lunch! has released its latest exhibitor preview of new products for 2017 – including food and drink packaging, disposables, catering equipment, and technology. The UK’s biggest food-to-go trade show will take place at ExCeL London next month, on 21-22 September, with over 350 exhibiting companies.
“Each time I visit lunch! I’m reminded and energised about how exciting and market leading our industry is,” says Guy Meakin, head of buying at Pret A Manger (and a former senior buyer at M&S and Sainsbury’s).
“Food-to-go is one of the fastest moving categories in the food industry, so pulling innovative and inspirational suppliers together each year for lunch! is a great way for us to keep up-to-date with developments and ensure we are at the forefront of improving our proposition for our customers,” he says.
The following is just a taste of what’s on offer at lunch! 2017:
Packaging
ButterflyCup (stand H71) is introducing its ButterflyCup Bio. This 100% compostable and biodegradable cup is easy to use and prevents splashes, leaks and drips. ButterflyCup costs less, reduces storage space, and speeds the serving process, eliminating the need for plastic lids.
Packnwood (stand F31) is launching the Natures Party retail range at the show. The company specialises in providing eco-friendly and original design food packaging to a wide range of customers, from take-away containers to disposable tableware. Also showcasing: Delivery Range, Buckaty Range, Samourai Range, and BCHIC range.
Koepala (stand SU-23) is introducing its flexible food packaging that conveniently transforms into a bowl or a can. After a meal it can be neatly folded back to its flat form, for easy disposal. Koepala Aterimo minimises waste, hassle and the need for storage space.
Tri-Star Packaging (stand K50) is showcasing the new JARR, Tri-Green and Gourmet 24.7. JARR brings the nostalgic jam jar format to grab-and-go, and offers the perfect way to portion control everything from sauces and dips to olives, fruit salads and yoghurt. Tri-Green is a stackable deli-pot with shelf presence. While Gourmet 24.7 is an industry first, which features a multi-functional design that enables wet and dry, hot and cold dishes, to be packaged in one container.
Cornware UK (stand L88) is launching its Rose Red 100% Biodegradable Clamshell range. Perfect for multipurpose use, the burger and lunch box is oil and water proof, microwavable and freezable.
Schur Star Systems (stand G81) is showcasing its Schur Star Box Bag. The box-shaped bottom allows the bag to stand completely stable, irrespective of weight and contents. The box bag is available with features like window or zipper. For the Hardys range, for example, the carton header adds a stylish finish to the pack.
Mondi Deeside & Nelson (stand G32) is showcasing its SteamFast Zip & Steam and Store & Steam. Both bags incorporate an innovative valve technology, which enables pressure to build up in the bag, ensuring great tasting healthy food, cooked quickly. Both variations allow fresh ingredients to be prepared prior to microwave steaming. Store & Steam is also suitable for freezing surplus ingredients, reducing food waste.
Coveris (stand F21) is showcasing its Grab Box. A new packaging format combining the print capabilities and product protection benefits of a sandwich skillet with the premium look and feel of a traditional bagged product. Made from sustainably sourced FSC board and lined using high clarity, low gauge film, Grab Box offers freshness and product visibility.
Sharpak Aylesham (stand B40) is promoting its Food K range of uniquely formed and coated, recyclable cardboard kraft trays. They are designed for a film heatseal application using either a counter top manual sealing machine or a mass production automated machine. They boast extended shelf-life (subject to ingredients used), leak-resistant properties, heat-retention and are fully microwavable. Currently available in 500 cc, 750cc and 1000 cc sizes, with the opportunity for custom branding.
Other packaging and catering disposables suppliers, include Kavis, Benders Paper Cups, Protos Packaging, Jenpak, Sabert Europe, WK Thomas, RAP, Biopac UK, Zeus Food, Delpac, and WEBER Verpackungen.
Equipment
Magrini (stand H51) is launching its new website at lunch!. The site features its full range of commercial catering and childcare equipment, including the latest technological developments in blending and coffee making. All visitors to the show will receive an exclusive lunch! voucher code to use on the site.
teatime (stand SU-7) is exhibiting its new tea baskets. The baskets are inside tea sachets, which contains the loose-leaf blends, and the shape allows the blends to expand when the water is added. It makes drinking loose tea convenient (not needing a tea strainer) for blends on-the-go.
