The Best of Gastro are announced:
new innovations that make work easier in professional kitchens and restaurants
Nine products out of more than 50 were nominated for the Best of Gastro 2012 selection, exhibiting new products by exhibitors at the Gastro Fair. The purpose of the Best of Gastro is to help the Gastro Fair visitors find out more about new and interesting trends in the business quickly and conveniently. The Best of Gastro will be exhibited at the Gastro Fair, to be held at the Helsinki Exhibition & Convention Centre from 14 to 16 March 2012.
The jury nominating the products for the Best of Gastro selection was looking for innovative products with genuine novelty value. This year, some visible trends were reflected in the new products and services for professional kitchens and restaurants, such as individuality and sustainable development. In equipment, low water and energy costs were emphasised.
- “For the Best of Gastro, we selected products and services that make daily tasks easier at professional kitchens and restaurants. We also reviewed the products from a business perspective to assess their possibilities in increasing sales”, Eero Lehtinen, Chair of the jury, comments on the selection.
The Best of Gastro selection was nominated by a jury representing the user perspective, composed of the following members: Chief Editor of ‘Aromi’ magazine, Eero Lehtinen, as the Chair; Atte Vannasmaa, Development Manager of SOK; Ulla Liukkonen, Chef, the Finnish Chef Association; Harri Koskinen, Designer, Friends of Industry Ltd.; Henri Klimscheffskij, Managing Director of Active People; Food Service Manager Kaarina Hassel, Kuntaruokailun asiantuntijat KRA (Association of Municipal Meal Services).
The Best of Gastro 2012:
Stable Table (E.Ahlström Oy)
With the help of a spring placed on the table leg, it is automatically balanced and stays stable. An excellent product for outdoor patios and other unstable surfaces. An outstanding invention –staff will no longer need to try to stabilise the table with napkins or improvise otherwise, the jury states.
Unisono special china set for seniors (E.Ahlström Oy)
A set of china, designed specifically for senior citizens, taking into account the level of functionality of the person eating and possible limitations entailed. The jury acknowledges the targeted design of the set and the relief it offers for elderly users. The china set’s design is unique.
Coquus dessert concept (AB Chipsters Food Oy)
A range of desserts and confectionery products with no colourings or additives, hand-made for restaurants. Finnish, organic and fair trade ingredients are used in the preparation process as much as possible. The visual appeal of the products and the absence of additives give restaurants and coffee shops added value, the jury states.
Blanco cold system for centralised distribution (Dieta Oy)
A food distribution belt with cooling stations for meals and dishes, equipped with a cold-blast feature, makes food distribution at room temperature possible. There is no need to cool down the facility to maintain temperatures that comply with the HACCP system. The jury appreciated the ecological features of the solution: there is no need to reduce the temperature in the distribution room, which will also improve working conditions.
Meiko M-iO crate and stud belt dishwashers (Dieta Oy)
This range of modular dishwashers saves water, electricity, detergent and rinse agent, thanks to the new technology used. Running costs are also reduced, as the amounts of outgoing air and the energy in the outgoing air are lower. The jury states that the distinguishing feature of the product line is that the dishwasher does not require a steam hood.
Itella Termo delivery solution (Itella)
A new, nation-wide delivery solution for small batches of refrigerated food products transported anywhere in Finland. The packaging technique is first-class, there is no refrigerating equipment in the vehicle and the service utilises Itella’s transportation network. The jury considers that the solution gives added value, particularly to small producers who need to send small product shipments.
Malmi-Steel PRO storage system (Malmi-Steel Oy)
A hygienic storage system suitable for all storage conditions. These storage shelves with patented structure can be set up, taken down and converted easily without any tools and they can be used even at minus 30 degrees Celsius. It is important for kitchen storage solutions to be easily convertible, and a shelf system placed on wheels makes cleaning easier, says the jury.
Metos WD-6 Duplus hooded dishwasher (Metos Oy)
The only hooded dishwasher on the market with double final rinse. With its low water consumption, the dishwasher’s running costs remain low for electricity and detergent as well. It only takes about one litre of water to wash one cart of dishes. With such low water and energy consumption, this is an amazing idea, comments the jury.
Carpigiani Freeze & Go ice-cream maker (Primulator Oy)
A small ice-cream maker that enables small batches of fresh ice cream to be produced quickly. The machine is particularly convenient for restaurants where desserts are prepared to order and for small outlets such as coffee shops and confectioneries. The jury sees this as an appealing small unit, particularly well-suited for restaurants that wish to stand out.
You can learn more about the products in the Best of Gastro selection at the exhibitors’ own stands: E.Ahlström Oy 6d105, AB Chipsters Food Oy 6b74, Dieta Oy 6c105, Itella 6d143, Malmi-Steel Oy 6d131, Metos Oy Ab 6a105, Primulator Oy 6e110.
For more information:
Chair of the jury, Eero Lehtinen, Aromi magazine, tel. +358 405479834, eero.lehtinen@aromilehti.fi
Johanna Suni, Gastro Fair Information officer, Finnish Fair Corporation, tel. +358 40 5154216, johanna.suni@finnexpo.fi
Gastro 14-16 March 2012
The Gastro Fair, organised every other year at the Helsinki Exhibition and Convention Centre, is the leading exhibition in Finland in the field of professional kitchens, hotels and restaurants, showcasing the latest trends for professionals in the business. Open on 14 and 15 March from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; on 16 March from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Only for hotel and restaurant business professionals. Entrance requires registration at www.gastro.fi. The Gastro Fair is the main partner of the Chef of the Year 2012 competition