Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/72524
2012 NRA Show continued Juicing Part of the push to healthier eating is the interest in converting fruits and veg- etables into fresh juices and, conse- quently, there were several juicing equipment displays.Two major national coffee chains are testing fresh juice pro- grams in select stores.While there was an initial concern that the juice business would subtract from coffee business, those who have tried it report that cof- fee sales remained level,while the juice business was a 100 percent add, much of it during the midday when coffee sales were down. Some stores saw a 50- 75 percent increase in total sales. I sug- gest there is an opportunity to sell a basic juicing equipment package to dozens of independent coffee shops in your territory using brands you already carry.Not stocking juicing equipment is a missed business opportunity. Sous Vide is hot After some false starts,SousVide cook- ing is now re-entering the main stream. There were at least 10 vendors display- ing complete product systems for pouch cooking, holding, and rethermal- ization. Some range manufacturers like Viking have integrated the water bath cookers right into their cooking suites. Sous Vide is a new preparation and cooking process that requires unique knowledge of food handing and safety. Your sales staff should be trained to understand the process and its risks and local code requirements. Also, be sure to convey the safety gained by using equipment with accurate temperature controls. Now, here are some of the specific products that I found exciting. Real Simple But Great As a judge for the NRA Kitchen Innovations (KI) Awards program, I review a lot of exciting new products. The one that not only excites me but other judges,designers and specifiers is the Franke Ice Machine Sanitizer. This simple compact filter attaches to most ice machines and prevents bacteria build-up while reducing ongoing main- tenance at the same time. The unique 30 FEDA News & Views26 FEDA News & Views There is an opportunity to sell a basic juicing equipment package to dozens of independent coffee shops in your territory using brands you already carry. electrolytic cell generates ozone in the water line going to the machine, safely sanitizing the ice making path and the pin without chemicals. Installed after the regular water filters, it's currently available from Scotsman and Ice-O- Matic, but will be offered from other manufacturers at a later date. Coming to a Restaurant NearYou The popularity of pod brewers has changed the way we look at coffee in our homes and offices from batches to single cups. This concept has moved into the commercial equipment market with a new family of single service cof- fee brewers that brew a single cup of fresh ground coffee. From Bunn's high- end Trifecta® (that competes with the Starbucks Clover brewer) to new mod- els from Jura and Curtis (Gold Cub Brewer), there were a dozen new machines that are ideal for existing cus- tomers who want to offer single batch- es of exotic and specialty beans, decaf, etc. It's also a greatmachine to compare to Keurig and other pod machines for hotel lounges, offices, etc. Most Unexpected New Product Category If you've been to a gourmet ham- burger place like Five Guys and hated being told you could only have your burger well done, you will love this product. It has the potential to change the rules for anyone serving red meat in volume.One application of this product will allow proteins to be served at any level of doneness, retaining juices and flavor notes.The CVAP Pasteurizer will also provide a staging method to allow rapid finishing of products, held just before final grilling, making it ideal for grill stations in college and business din- ing facilities. It has the ability to safely and automatically thaw, pasteurize and stage frozen foods,allwithin HAACP and USDA guidelines. In addition to the Pasteurizer,Winston also refreshed all of their traditional holding and retherm units, adding new controls and wireless central temperature monitoring. Most New Products from One Manufacturer ClearlyAmerican Range's R&D depart- ment has been very busy over the past year. Their new products include a "zerowaste"Green Flame Range,Contin- uous Filtration Magma Fryer (complete new design using a filter cartridge simi- lar to what's used on an ice machine), a Wood Chip Smoker Broiler with cover, and Pasta Cooker (innovative design built froma gas stock pot range). Iwould encourage visiting their booth at the upcoming shows in the fall and NAFEM in 2013. This year's NRA show represents the 40th continuous show I have attended, and I look forward to many more. I love looking at the variety of products and new offerings from small startup manu- facturers trying to break into our busi- ness.No other show has the variety and excitement. Put NRA in your calendar for next year.You won't be disappoint- ed. u About the Author Foster Frable Jr. is the president of Consulting and Design Firm Clevenger Frable LaVallee, Inc. inWhite Plains, N.Y.To reach him, call 914- 997-9660. Association Highlights continued Convention Center,Orlando,Fla.), FEDA will host its Sales Training Box Lunch seminar Friday,February 8,at theOrange County Convention Center from 12:00pm – 1:30pm. Popular sales train- er Joe Ellers will present his program entitled "Good and Real …A Blueprint for Sales Success. " This programis spon- sored by our good friends at Hatco Corp. You have to eat anyway, so why not pick up some professional sales training at the same time. Registration materials will be sent to all FEDA member in late October or early November. u