, Hussmann Corporation. “We look forward to the new opportunities this alliance brings and to the expanded value and portfolio we can now provide to our customers.”

Introducing the Fusion Buffet System featuring Cold Fusion Technology

DW Haber has just introduced the Fusion Buffet System – the most stylish and functional buffet system for events as small as 10 or as large as 1000!

“The Fusion Buffet System solves so many challenges for banquet managers and caterers. We’ve spent years developing this system, and we think we’ve got it right.” states David Haber, President of DW Haber. “The system is both functional and very stylish. It can be configured thousands of different ways, and we offer a variety of add-on components for both truly cold and hot buffet set-ups. It’s the only one of its kind.”

The Fusion Buffet System includes sets of risers, tempered glass shelves, induction, grill and hot plate options and the patented Cold Fusion Technology. Haber’s Cold Fusion Technology keeps cold foods refrigerator cold for up to 6 hours with no electricity, no messy ice service and no drains.

“Cold Fusion Technology was developed to keep food at 40 degrees F on a buffet without electricity while keeping maintenance very low,” comments Haber. “Operators don’t have to worry about electricity or draining water and can be assured that the cold food stays cold. It’s the future of cold food presentation.”

The Fusion Buffet System is available in polished steel or black powder coat. The risers and glass shelves are industrial washer safe and stand up to the most demanding serving conditions.

 

To see an informative video, visit flashpepper.com or call 718.993.6405. 

Blint Shakes Founder Named Magazine's "Hero of the Month"

Blint Shakes, developer of the world's first automated kiosk that dispenses freshly blended protein shakes, announced that its founder and CEO, Oscar Perez, was named "Hero of the Month" by Latino Fitness Magazine

As reported by the magazine, after receiving the bad news from his doctor that his health was in peril, Perez wanted to improve his nutritional intake. He spent over two years researching to find the right ingredients to make the perfect protein shake. Eventually, he perfected his "secret recipe" for the ultimate protein shake.

But then he faced the problem of how to get this fabulous, nutritious drink out to the public. He studied many options, including retail distribution and opening a juice bar. Then he came upon the idea to have his protein shakes available in a high-tech type of vending machine.

After more research and development, he had the winning combination: A great, first-of-its-kind vending system that dispensed the only all natural, custom-blended protein shakes, freshly made one-at-a-time using the highest quality ingredients, from a beautiful self-service kiosk.

Thus, Blint Shakes was born.

Recently, the company announced that it had struck a deal with one of the largest fitness center chains in America, to place units in key locations nationwide. Key distributorships have also been set up throughout Canada, with more on the way in the United States.

The high tech systems, built by AVT, are planned to be placed in high-traffic areas including health clubs, youth centers, airports, malls, campuses, business centers, hospitals, hotels, gyms and other locations worldwide.

United Food Group Develops Sustainable Canister Line For Coffee Condiments

United Food Group Inc, a developer and manufacturer of specialty dry powder mixes and equipment, developed the first ever sustainable canister for coffee condiments. Unlike traditional cream and sugar canisters that have plastic tops, metal bottoms and end up in landfills, the Perfect Servings Sustainable Canister consists of a reusable outer shell and uses sustainable replacement cartridges that are 100 percent biodegradable. Additionally, the outer shell comes in eight stock colors and can be private labeled with custom artwork creating a unique marketing tool. The Perfect Servings Sustainable Canister (PS-SC) is the newest addition to UFG's Perfect Servings line.

Over the years, UFG has introduced several unique and environmentally friendly products that have helped expand their powder business. One of their most successful products: Perfect Serving Powder Dispenser (PSPD) was the first-ever digital powder dispenser for coffee condiments. It dispenses a packet worth of product with the push of a button and eliminates the waste and pilferage associated with condiment packets. Perfect Servings machines are environmentally friendly and save over 4 billion packets from landfills every year.

The Perfect Servings Sustainable Canister is the perfect solution for customers that do not have the counter space for a PS machine or are looking for an alternative to traditional cream and sugar canisters. UFG developed two refill options for the PS-SC, both are compostable and made with FDA approved food grade materials. For more information or to make your own private label canister visit the United Food Group website: www.unitedfoodgroup.net

Flashing Tap Handles Pump up Bars and Restaurants Coast to Coast

In bars and restaurants around the country this fall, touchdowns and home runs will be celebrated in a new and unique way: with Bud Light and Budweiser beer tap handles and neon lights that flash and display dynamic messages every time the home team hits pay dirt in the end zone or crosses home plate. This unique form of revelry is the result of collaboration between Anheuser-Busch, Sprint and Mesh Systems.