Pelican Rouge UK (stand K43) is promoting its Schaerer Barista. This hybrid combines the principles of a portafilter machine and barista skills, with easy operation and the reliability of a fully automatic coffee machine. Quality-related parameters like grind level, dosing and tamping are calibrated on installation whilst traditional steps, knocking out the portafilter and frothing milk, provide an array of typical sounds.
Rexmartins (stand B21) has launched its RMB Range, including the RMB Fresh Air Heat Pump. It requires no external condensing unit and is easily installed, which eliminates the hassle of extensive planning permission. The only requirement is a simple 13amp electrical supply and a small space for the exhaust flexible line to sit, which will enable the extraction of heat load.
CoolVan (stand D10), exhibiting at lunch! for the first time, is unveiling an exciting development in zero emission fridge vans. Benefits include: zero road tax and zero c-charge.
Colour Heroes (stand F85) is promoting its bespoke children’s activity sheets, packs, bags, books and menus. Ideal for family diners who go to restaurant brands and independents throughout the UK.
Other catering equipment and tableware suppliers, include Tom Chandley Ovens, Roller Grill UK, RH Hall Foodservice Solutions, Nelson Catering Equipment, RATIONAL UK, Glen Dimplex, The Alan Nuttall Partnership, Vantastec / Ty Coffi Van, Rombouts Coffee, Tudor Tea & Coffee, Caffia Coffee Group, CoffeeBAY, Melitta UK, UCC Coffee UK & Ireland, and Harfield Tableware.
Technology & business services
WaitlessMunch (stand SU-15) is a new marketing platform to help build the operators brand and encourage new customers to order from the app to end paying commissions on orders. Zucla, the popular restaurant in London, has recently launched their first app with the company.
GFR Tech (stand L82) is launching a loyalty and discounting module, along with split pickups (i.e drinks from one location and food delivery from another) to its Line Cheetah app. The app allows ordering and secure payment for busy venues. Benefits include: faster ordering and fulfilment, pre-ordering, push messaging, discounting, loyalty points, and cloud based management showing real time sales.
Order on Chef (stand F35) is launching its online ordering system for cafes, coffee shops, bistros and restaurants. The system doesn’t charge commission on orders or hold onto order payments. It provides a business with a fully branded online ordering system on a website, Facebook page and mobile apps.
mmmLUNCH (stand L71) has recently launched the Android version of the mmmLUNCH app, so it’s now available on both iOS and Android devices. The click and collect app allows customers to place orders, which reduces long queues during the busy lunch hour. Free marketing materials are also provided.
Loyalty Wallet (SU-17) is the next generation digital loyalty and marketing solution that helps build meaningful relationships with customers. This customer acquisition and retention platform will give power of system, such as Tesco’s Clubcard, to small/medium size businesses.
LunchMate (stand B83) is promoting v2 of its ordering app. The main features of this update are ‘Push Notifications,’ which allows the sandwich shop to send news and offers to their customer, plus a new Loyalty Scheme.
Ordoo (stand SU-19) is an ordering app for busy people to save time collecting food and drink. Customers can order ahead at a venue to beat the queue and earn loyalty rewards. The Customer Engagement Platform gives a better understanding of the customer and encourages them to come back more frequently with friends through personalised messages.
Other retail and hospitality technology and software specialists exhibiting this year include: DataTherapy / Platopus, Lesar UK, Datasym UK, and Orbis Tech EPoS Systems.
Free trade registration
lunch! will take place at ExCeL London on 21-22 September 2017. Food and drinks exhibitor show highlights are now available to view at: www.lunchshow.co.uk/lunch-2017-food-and-drink-exhibitor-show-highlights.
For further information, and to register for a free trade ticket in advance, please visit www.lunchshow.co.uk and quote priority code LUN13 (https://registration.n200.com/survey/00mbvaueop7fj/register?actioncode=LUN13).
