Abstract
During the last ten years the rapid development of system based processes and management techniques within the catering industry have led to a reassessment of the role and efficiency of individual cooking appliances. Meanwhile, changes in consumer demand such as an awareness of healthy eating and the popularity of single course meals have, along with other factors, initiated a move away from traditional cooking processes. Whilst appliances associated with these cooking techniques are the most frequently occurring items in catering kitchens, there is a positive move towards the purchase of equipment associated with rapid cooking and the maintenance of nutritional standards. Using a range of survey techniques this study provides a qualitative assessment of the growth and development of the markets for catering equipment in Britain. The results of the surveys provide a perspective of the catering equipment in use and, by extrapolation of current purchasing patterns, the direction of future sales. At the same time, the study compares purchasing decisions against consumer, operational and structural trends affecting the industry and examines whether any inferences can be drawn from the current situation in North America. The recent consolidation of the British equipment manufacturing industry and greater investment in research and development may counter the trend towards the increasing importation of foreign manufactures which account for nearly half of all equipment sales. Moreover, the continued growth of the catering industry and the breakdown of trade barriers within the European Community suggests that the equipment industry faces a challenging future.