Summertime… and the living is ‘trendy’. But what exactly are this summer’s ‘hot’ trends? We asked two companies in the catering equipment business.

“Waring’s director of culinary innovation, chef Dustin Selvaggio, says that the hot food trends are fermentation, sustainability, whole product utilization, pizza, noodles of all kinds, Indian Cuisine and Vietnamese Cuisine,” explains Damien Hée, director of sales Europe, Waring Commercial Products Division of Conair Corporation. Senior marketing manager Peter Roffe speaks of the explosion in contactless ordering: “Essentially every restaurant now features these options in some capacity. Along with contactless payments and menus (with QR codes).”

Hée predicts “a very busy summer season, as people head out and enjoy a closer return to normal.” But another issue to be addressed is that of labour shortages, which “have really led to an increase in smart restaurant technology. For example, automating online orders through delivery apps that helps to fill up restaurants and reduce ‘downtime’ gaps. The same applies to automating customer communications within the restaurant. This is part of a larger movement towards an omnichannel strategy (bricks&mortar outlets + online) that is helping restaurants to grow and thrive, moving forward.”

Another important factor is supply chain and food supply issues. “Food pricing due to supply and inflation are having a big impact on restaurants. This level of food inflation hasn’t been this high in 40 years. Restaurants will need to balance productivity and pricing to be to be able to migrate some of the inflation. We see this as a major issue that restaurants will continue to deal with throughout this year.”

The most popular models include the Food Dehydrator , the 7-litre Stand Mixer and the heavy-duty Juice Extractor. Waring is known for its extensive line of blenders, waffle makers and immersion blenders, which are the brand’s most exported products year after year.

“Everyone is happy to safely return to their favourite restaurants with friends and family again. Dining al fresco took off during the pandemic and it’s here to stay. We expect to see lots of customers sitting outside to enjoy the sunshine and beautiful weather,” says Adriana Desiderio, digital communications manager at Cambro. “We have many products that help support service outdoors, like our CamBars, trays, GoBoxes, and Ice Caddies.”

Events are back in full swing: “A lot of catering and hospitality businesses need ways to safely transport their food and beverages – both hot and cold – and we have a variety of insulated transport units to meet this need. Our GoBoxes are especially popular because they are temperature retentive, but also extremely durable and lightweight,” says Ms Desiderio.

Meanwhile, “food delivery continues to be a popular segment for us. Restaurants need a way to keep their food at safe temperatures during transport and we have the products to make that happen. They make it easy for restaurant owners to feel confident their food and beverages will make it to their customers in the condition they left the kitchen. Keeping food safe can be particularly challenging during the summer, but our products give you peace of mind.”