NEWS | Industry Events


Snack manufacturer targets mini-markets and vending machines


service sector too as outlets face ongoing pressures to meet demand and re-imagine how to dovetail with new working patterns and models. “With significantly more people working


Summit Foods, a specialist in frozen and chilled micro snacks and ‘fresher for longer’ chilled sandwiches for retail, has launched a new division to take its products into the food service sector. Since joining Abbeydale Food Group


four years ago, Summit Foods has seen sales more than double with its ‘Snacksters’ brand becoming the leader in frozen snacking. The company recently reported a year-on-year rise in turnover of 35% in its latest financial results.


Having established a solid customer base


in retail, from supplying convenience stores through to large supermarkets, the business has identified demand for its innovative frozen and chilled micro snacks within the food service sector influenced by changes in the food service industry since spring 2020. “We’ve seen strong retail sales since the


outbreak of the pandemic with greater numbers of people turning to stores for our convenient, food-on-the-go type snacking products,” explains Andrew Hayes, managing director of Summit Foods. “With labour shortages and rising costs continuing, we’ve also identified a need for our long-life, value products within the food


from home, there’s been a marked increase in companies installing mini-markets or vending machines for staff, as well as many smaller catering operations being forced to close or offer restricted hours. As innovators in the snacking sector, we have products that are perfect in both situations – for example, with a 25-day extended life, our ‘fresher for longer’ sandwiches are ideal for vending machines. In addition, our burgers, kebabs and paninis offer cost-effective catering options with outlets easily able to re-heat, personalise and add value with minimal labour needed.” As well as already delivering from its


existing range to food service businesses, Summit Foods is also working with customers in the sector to innovate new products and services. The aim is to help nimble catering operations adjust to maximise delivery and efficiencies despite the challenges of the huge shifts in working patterns seen in the last two years. “With over 35 years’ experience in the food sector manufacturing branded and own label products, we keep a close eye on the market for emerging consumer trends and insights, and believe we can bring the same benefits to the food service sector as we have to retail,” continued Mr Hayes. “Our strong track in new product development means we have the expertise to work with catering businesses to develop products to their specification with a focus on product innovation and value-for-money.”


VP celebrates a decade with Innovative Technology (ITL)


Innovative Technology has announced that Andy Bassam, one of their established customer support personnel based at their UK head office, is celebrating 10 years’ service with the company this month. Following a series of promotions over the


years, Andy now holds the position of VP of customer support. Innovative Technology is an international cash handling and biometrics solutions provider for several industries including gaming, amusement, kiosk and retail. Commenting on this long-standing commitment Andy said, “When I first joined ITL, I started as a senior support engineer and was responsible for providing technical support for our retail and kiosk customers. In December 2012, after a short period of six months, I was then promoted to customer support manager and four years later, I was delighted to accept the position of VP of Customer Support.” Tony Morrison, group sales director


for ITL said: “Andy has been in the cash handling industry for over 20 years and his technical expertise and overall industry knowledge is exceptional. He is responsible for our group support and service divisions, supervising two support managers and a team of over 30 staff from around the world, including China, Thailand, Europe, and the UK. He is valued by his team and is an integral part of the business.” Concluding Andy said, “ITL is a fantastic place to work, we are continually bringing new innovations to market to ensure organisations have the best cash handling products - I look forward to seeing how we continue to grow and develop over the coming years.”


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