Food & Food Equipment News

Ecolab Introduces PartsXpressSM Online at 2012 NRA Show

Ecolab Inc. is launching PartsXpress Online for the commercial kitchen equipment industry at the 2012 National Restaurant Association Show, May 5-8, in Chicago. PartsXpress Online is an enterprise-level e-commerce solution designed for customers who order kitchen equipment replacement parts. Through PartsXpress Online, customers will have access to more than 40,000 stocked parts representing the industry’s top 400 equipment brands.

The PartsXpress website is built on an industry-leading enterprise resource planning system, ensuring customers have a secure and convenient shopping experience. With a few simple clicks, customers can search PartsXpress Online for parts, manuals and diagrams specific to their kitchen equipment. With a combined robust knowledge management system and nationwide Ecolab Parts Specialist team, PartsXpress Online customers can order 24/7/365 and have their order shipped the same day, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time.

“We are committed to developing innovative solutions that help keep our customers’ kitchen equipment operating properly while reducing costs,” said Gaetan Lambiase, Vice President and General Manager, Ecolab Equipment Care. “Our PartsXpress Online solution, which is built on advanced IT technologies, deep industry knowledge and our automated supply chain, enables us to quickly and efficiently get customers the right parts, when they are needed most.”

For more information on PartsXpress, please visit Ecolab Equipment Care, booth 4000, at the 2012 NRA Show.

Franke, Scotsman Industries Introduce Ice Machine Sanitation Technology

Franke Foodservice Systems and Scotsman Industries, the largest commercial ice machine manufacturer in the world, are introducing an exciting technology that takes sanitation of ice machines to a new level. The new invention offers an effective and affordable way to cut the cost and hassle of keeping ice machines clean, and to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria and pathogens sometimes found in ice.

In the partnership, Franke will provide the technology and manufacturing for a compact device that fits to new or existing ice machines. Scotsman Industries’ global family of ice machine brands will be the exclusive distributor beyond Franke’s core foodservice customers.

During the National Restaurant Association Show this week in Chicago, the new product is set to receive the coveted “Kitchen Innovations Award,” bestowed each year by a panel of foodservice operations and technology experts. “We are honored by the judges’ recognition of this breakthrough technology,” said Thomas Campion, President of Franke’s equipment business in the Americas. “We look forward to working with the team at Scotsman to successfully bring this technology to the marketplace.”

David McCulloch, Chairman and CEO of Scotsman Industries, added, “This device will significantly ease the burden of ice machine cleaning routines, and give customers peace of mind regarding ice in the bin.”

The device will easily attach to the water line of many ice machines. Its unique, diamond-based electrolytic cell creates precise levels of dissolved ozone to safely sanitize the ice-making path and holding bin without chemicals. Ozone is approved by the FDA as a means to rapidly eliminate a broad spectrum of microorganisms—including most bacteria, viruses and mold. Independent lab tests show the device can prevent the growth of harmful bacteria like E. coli by more than 99.99 percent and dramatically slow the formation of biofilm.

“Until now, ice machine sanitation products made too little or two much ozone, or introduced it in the wrong places, for them to be both safe and effective,” said Jeff Cook, President of Franke Innovations, the company’s product development arm. “Our new has been proven to solve those problems in a device that’s very efficient in terms of space, cost and results. We keep the machine clean, the consumer safe, and the ice tasting great.

“Ozone is an incredibly effective sanitizer—faster and more powerful than chlorine, for instance—but it leaves no residue or harsh odors,” Cook added. “Now we have a way to produce just the right amount with a small device located right at the ice machine.”

After a period of six months to one year, depending upon local water quality and ice production volume, the unit signals the foodservice operator that it’s time to exchange the electrolytic cartridge with a new one.

Preproduction units will be available through Scotsman or Ice-O-Matic for evaluation by major foodservice operators, who are encouraged to visit the Franke exhibit at NRA, number 3648, or the Scotsman, Ice-O-Matic or Kitchen Innovation Awards exhibits.

