Design award
British company Sterling Foodservice Design has added another Foodservice Consultants Society International (FCSI) award to the Worldwide Excellence in Design Award it picked up for its work on the new kitchens at the Institute of Technology, Tralee, Ireland. This time, directors Andrew and Elaine Powis scooped the society's European Excellence in Design Award for the kitchen at Whatley Manor Hotel near Malmesbury in Wiltshire (see My New Kitchen, Caterer, 30 October 2003, page 72).
Microwave supply
Whitbread has signed a three-year contract with Panasonic to install commercial microwave ovens in kitchens across its estate. Brands such as Beefeater, Brewers Fayre and TGI Friday's will be using models mainly from Panasonic's heavy-duty compact range of microwave ovens.
Energy drinks market growth
The market for functional energy drinks in Western Europe is set to grow by 7-9% annually over the next five years, with consumption reaching more than 450 million litres by 2008, according to research published by drinks consultancy Zenith International. Its 2004 West Europe Energy Drinks report puts the current value of the market at g2.34b (£1.61b), with Red Bull accounting for two-thirds of overall volume.
Organic deal for Scotland
Organic milk farmers in Scotland have received a boost in business as a result of a deal with Kingdom Cheese and Pizza Organic. Kingdom Cheese has agreed to buy 250,000 litres of organic milk a year from 25 members of the Scottish Organic Milk Producers' Association for its organic mozzarella, used by Pizza Organic, and Cheddar cheeses.
Diary dates
National Doughnut Week, sponsored by Arkady Craigmillar, takes place from 31 January to 7 February and aims to raise funds for Save the Children. Further details from 0151-343 1600. Also starting on 31 January and running until 4 February is the MIA International Food Show and the Mediterranean Seafood Exhibition in Rimini, Italy. Details at www.miafiera.it. The European Sandwich Show takes place in Paris on 15 and 16 February. Details at www.europeansandwichshow.com.