The list of contenders going head-to-head in the Innovation Challenge at next week’s Commercial Kitchen show (taking place at the NEC Birmingham on 4-5 June) has been announced. 

True Refrigeration, Jestic Foodservice Equipment, Cibo, Regale Microwave Ovens, and Roller Grill (UK) are among the leading manufacturers and suppliers who have fielded new product entries for 2019 (many of which will be launching at the show).  As are UNOX UK, Synergy Grill and Hupfer – all hoping to repeat their success of last year and take home another prestigious Gold Award for best new innovation of the year.

It’s a win-win for everyone involved.  For visiting buyers and members of the press, the Innovation Challenge Gallery is a great starting point to discover the newest and most cutting-edge catering equipment and kitchen tech on the market – and they’ll also have the chance to vote for their favourite.  The first round of visitor voting takes place from when doors open at 10am on day one of the show (Tuesday 4 June) until 4pm that day.

Those exhibitors with the most votes by the end of day one will be invited to pitch their products to a panel of leading industry judges at the second day of the show.  Visitors can catch all the action at the Innovation Challenge Live in Keynote Theatre 2 at 11.15am on Wednesday 5th June, with the results being announced back in the theatre later that day at 3.45pm.

• Chef Line Solutions: SmartMix by Smabo
• Chef Line Solutions: Pegasus DCS
• Cibo: Cibo
• Filta: GreaseMaster
• Fogarty Charcoal Ovens: The Fogarty Fire Box
• Gamble Foodservice Solutions: Foldaway Bar 
• GreaseShield: GS2000-SS
• Hupfer: Therma Dry
• Jestic Foodservice Equipment: Winston CVap 7-Series Cook & Hold
• Jongor Hire: Cabin Kitchens
• Kingspan Water & Energy: SmartServ Pro
• Klipspringer: iClean Mini
• Klipspringer: FOM330 Food Oil Management System
• Medem UK: SEC-K v5 Ventilation Interlock
• Reco-Air: Reco-Air
• Regale Microwave Ovens: MICROSAVE
• Roller Grill (UK): Premium VC
• Synergy Grill: Product to be announced 
• True Refrigeration: TCR True Counter Refrigerator
• UNOX UK: Unox Bakerlux Shop Pro - DECK
• UNOX UK: Unox Evereo CUBE
• Valentine Equipment: Rustica Lava Stone Electric Grill
• Yellow Shield: Spill Kill Super Absorbent Powder
• Yellow Shield: Commercial Kitchen Spill Kit

Innovation Challenge Awards judges for 2019 include: Phil Shelley, immediate past chair of the Hospital Caterers Association; Simon Woplin, head of innovation at Ambassador Theatre Group; Mark Kendall, commercial director at cedabond; Jack Sharkey, managing director at Vision Commercial Kitchens; Martyn Clover, head of food at Tortilla; and chef and food consultant Jay Morjaria.

“Commercial Kitchen is really what our industry needs, it brings together all parts of the supply chain in a focused and convivial environment.  One not to be missed,” says Mr Kendall.

Free visitor registration

Commercial Kitchen returns to the NEC Birmingham on 4-5 June 2019.  Show features include a free two-day seminar programme, the Innovation Challenge Awards, and ceda Awards Gallery.

For further information and to register for a free trade ticket, please visit www.commercialkitchenshow.co.uk and quote priority code CK12 (https://eventdata.uk/Visitor/CommercialKitchen2019.aspx?TrackingCode=CK12).