Sealed Air Debuts Complete Foodservice Portfolio

Foodservice organizations can now look to Sealed Air as a partner uniquely positioned to protect, enhance and differentiate their food and beverage operations via a complete portfolio of products and services unprecedented in the foodservice industry.

At the 2012 National Restaurant Association Show, Sealed Air will showcase the organization’s unrivaled breadth of solutions for the foodservice industry, derived from the strength of its Diversey brand known for providing cleaning products, dispensing systems, equipment and tools and its Cryovac brand food packaging solutions expertise. Recently combined within Sealed Air, the brands now form a complete foodservice portfolio focused on product protection, value creation, food and workplace safety, sustainability and operating efficiency.

“This new platform really stems from the needs of our international foodservice customers,” said Pedro Chidichimo, President of Sealed Air’s global Institutional & Laundry business unit. “Globally, the foodservice industry has the same key issues related to safety, sustainability and operational efficiency. The integration of Diversey branded cleaning and sanitation solutions into Sealed Air’s complete portfolio of foodservice offerings now puts us in a unique position to address these needs across foodservice operations. Diversey, in combination with the Cryovac branded food packaging solutions and Sealed Air’s cutting-edge technologies such as Vision Enabled Training and TurboTag Temperature Monitoring, has elevated Sealed Air as a total solutions provider for the foodservice industry.”

By providing a portfolio of solutions that address the needs of the foodservice industry from “farm to fork”, Sealed Air can protect and enhance food and beverage products from production through consumption. Sealed Air provides the foodservice industry with a number of hygiene and packaging solutions that streamline and organize the foodservice back of house from preparation to cleanup. This includes packaging solutions that enable convenient preparation, facilitate storage, extend quality shelf life and enhance food offerings and hygiene solutions that address concerns around food safety, sustainability and operational efficiency.

Throughout the 2012 NRA show, Sealed Air will feature a number of new Diversey and Cryovac branded foodservice solutions. These will include cleaning and hygiene solutions designed to address worker safety and sustainability such as the Diversey Diverflow with Sure Link dilution control system, the Green Seal certified Diversey Hand Care System and the Taski Swingo 350 B compact auto scrubber. Foodservice packaging and food technology solutions addressing freshness and convenience will be showcased as well including Cryovac Oven Ease ovenable packaging, Freshness Plus pouch packaging for oxygen sensitive produce items and Simple Steps vacuum-packed and pre-plated ready-meal solutions.

“We are incredibly excited to showcase our new complete portfolio of foodservice offerings at this year’s NRA Show,” said Karl Deily, President of Sealed Air’s Food & Beverage business unit. “We believe the foodservice solutions offered by Sealed Air and its Cryovac and Diversey brands offer a number of operational benefits to the foodservice market that enable our customers to provide consumers with consistently superior foodservice experiences.”

To learn more about Sealed Air and the Diversey and Cryovac brands foodservice solutions, please visit booth #1806 or visit www.sealedair.com.

Dart Container Closes on Acquisition of Solo Cup Co.

Dart Container has completed its acquisition of Solo Cup Co., headquartered in Lake Forest, Ill. Solo, which is now part of the Dart Container organization, manufactures quality single-use foodservice products. Dart expects to continue offering products under the Solo brand—including the iconic red Solo cup.

“Our acquisition of Solo will allow us to provide even greater value to our customers in the future,” said CEO Robert C. Dart. “It will enable customers to purchase a wider range of products, made from a greater variety of materials with varying functional and environmental attributes—all from a single vendor. Both companies have an extensive history in the industry and will bring together valuable experience, traditions and complementary, high-quality products.

“Our acquisition of Solo will accelerate the progress Solo has made to improve its levels of service and customer support,” Dart said. “We will use our expertise in running a successful, efficient, reliable and service-oriented company to create an organization that blends the best of both Dart and Solo for the benefit of our customers.”

