Stalwarts in
many hotels were built, and no import of equipment was allowed. We had to get our own licenses and promote our machines. For restaurants, we did not sell anything as we could not have stock of the equipment. Later on, it was allowed, whereby we could keep a stock of the equipment to be sold – that helped us grow manifold.”
“A lot of competition has come up, 15 of our former employees have started the same business. We must have trained more than 100 technicians all over India to look after the equipment problems; the market has expanded. We generally employ refrigeration and electrical engineers; training is going on regularly. We have to give the installation service. We have done a lot of hotel projects in the past. We keep getting enquires from all hotel chains. Our recent projects include Like Holiday Inn Pune, Fortune Gurgaon, Westin Pune, Radisson Pune, Fortune Chail, Fortune Rajkot & Fortune Durgapur,” he added.
Elaborating on trends in kitchen equipment, he said, “The main item of demand is the dishwashing machine as labour is becoming costlier. This product is going not only to hotels and restaurants, but canteens, institutes & government establishments. However, our major item is the Scotsman ice machine, the largest ice machine in the world. The company has six factories in US, Italy and China. They manufacture 200,000 ice machines. The capacity of these machines is from 25 kg to 10,000 kg. The 10,000 kg machine is used in the fish and marine products industry, laboratories, and Sports Authority of India.”
On Aahar he said, “We started participating in Aahar with a 30 sq.ft. stall and have moved onto 220 sq.ft.
However, since they started rebuilding, we have got a 50 sq.ft. stall. We promote new products each time we are there.
We are promoting Henny Penny products from US and China; they are the leaders in frying technology. We are also promoting Combi ovens from Italy and Hotmax, which is our own brand. We have old as well as new clients. We participate in Aahar every year as well as when it takes place in Chennai, Bengaluru and Mumbai.”
On government policies, he commented, “They have improved for importers, allowing them to get custom clearances. However, 28 per cent GST on dishwashers is too much. After all, dishwashing machines save labour, are hygienic and reduce breakage of cutlery. For other items, 18 per cent GST is okay. On challenges, he added, “Unfortunately, there is a tendency to use the equipment for a very long time. Many people do not replace the equipment, which is very important.” On hospitality, he said, “I heard few years ago that Shanghai has more star category rooms than India. Today India too has a lot of star category rooms. Yet more needs to be done.”
AKASA professional baking range is now available in digital electric panels for more precise controls and more accurate baking to match your needs. The elegant and compact design comes with full stainless-steel inner and outer body. It is available in five different capacities and sizes, all of which come with blowers and specially designed stainless-steel heaters to ensure uniform baking throughout the oven. A double walled body and insulated oven door ensures no heat loss during the baking process. It is ideal for roasting and baking.
To address the concern of electrosmog, Syenergy Environics, pioneers in the field of radiation protection, has launched Enviroglobe – India’s first, radiation protection solution for healthier homes & workplaces. Enviroglobe protects an area of 300 sq.ft.
(10 ft. radius) from the ill-effects of radiation. One needs to charge it with sunlight for about 15 minutes, once a week.
Momenti, the Italian custom design company that offers tailor-made designs for the entire living environment from floor to wall coverings, furniture to accessories and artworks, has launched a new collection of wallpapers from its Crazy Paper range that allow you to add a bold touch to your space. The Italian brand’s new range is brought to India by Ottimo. Momenti incorporates art in design.
Malhotra brings with him over 16 years of experience in core hotel operations and has held managerial roles with several renowned hotel chains. He will oversee all the operational and commercial aspects of the hotel.