Shopping forecast: the latest supplier news

Deliveroo reveals the top dishes of 2014 ​

Deliveroo has  released its annual Deliveroo 100 Report which reveals the top trending dishes of 2024 ordered on the platform across its ten markets worldwide, including the UK. The Deliveroo 100 list shows a shift towards health-focused food options, with salads now making up 30% of the top 10 global dishes - up from 10% in 2023 - beating burgers out of the top 10 for the first time. The UK is no different, with nutritious and healthy food options - the Seiz’a Caesar + Blackened Chicken from Atis and SP Caesar from The Salad Project, both from London - taking two of the top three most popular dishes in the UK this year. 

QSR Automations receives majority growth investment from Battery Ventures​

Restaurant technology solutions provider QSR Automations has received a strategic, majority growth investment from Battery Ventures, a global, technology-focused investment firm. QSR Automation says the investment represents a pivotal moment in its history, positioning the company for accelerated growth, enhanced innovation, and expanded market reach. Alongside the new investment, QSR Automations announced that Battery Ventures 'executive-in-residence' Robbie Payne, a longtime software-industry executive, will become the company’s new CEO. Founded in 1996, QSR Automations has been at the forefront of developing innovative technology solutions for the restaurant industry, including kitchen display systems (KDS), guest management software, table management, and digital recipe solutions.

Chef Tools brings the FRXSH Mousse Chef to the UK​

Chef Tools has brought a new frozen food processor to the UK market. Designed and manufactured in Switzerland, the FRXSH Mousse Chef ‘offers high quality at an affordable price’ and has a ‘low-maintenance design’. Chefs Tools says it has a clear, simple electronic display and is easy to use, while it’s also so quiet that it can be used during service. “Having worked with many restaurants and chefs, we know quality when we see it,” says Chefs Tools director Luke Bagnall. “So, we immediately recognised the FRXSH Mousse Chef was the kind of tool that we’d be proud to be associated with.”

Zonal launches delivery management platform​

Hospitality technology company Zonal has launched a ‘cost-effective and user-friendly platform’ designed to revolutionise how businesses manage their delivery service providers. Zonal Delivery offers ‘seamless’ integration into the three major online delivery service providers (Uber Eats, Deliveroo, and Just Eat) and simplifies multi-channel and multi-unit menu management. Key functionality includes direct order integration; centralised management; dynamic prep time management; and comprehensive reporting. “With the launch of Zonal Delivery, we are giving our customers the opportunity to capitalise on this growing market and enhance their delivery operations, increase efficiency in their hospitality venues and drive profits through delivery channels,” says Zonal chief commercial officer Tim Chapman. “We are committed to helping our customers thrive in a competitive landscape by providing them with the technology they need to succeed.”

Antunes launches ‘revolutionary’ ​Wrap and Snack Toaster​

Countertop cooking specialist Antunes has launched a ‘revolutionary’ Wrap and Snack Toaster. The GST-1V is exclusively available in the UK through Jestic Foodservice Solutions and utilises dual-belt technology that grips the product as it moves along the heat source, eliminating transition defects including sticking, slipping, and inconsistent marking. With programmable temperature and motor speed settings as well as adjustable compression, the toaster ‘has the flexibility to easily customise production and produce the very best final product every single time’. The model features a wide toasting lane for consistent dual-sided toasting of up to three filled wraps side-by-side and offers ‘the ultimate ease of use during service with continuously moving belts, allowing operators to immediately load product as needed without delay’.

TipJar Wins UK Smart Grant to ‘supercharge’ Spend & Save product​

TipJar has received a UK Smart Grant from the Government to help it launch its Spend & Save product to tens of thousands of hospitality workers around the world. Employees can now hit the pause button on their tip payouts, whether they’re collected through QR codes, Tap to Tip machines, PDQs, or via Supertronc, and put them into a savings account with interest. Alongside this is the TipJar card that grants workers discounts at 1000s of high-street venues. "TipJar has come so far in just five years, and I'm immensely proud of what we've achieved for tipped workers,” says founder James Brown. “With the launch of our 'Spend and Save' product, we're entering an exciting new phase. It's always been my vision for workers to maximize their tips, and this new feature is a crucial step in making that a reality."

Délifrance launches guide to help foodservice operators drive sales​

Baked goods manufacturer Délifrance has announced the launch of a new edition of its Smart Guide, which is designed to help operators overcome the key challenges facing the foodservice industry. With recommendations and insights addressing price inflation, sustainability concerns, staffing constraints and standing out, the 2024-2025 Smart Guide: Time Saving & Low Budget Service Solutions is ‘packed with timely advice to help food operators stay one step ahead of the competition, drive sales and enhance the customer experience’. “Although the foodservice sector is showing strong signs of recovery, operators are now facing a new set of difficulties,” says Délifrance marketing director Stéphanie Brillouet. “​Therefore, we're pleased to share our expertise in our new Smart Guide which is full of mouth-watering recipes, actionable tips and low-cost solutions to help foodservice operators weather the storm over the coming year.”