Regarding the integration process, Dart said unlike publicly traded companies, where short-term results often are of paramount importance to investors and other stakeholders, privately held Dart Container is able to make decisions and investments that are long term in nature. He said the company has the time, and will take the time, to integrate Solo in a thoughtful, analytical manner to ensure lasting success.

A top priority for Dart Container is bringing together the talents and skills of employees from both organizations to ensure that customers continue to receive exceptionally reliable service.

All of Solo's outstanding 10.5 percent Senior Secured Notes due 2013 and 8.5 percent Senior Subordinated Notes due 2014 have been called for redemption at 100 percent of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest to their respective redemption dates of May 21 and June 4. In addition, all funds necessary to pay the redemption price have been deposited with the trustee under the indentures pursuant to which such notes were issued and, accordingly, the indentures and the notes have been satisfied and discharged in accordance with their terms.

GrubHub Unveils In-Restaurant Technology to Simplify Ordering Process

GrubHub, the nation's leading online and mobile food ordering service, today announced the release of its new OrderHub tablet technology for restaurants. Further simplifying the food ordering process, OrderHub is the easiest and most efficient way for restaurants to manage the thousands of new online orders they get through GrubHub.

Since its founding, GrubHub has generated hundreds of millions of dollars in orders for restaurants by utilizing restaurant's traditional in-house technology to transmit and confirm orders: the fax and phone. Through a process developed by GrubHub, orders are faxed to restaurants, and restaurants confirm they have received orders through an automated phone service.

OrderHub, an Android native app housed on a dedicated tablet, reduces the time restaurants spend confirming orders by more than 80 percent and allows restaurants to provide more accurate, real-time delivery estimates to diners. With the new OrderHub technology, GrubHub instantaneously pushes orders to restaurants through the app, and restaurants confirm the order with a few simple taps.

"While the fax and phone process has always worked well for our restaurants, this technology really takes us to the next level," said Matt Maloney, GrubHub Co-Founder and CEO. "OrderHub allows restaurants to spend more time preparing food instead of taking orders."

Since 2004, GrubHub has helped restaurants embrace new technology and dedicated considerable resources towards streamlining the ordering process. One such investment was GrubHub's August 2011 acquisition of food-ordering app FanGo.

"Since the acquisition of FanGo, GrubHub has conducted hundreds of hours of research to ensure that OrderHub addressed restaurants' needs. This is such a groundbreaking product, and we've only begun to tap into its potential," said Maloney.

Approximately 400 OrderHubs are currently deployed in the Chicago market, and GrubHub plans on rolling out thousands of OrderHub tablets to their network of more than 13,000 restaurants in 300+ cities by the end of the year. For more information on GrubHub and the new OrderHub, visit www.grubhub.com or view the GrubHub OrderHub video.

Community Coffee Co. to Unveil 2 Iced Tea Flavors at the 2012 NRA Show

Community Coffee Co., the largest family-owned retail coffee company in the United States, will debut two new iced tea flavors, Skinny Sweet and Green Tea with Lemon, at this week’s 2012 National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago. The new products will be available for distribution through Community’s Coffee Service Division beginning in May.

Introduced just in time for the summer weather, Community Green Tea with Lemon is light and refreshing with a splash of lemon and naturally occurring antioxidants. In addition, the company’s new Skinny Sweet iced tea contains half the calories of traditional sweet tea and is made from the finest orange pekoe and cut black tea, swirled with perfect amount of sweetener.

“For 93 years, our company has prided itself on only serving the freshest, quality coffee,” said Mike Bourgeois, Vice President of Coffee Service Division. “We’re pleased to be able to expand our iced tea line to provide a full array of tea and coffee beverages to America’s restaurants, hotels, offices and more.”

In addition to the new flavors, the following Community iced teas will be available for sampling at the show: Southern Sweet, Unsweetened, Peach Mango and Raspberry. Since introducing brewed iced tea to its foodservice customers in 1958, Community Coffee Co.’s flavored iced teas have attracted some top foodservice customers, such as Ruby Tuesday, Taco Bueno and Another Broken Egg Cafe.

