The foodservice industry encompasses a wide range of businesses, including restaurants, catering companies, shops, cafes, delis, butchers, fishmongers, and supermarkets; any premises that sell food whether freshly cooked or pre-packaged. All require equipment to operate and the stock to create their dishes or stock their shelves. These establishments play a vital role in the economy by providing food and drink to consumers. However, it's important for these businesses to consider the impact of their purchasing decisions on local manufacturers and food suppliers. By supporting home-grown businesses, the foodservice industry can make a number of beneficial contributions.
Boost Economy: Exporting Commercial Refrigeration, Catering Equipment
One significant way the foodservice industry can support UK manufacturers is by sourcing commercial refrigeration and catering equipment from within the British Isles. Supporting British manufacturing can generate greater opportunities for brands to export these products, contributing to economic growth. By purchasing equipment from local manufacturers, the foodservice industry not only supports their growth but also ensures the availability of high-quality, reliable products.
Create Jobs: The Importance of Workforce
While many manufacturing processes are now mechanised, manufacturing processes and running of the plants still require a workforce. By investing in British-made equipment, the foodservice industry can contribute to job creation. Supporting local manufacturing not only benefits the businesses but also strengthens the local economy by providing employment opportunities to skilled workers.
Support Struggling Farmers: The Power of Freshness
Choosing to source ingredients and products from local suppliers supports struggling farmers. By promoting the use of local produce, the foodservice industry encourages sustainability, reduces food miles, and reinforces community relationships. Additionally, opting for locally sourced ingredients ensures freshness, enhances the overall quality of the food and drink served and strikes a chord with customers who care about supporting local farms and businesses.
Quicker Access to Equipment: Eliminating Overseas Shipping
Purchasing British commercial refrigeration and catering equipment means shorter delivery times, as there is no need for overseas shipping. This reduces the waiting period for deliveries and ensures that equipment is readily available when needed. Furthermore, in the event of repairs or maintenance, having easier access to spare parts from local suppliers expedites the process, minimising downtime for foodservice establishments. Foster and Osborne are well regarded UK commercial refrigeration manufacturers, while for catering equipment look out for Classeq warewashing, Parry and Lincat for guaranteed quality.
Greater Control Over Production Process: UK Standards and Quality
By supporting UK manufacturers, the foodservice industry can be confident in the high standards of the production process. British manufacturing adheres to strict quality standards and regulations, ensuring that equipment and products meet the highest quality requirements. Choosing UK manufactured equipment enables businesses to have confidence in the durability, reliability, and safety of their equipment, leading to increased customer satisfaction, better quality materials and potentially longer equipment lifetime.
Lower Shipping Costs: Avoiding Overseas Freight Expenses
Manufacturing overseas often incurs substantial shipping costs which have increased massively over the last few years. By opting for UK manufacturing and deliveries, the foodservice industry can avoid the additional expenses associated with importing goods. Although costs may be higher to manufacture in the UK, when considering the associated costs that become redundant by producing on home soil, the overall expenses may be comparable.
Lower Carbon Footprint: Environmental Benefits
Another significant advantage of supporting UK businesses is the reduced carbon footprint. Global shipping contributes significantly to carbon emissions, impacting the environment on a large scale. By choosing British manufacturing, the foodservice industry can reduce its environmental impact by minimising the need for long-distance shipping. This decision aligns with the growing awareness and concern for sustainability, making it an appealing choice for environmentally conscious businesses and consumers.
There are a number of leading commercial refrigeration and catering equipment manufacturers right here in the UK, not to mention dedicated farmers that can supply fresh, high quality produce. Why would foodservice businesses need to look anywhere other than home to kit out and stock their stores and kitchens?