A multi-functional piece of equipment, boasting an output of up to 400 ice cream cones and 250 milkshakes per hour; a queue-busting smartphone app and compostable cutlery made from trees, sugarcane and corn are the big winners in Hotelympia’s 2016 Innovation Awards.
‘Multiple Choice’ by Carpigiani UK (Catering Equipment) ‘Wi-Q’ by Wi-Q Limited (Technology) and ‘Recycled Compostable Black Cutlery’ by Vegware (Interiors) were unveiled during a ceremony hosted by highly respected chef Cyrus Todiwala OBE in front of a packed audience on Hotelympia’s Stage.
The three innovations were whittled down from hundreds of paper entries to just 18 finalists, with the process culminating yesterday in a behind-closed-doors pitch to a panel of respected judges including journalists, industry figureheads and buyers.
The winners in full:
‘Multiple Choice’ by Carpigiani UK
An innovative machine which can produce ice cream with three different types of variegato and four different flavours of milkshake, boasting an impressive output of up to 400 cones and 250 milkshakes per hour.
The space-saving machine eliminates the need to purchase multiple pieces of equipment while significantly reducing energy usage and accompanying expenditure.
Multiple Choice also boasts an innovative self-pasteurisation system, meaning the machine only requires a deep clean every six weeks, saving significant amounts of labour and downtime, while also reducing the amount of stock wastage during the cleaning process.
‘Recycled Compostable Black Cutlery’ by Vegware
Vegware’s ‘Recycled compostable black cutlery’ is made from 100% recycled plant material, with 90% less carbon than plastic, certified compostable, and heatproof to 85ºC, the cutlery is practical, stylish and eco-friendly. The only recycled compostable black cutlery on the market, Vegware allows brands to meet sustainability targets without compromising on style.
‘Wi-Q’ by Wi-Q Limited
Wi-Q allows customers to order and pay for their food and drinks via any device, with no apps needed to be downloaded, no passwords, no updates and no roaming charges.
Rather than focusing on managing queues, operators can focus on providing customers with the highest levels of service. Customers can pre-order and collect at their specified time, to beat the queue, have their favourite orders on repeat, or simply pull down their bill, when ready.
Toby Wand, Managing Director at Fresh Montgomery, said: “Congratulations to our three winners for truly showing the way when it comes to product innovation and ingenuity and very well done to all of our finalists. I know the judges were faced with a herculean task in separating them, such was the quality on show.
“Visitors should take time out to experience the winning products, as well as the finalists, for themselves in our dedicated Innovation Awards area.”
Hotelympia 2016 (ExCeL London) runs until March 3rd 2016.