“For more than 15 years, Another Broken Egg has been proud to serve Community Southern Sweet and Unsweet iced teas at our restaurants from coast-to-coast,” said Ron Green, President and Founder of Another Broken Egg Cafe. “Our customers love Community’s quality iced teas, and we’re eager to try these new refreshing flavors.”

For more information about Community Coffee Co.’s Business Services, click here.

Restaurant Pro Announces Foodservice Equipment at Wholesale Prices

Restaurant Pro, the online dealer of foodservice equipment, has decided to offer its premium quality foodservice equipment at wholesale prices. RP offers the foodservice industry a balance between low cost quality equipment and unsurpassed customer service for its esteemed customers. They provide a full range of foodservice equipment to cater to the specific needs of the customers.

The commercial coolers available at Restaurant Pro are more energy efficient than standard models. commercial coolers are very convenient for businessmen who own large restaurants or grocery stores. commercial coolers vary in volume of storage and cooling technology. These commercial cooling units offer bigger storage space for provision of food. Restaurant Pro provides the finest quality commercial coolers at affordable prices.

Restaurant pro also provides an extensive collection of undercounter coolers that add stylish design and sophisticated convenience to one’s kitchen. Undercounter coolers are ideal for commercial kitchens with limited food preparation space, and for restaurants where the food is prepared in front of the customer. Customers can choose from the wide variety of undercounter coolers according to their specific needs. Lock refrigerators have also gained popularity in the recent years. Lock refrigerators help to secure contents of refrigerator other doors and cabinets that require to be locked.

Restaurant Pro was created in 2007 as an online dealer of foodservice equipment specializing in commercial refrigeration and cooking equipment. The business was first conceptualized by former restaurant owner/operators who recognized an opportunity to offer a better buying experience to small and mid-sized restaurateurs. Restaurant Pro’s management team is comprised of former restaurant owners and operators who understand customers’ needs from years of experience. To know more visit www.restaurantproonline.com

Globe Food Equipment Announces New Capabilities for Label Printing Scale

Globe Food Equipment, a leading provider of precision food preparation equipment and countertop cooking equipment for the foodservice industry, announces the availability of an optional PC Connectivity Kit (30A-PCKIT) for its GSP30A Legal For Trade Label Printing Scale. This kit enables users to quickly connect the scale to a PC for quick file and label maintenance. Ingredient Labels (E13) are also available which can be quickly generated using the PC Connectivity Kit.

The PC Kit and Ingredient Labels are available immediately for any GSP30A Scale with a serial number beginning with 110752. Ideal for use in a wide variety of applications in groceries, restaurants, bakeries, delicatessens or any other establishments where accurate weight measurement is required.

The GSP30A Label Printing Scale offers a removable stainless steel platter and has an operating capacity from .01 to 30 pounds. The easy-to-read display shows tare, weight, unit price and total price. Additional standard features include:

Stores up to 3800 PLUs Legal for trade Thermal dot printer Automatic or digital entry tare 88 one-touch preset keys Standard warranty of one year on parts and labor

For more information on the GSP30A Label Printing Scale, Ingredient Labels and PC Kit, or to learn more about any of Globe’s other food preparation and countertop cooking equipment, please visit www.globeslicers.com. To place an order, please contact a Globe customer service representative at 1-800-347-5423.

Biomass Packaging Debuts Bio-Based, Leak-Proof Cold Cup

BioMass Packaging, a division of Excellent Packaging, innovator and wholesale distributor of sustainable, biodegradable, and nature-based packaging for foodservice and other applications, has broadened its range of bio-friendly alternatives to foodservice staples with the addition of new paper cold cups manufactured from renewably sourced paper fibers. The new cups look and perform just like regular paper cold cups, but are completely sustainable because they are entirely sourced from renewable resources.

“Until now, there has been no sustainably sourced alternative to the Ingeo-based clear cold cup, which is fine, but some foodservice retailers prefer to offer paper-based cups,” said Allen King, President of California-based Excellent Packaging, the North American distributor of the new paper cold cups. “We’d like to see more foodservice retailers and any business that currently offers paper cups make the switch to these Earth-friendly paper cold cups. It makes good business sense, since its helps their customers avoid using cups that contain petroleum-based plastic.”

