Global foodservice equipment is gearing up for major growth, with new research forecasting a £14bn market uplift by 2034. Smart kitchens, AI‑driven maintenance and IoT‑connected appliances are set to drive the next wave of investment across commercial catering.
Category Archives: Commercial
Welbilt UK Uses Pricing Strategy to Offset Tariff Pressures
Welbilt UK (Merrychef’s owner)has successfully protected its profit margins through strategic pricing actions and operational efficiencies as uncertainty around US tariffs continues to affect global manufacturers.
The commercial kitchen equipment manufacturer reported strong financial results, supported by robust export sales, manufacturing improvements and targeted price adjustments. With international markets accounting for a significant share of revenue, the company has been closely monitoring potential tariff impacts and implementing measures to mitigate additional costs.
Welbilt said a combination of pricing initiatives, productivity gains and supply chain management helped maintain profitability despite ongoing geopolitical and trade challenges.
The results highlight how manufacturers are increasingly relying on pricing discipline and operational excellence to navigate an uncertain global trading environment.
Liebherr Strengthens Its Leadership in Scientific Refrigeration
Liebherr boosts its scientific refrigeration range with a new 5‑year full warranty and upgraded performance standards, reinforcing its premium positioning for labs demanding reliability, precision and long‑term suppor Manufactured in Lienz, Tyrol, each refrigerator and freezer undergoes rigorous end‑of‑line testing, from component checks to controlled temperature descent, and ships with an individual test certificate. Liebherr also guarantees 15 years of spare‑part availability, exceeding EU requirements and strengthening its reliability credentials.
Paolo Schira Officially Assumes Role as President & CEO of Electrolux Professional Group
Electrolux Professional Group has confirmed the official start of Paolo Schira’s tenure as President and CEO, effective 5 May 2026, following the retirement of long‑serving leader Alberto Zanata.
In a statement marking his first day in the role, Schira emphasised both the strength of the company’s global position and the importance of accelerating strategic execution:
> “It is a privilege to step into this role and to work together with our employees and customers. Our markets are attractive, and by accelerating the execution of our strategic priorities with a sharper focus, we will continue to build long-term value for our customers and shareholders,” said Paolo Schira.
Schira’s appointment was first announced on 28 January 2026, giving the organisation a clear transition period as it prepares for its next phase of growth. His leadership now begins at a pivotal moment for the professional appliance sector, with evolving customer demands, sustainability pressures, and intensified global competition shaping the market landscape.
Electrolux Professional enters this new chapter with continuity, clarity, and a renewed strategic focus under Schira’s direction.
Freudenberg Completes Takeover of Nilfisk
Freudenberg Home and Cleaning Solutions (FHCS) has formally completed its voluntary public takeover of Nilfisk, securing more than 90% of the company’s share capital and voting rights. The milestone positions FHCS as the clear majority shareholder and sets the stage for the next phase of integration.
FHCS has confirmed its intention to initiate a compulsory acquisition of the remaining shares held by minority investors, followed by the delisting of Nilfisk from public trading.
The move brings together two highly complementary forces in the professional cleaning sector, combining FHCS’s global scale and technology portfolio with Nilfisk’s long‑established expertise in commercial and industrial cleaning equipment. The combined group is expected to strengthen innovation capabilities, expand market reach, and accelerate growth across key professional cleaning categories.
RATIONAL Marks 1.5 Million Combi Ovens as It Celebrates 50 Years of Production
RATIONAL AG has reached a major manufacturing milestone, producing its 1.5 millionth combi oven exactly 50 years after the first unit left its production line.
The landmark oven, distinguished by a gold‑finished control dial, was completed in February and formally presented to the St. Nikolaus Children’s Hospice in Germany.
With an estimated 50% share of the global combi oven market, RATIONAL remains one of the most influential brands in professional cooking technology. The company calculates that chefs worldwide prepare around 180 million meals every day using its appliances.
RATIONAL UK Limited continues to play a key role in supporting the brand’s growth across the British foodservice sector.
Electrolux Professional Group has completed the acquisition of the assets of Royal Range
Electrolux Professional Group has today completed the acquisition of the assets of Royal Range, a US Commercial cooking company.
In connection with the completion of the transaction, Electrolux Professional Group has become the owner of all assets in Royal Range. The purchase price is not disclosed.
Electrolux Professional announced on November 11, 2025, that it had agreed to acquire the assets of Royal Range
Middleby to Sell 51% Stake in Residential Kitchen Business to 26North in Transaction Valuing the Business at $885 Million
The Middleby Corporation (NASDAQ: MIDD) has agreed to sell a 51% stake in its Residential Kitchen business to affiliates of 26North Partners LP, valuing the unit at $885 million. Middleby will retain a 49% non-controlling interest in the new joint venture, receiving approximately $540 million in cash and a $135 million seller note.
The Residential Kitchen portfolio includes premium brands such as Viking, AGA Rangemaster, La Cornue, Kamado Joe, Marvel, Novy, and U-Line. This move, alongside the planned spin-off of Middleby’s Food Processing segment in H1 2026, advances the company’s strategy to become a pure-play commercial foodservice leader.
With a sharpened focus, Middleby is positioned for accelerated growth through innovation and automation, offering a robust lineup of commercial kitchen solutions that enhance labor efficiency, reduce food costs, and expand into high-potential markets like ice and beverage.
The commercial foodservice business stands strong with 2024 revenue of $2.38 billion, $654 million in Adjusted EBITDA, and a margin exceeding 27%
Jensen North America Acquires G.A. Braun, Strengthening Its North American Presence
Jensen North America, a proud member of the global Jensen-Group, has officially acquired the business operations of G.A. Braun. This strategic acquisition represents a major leap forward in Jensen-Group’s long-term growth strategy, significantly enhancing its manufacturing capabilities, broadening its product offerings, and expanding its service network throughout North America.
By integrating G.A. Braun’s expertise and infrastructure, Jensen-Group is poised to deliver even greater value to customers across the region—reinforcing its commitment to innovation, quality, and customer-centric solutions in the industrial laundry sector.
Electrolux Professional Unveils Pioneering Laundry Tech at Texcare China 2025
At the Texcare Asia & China Laundry Expo 2025held November 12–14 at Shanghai’s New International Expo Centre Electrolux Professional made waves by debuting a game-changing innovation in commercial laundry systems: the industry’s first truly integrated stackable washer-dryer combination unit. This compact powerhouse is engineered to slash footprint requirements by up to 50% while slashing energy and water use, aligning perfectly with the expo’s emphasis on eco-conscious automation and resource efficiency.fd0896cac86a
Designed for high-volume operations like hotels, hospitals, and textile services, the unit merges advanced washing and drying in a vertical footprint that frees up valuable floor space for other essentials. Key highlights include AI-driven load optimization for minimal waste, heat-recovery tech to recapture up to 80% of thermal energy, and smart sensors that adapt cycles for peak performance potentially cutting operational costs by 30% and CO2 emissions significantly.06c305 As part of Electrolux’s broader push toward circular economy principles, this solution supports seamless integration with existing workflows, empowering businesses to scale sustainably without compromise.
With over 300 global exhibitors and 30,000 attendees from 80+ countries, the event underscored Asia’s role as a hub for laundry tech evolution, and Electrolux’s reveal positioned it as a frontrunner in reimagining professional care for a greener future.
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