2019: The year of food sustainability and how to get ahead

One of the biggest trends in the food industry over recent years has been an increased focus on sustainability. 

This has presented itself in all sorts of ways, from selection of ethical produce right through to more efficient pieces of commercial cooking equipment.

This progression seems set to continue in 2019, with consumers placing an even greater emphasis on the clean, green credentials of where they choose to eat. Read on to find out more about how savvy customers are changing the landscape of the food industry, and how you can gain an edge in sustainability with the right kitchen equipment.

Customers choosing sustainability

The driving force behind the modern focus on sustainability has been customer awareness. While in the past it may have been common to simply enter a restaurant or cafe and order a meal without worrying too much about the produce, today’s consumers are far more interested in where things have come from. ‘Organic’, ‘free-range’ and ‘ethical’ are all big buzzwords in the industry, and having them clearly displayed can actually make a significant difference to the business bottom line.

According to Nielsen’s 2015 Global Health & Wellness Survey, 88 per cent of people are willing to pay more for healthier, ethical foods, but the focus on environmental consciousness doesn’t just stop at produce. Customers also want to know that their favourite eateries are supporting the environment, and a lot of that comes back to the equipment used in the kitchen.

Environmentally-friendly kitchens

One of the most wasteful appliances has traditionally been the humble commercial dishwasher, which can be the biggest user of both water and electricity. Not only is this bad for the environment, but it also negatively impacts your bottom line by increasing operational costs.

Recognising this, many companies are now producing more efficient commercial dishwashers, with Comenda being a prime example of this. Comenda’s units utilise the ECO2 system, which markedly reduces water and energy consumption, but this can be even further enhanced through the use of the brand’s CRC system, found on models like the LC700TH+CRC. This system consists of an in-built heat exchanger that reuses energy which would otherwise be lost as steam. As a result, the unit costs less to run, is better on the environment and produces a less hazardous working environment for employees. It’s a win on all fronts!

For more examples of commercial kitchen equipment that can increase your sustainability credentials, fill in the form to get in touch with Comcater today.