Eschewing the polyethylene that is normally used to line paper cups, these new PLA-lined cold cups use a plant-based Ingeo lining to provide leak-proof performance. When used in conjunction with an Ingeo-based lid and straw, any soft drink vendor can now offer its customers a fully compostable serving solution that enables diversion of cold cups from the landfill—where billions of paper and foam cups end up every year.

To jump-start sales of the new cold cup, BioMass Packaging is offering a 10 percent discount on all orders placed before the end of May 2012. Custom printing is also available.

“We hope these cups put the nail in the coffin of polystyrene foam cups,” added King.

BioMass Packaging compostable cold cup performance is identical that of traditional paper cold cups:

• Available in 12-, 16-, 22-, and 32-ounce capacities.
• Made exclusively from renewable resources, using paper fiber from responsibly managed forests
• Lined with plant-based Ingeo that requires less energy to create than the polyethylene used in traditional paper cups, and ensures the cups can handle liquids without deforming
• Available with lids and straws also made from Ingeo 100 percent compostable—biodegrades in commercial compost facilities
• Compatible with municipal curbside yard waste collection programs
• Certified by BPI and meet the ASTM (D-6400) standard for compostability

The new ecotainer cold cups are available for immediate delivery directly from BioMass Packaging, or from the company’s BiomassPackagingStore.com online store. To learn more about the comprehensive range of bio-based, sustainable foodservice packaging products offered by Excellent Packaging, or to enquire about volume pricing, call (800) 317-2737 or email [email protected]. A PDF-format brochure is available online.

Truvia Brand Delivers Innovation Behind the Bar, 0 Calorie Cocktail Syrups

The Truvia brand has launched the Truvia Behind the Bar product, specially designed for use at bars, restaurants and other foodservice establishments. Now available through local foodservice distributors, the latest Truvia brand innovation provides a solution to creating natural, great-tasting, zero-calorie simple syrups for cocktails.

As consumers pay greater attention to the sugar content of beverages, bars and restaurants are looking to provide lighter alternatives to the classic, sugar-based cocktail while maintaining great taste. Research shows that "skinny" menu item claims have grown significantly over the past year. The Truvia Behind the Bar product will help the food and beverage service industry meet this growing trend naturally and create great-tasting, reduced-calorie cocktails, teas, and lemonades.

Truvia Simple Syrup is created by adding one package of Truvia Behind the Bar product to 1/2 gallon of water and mixing until it dissolves. This Truvia Simple Syrup contains zero calories, compared to an equivalent amount of sugar-sweetened simple syrup with about 6,400 calories.   

"As the No. 1 natural sugar substitute in the United States, Truvia natural sweetener has become a pantry staple for U.S. households," said Mark Brooks, Truvia Global Consumer Products Director. "With its ability to deliver new revenue to the food and beverage industry, the Truvia Behind the Bar product is a foodservice essential, as consumers expect a greater variety of reduced-calorie beverage options."

Truvia natural sweetener is a great-tasting, natural, zero-calorie sweetener born from the leaves of the stevia plant. When used in cocktails, Truvia natural sweetener enhances the intensity of fruit flavors such as citrus and berry, and smoothes out the overall taste while maintaining its flavor. 

"This new product is a perfect tool for bars and restaurants to expand their menu offerings and give customers more of what they want—natural, great-tasting drinks at a fraction of the calories," said Anthony Caporale, mixologist, host and producer of Art of the Drink. "The Truvia Behind the Bar product is the first natural, high-quality product with nationwide availability that is tailor-made for the food and beverage industry to deliver reduced-calorie cocktails." 

Discover reduced-calorie cocktails using Truvia Simple Syrups and related product tips at www.truviacocktails.com. To learn more about ordering the new Truvia Behind the Bar product, contact your local foodservice distributor or call 866-853-6077.