GULFHOST INNOVATION AWARDS

Gulfhost Innovation Awards celebrate pioneering excellence in the Middle East food and beverage industry. Organized by Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), the awards were judged by an independent panel of industry leaders and experts, and endorsed by Gulfhost’s strategic partner, the International Centre for Culinary Arts (ICCA). Winners included:

• Best Back of House Equipment Innovation (Hot) – RATIONAL Kitchen and Catering Equipment Trading FZCO – for Connected Cooking, a solution to connect and control kitchen appliances remotely

• Best Back of House Equipment Innovation (Other) – Gebr. Echtermann Gmbh & Co. KG – for Stainless Steel Sensor Tap, allowing kitchen users to wash their hands without a need to touch the tap

• Best Bar or Coffee Equipment Innovation – SANTOS – for The NUTRISANTOS™ #65, an easy-touse cold press juicer

• Best Front of House Equipment Innovation – La Marquise International – for GELATO POPAPP, an innovative gelato dispenser

• Best Green or Eco-friendly Equipment Innovation – HEKO – for Energy Manager, a smart kitchen solution to manage energy efficiencies loyalty, increase engagement and more. Wondereight launched Wondergames which helps companies grow their customer base through games customized to meet specific marketing needs and objectives.

While many F&B concepts’ sales continue to fall, this year restaurateurs are more prepared for the recession, ready to take action and can see the edge that marketing can deliver. The underlying takeaway is that the market may seem saturated, but a lot of opportunity exists for good concepts that are well planned and properly conceived from branding to design, food, pricing, location and overall experience.