"As the leading sponsor in football and baseball, Anheuser-Busch is always looking for ways to enhance our fans' experience," said Lucas Herscovici, Vice President of Anheuser-Busch Consumer Connections. "When you're out with friends it's exciting when all these tap handle lights start flashing when your team scores. It's as if the bar or restaurant itself is celebrating with you."

Anheuser-Busch brought the idea for these "Interactive Tap Handles" to Sprint, asking its long-time business collaborator to develop a distinctive technology that would make Anheuser-Busch an inherent part of watching televised sporting events at bars and restaurants. Sprint teamed with Mesh Systems to launch a system that would connect thousands of on-premise locations to the on-field action at stadiums across the country.

Utilizing Sprint's M2M (wireless machine-to-machine) expertise and Mesh Systems' cloud based IoT/M2M platform, a test of the interactive application was first performed in 100 bars and taverns in Denver in the fall of 2012 and at Bud Light Hotel in February 2013. After these tests proved successful, Anheuser-Busch began installing the interactive tap handles in bars and restaurants across the country where permissible by state law.

Since then, the tap handles have been enhanced with technology that allows them to display a message that is dynamic based on the sport and team. Restaurant and bar managers can also program them to display specific promotional messages. In time, they will also interact with social media platforms to create even more fan involvement. More than 8,000 are expected to be in place this fall in select states.

"The interactive tap handles are an ideal example of unleashing technology for millions of people to enjoy in a compelling way," said Bill Esrey, Jr., Vice President, Solutions Sales, Sprint. "We're excited to team with Anheuser-Busch and Mesh Systems to make it happen."

As the platform evolves, it will also be used during other sports, such as basketball and motor sports. The teaming of Anheuser-Busch, Sprint, and Mesh Systems is a collaborative first among the three companies. 

"This joint initiative is an incredible opportunity to take wireless M2M mainstream and demonstrate the mass potential for this interactive technology," said Richard Baxter, President and CEO, Mesh Systems. "There's so much that we can do with this platform, and it makes the experience of watching games at bars and restaurants even more exciting than it already is."

The technology was recognized by Connected World Magazine in June 2013 when it presented Anheuser-Busch, Sprint, Mesh Systems and Microsoft with a Gold Value Chain Award in the M2M and Connected Devices category for Consumer Packaged Goods.

New Goal Post Server Helps Operators Score Big Appetizer Profits

Game time or any time, the new goal post food server from San Francisco-based serviceware provider Clipper Mill, will kick up sales and profits for sports bars, casual theme restaurants, colleges and universities, stadiums, resorts and more.  Just in time for the fall football season kickoff, this specially shaped rack stacks up onion rings, bagels, pretzels, doughnuts and more on its two vertical posts for an awesome presentation that will attract more fans than a winning season.

Complemented with a base that holds two removable ramekins, the themed server is as impressive as it is fun.  Simply serving appetizer, snack or dessert items with the versatile server commands a premium price point. Perfect for energizing sales of items already on the menu or showcasing something new.

Established in 1973, Clipper Mill, Inc. has long been an innovator in supplying the restaurant and hotel industry with unique and effective display and serviceware solutions. The company is a premier source for quality bread and sandwich baskets, table caddies and condiment holders, onion ring towers, french fry containers and specialty items. For more information, visit clippermill.com or call (415) 330-2400.

Marley Coffee Automated Stores Launched at Prominent Marine Base

 AVT, Inc., which designs and develops custom vending machines, kiosks and automated retailing units, announced today that the company has placed its Marley Coffee Automated Store Kiosks inside the US Marine Base in Quantico, Virginia.

Marley Coffee Automated Stores recently signed an agreement with Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) to install the kiosks.

The innovative self-serve kiosks freshly grind premium Marley whole bean coffee to create a fast, gourmet coffee experience, with barista-class espresso style hot beverages.

Two kiosks were launched at the base in Quantico last month. Since their installation, each kiosk has generated robust sales that are exceeding expectations. Just days after the initial installation, MCCS placed an order for additional kiosks at the base. 

"We are happy with the performance of these kiosks, and enthusiastic about the sales potential though this new military channel," said Ron Miceli, National Director of Business Development for Marley Coffee Automated Stores.   

Earlier this year, Marley Coffee Automated Stores was awarded the contract for automated vended coffee at the Quantico Marine Base.  These kiosks are owned and operated by the newly established Automated Retail Income Development (ARID). 

"Partnering with the Marine Corps on this venture is a tremendous opportunity and a privilege," said Joe Menichiello, Vice President of Marley Coffee Automated Stores. 

Marley Coffee Automated Stores is working in conjunction with Black Tie Services in Baltimore, Maryland for the kiosk service management.  "Black Tie Services is doing an amazing job with the fulfillment of our kiosks," Miceli said. "They see the big picture with our automated kiosks and want to grow with us in this market region."