As dining and drinking move outdoors, we have brought together some of our light equipment favourites to help operators and chefs to match their presentation with 2018 summer trends. This year natural materials and organic shapes are favoured, with monotone neutrals, pastels and vibrant brights. Non-alcoholic retail concepts such as Redemption Bar and Sober Parrot are emerging, with health, nature and simplicity key themes. Veganism and wild foraged ingredients are becoming more mainstream as consumers focus on achieving a balanced lifestyle.
However, often the practical aspects of serving outside in the hospitality industry mean that safety and longevity are essential, especially for larger operations. With consumer preferences moving away from disposables, robust reusable polycarbonate and resin items cater for restaurant, hotel, pub and bar operators who are keen to reduce environmental impact and financial waste. These products are also ideal for contract caterers servicing outdoor events, providing safe, green and economical alternatives to glass and crockery.
Our light equipment brands are manufactured by some of the most respected companies in the industry, and their design teams work closely with chefs to develop new collections throughout the year which reflect the zeitgeist.
With a vast range of products, and new innovations emerging almost daily, American Metalcraft leads the way in trend setting for the hospitality industry. There are many products that fit the summer outdoor dining brief, and we feel that these unique clear polycarbonate water bottles provide the perfect solution for delivering water and juices outdoors without the risk of breakages.
Created last year by Mercer Culinary, the Barfly mixology range is for the professional with an unwavering commitment to the art of the cocktail. These barware essentials and accessories are designed to deliver optimal appearance, temperature, consistency and proportion in every glass–with masterful results.
Mealplak offers innovative and functional table and buffet wares designed to withstand the rigours of the restaurant trade. Products are made from Nacryl© , an exclusive, renowned, high quality material, attractive and easy to use. Food friendly and non-porous, Mealplak products are enjoyed for their bright colours, subtle translucent appearance and silky touch.
Hell’s Tools from Mercer Culinary are a range of utensils constructed from specially formulated nylon to stand up to high-temperature applications. A large variety of styles, sizes, and colours are offered to meet all your culinary needs. Ideal for barbecue and grill use, Hell’s Tools are are stain and odour resistant, and incredibly durable.
Combining a natural organic feel with tactile surfaces, Revol Porcelaine‘s hand finished products are designed to display food with artistry. Celebrating their 250 year anniversary, Revol’s enduring appeal to globally renowned chefs is testament to the outstanding quality of their products. With a number of collections ideal for summer dining, selecting just three for this article was quite a challenge!
Arborescence channels the forest with its tactile bark finish. Available in muted grey tones as well as white, Arborescense brings nature to the plate. Natural slate has had some bad press recently due to hygiene concerns. Revol has the perfect solution with its Basalt collection; hard wearing, non-porous porcelain that looks just like slate but with all the benefits of culinary porcelain. With authentic shapes and a great colour range, Color Lab table ware is made by hand and then stamped with REVOL’s quality seal. Each porcelain tile is delicately submerged in a bath of enamel, and the natural pigments will reveal their splendor during firing.
Estimated at £718 million in 2017, the UK free-from market has more than doubled in size since 2012. Up to three million people are estimated to suffer from a food allergy. Rigorous allergen management procedures are imperative in a commercial kitchen.
Food allergies are especially concerning for foodservice operators. Mercer’s Allergen Safe product line offers an easy to identify and implement system to safely prep, cook, and serve foods with a greater degree of safety.
The number of people looking to reduce or eliminate gluten dairy and meat from their diet is increasing rapidly. This trend is in response to dealing with allergies along with the perception of gluten free or vegan leading to a healthier lifestyle. When addressing these dietary issues, it is essential that customers feel foods are being handled safely and with a process that minimises risk.
Mercer Culinary™ has recognised these growing trends in the foodservice industry and the problems they present to operators. This lead them to design and develop a line of allergen safety products which offer an easy way to identify and implement systems to safely prepare, cook and serve food. These products are intended to hold up to the toughest commercial environments and their prominent purple colour makes them easy for staff to keep separate for use with allergen risk ingredients.
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Mercer Hell’s Handles Heat Resistant Handles
These specially formulated heat resistant handles safely withstand temperatures up to 450°F and absorbs 50% less heat than standard polypropylene handles.
Mercer Hell’s Tools
These utensils are constructed from a specially formulated glass-reinforced nylon to be
used in high temperature applications (heat resistant to 430°F/220°C). The tools have
incredible durability, and are stain & odour resistant. One-piece construction makes them
the most sanitary utensils available. Many styles, sizes, and colors are available to meet all
your culinary needs and comply with HACCP or designated use programs.
Professional chefs’ tools are sharp! As well as good safety practices, Mercer cut resistant gloves provide an extra level of security for chefs’ fingers.
These gloves feature excellent cut and abrasion resistance, superior dexterity, and extreme comfort. They fit left or right hands and come in five colour coded sizes to ensure a perfect fit for most users.
With a permanent antimicrobial coating to ensure protection and greater food safety, the Mercer gloves are washable and bleach-safe. They are made from materials that are FDA approved for direct food contact.
Download Mercer Accessories brochure
Download Mercer glove fitting guide
Mercer Culinary’s new ZüM knives stay sharper longer, have exceptional strength and durability, and have retention and resistance to rust. ZüM handles are moulded for a more ergonomic grip with a full tang that extends the entire length of the handle, giving each knife exceptional balance and strength. And it doesn’t hurt that the collection is gorgeous too!
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