Ramco records strongest start to the year

Ramco Foodservices, the UK’s leading provider of reuse and resale of second-hand catering equipment, has made one of its strongest ever starts to a year, recording its biggest volume and value of items sold in January.

The Skegness-based company says it is realising the potential of its growing client base and increased demand for its services and equipment. In 2020, the company landed over 30 new clients and recruited 2,000 new buyers of used or B grade catering equipment via its online auction sales platform. The recently won clients include a major outdoor entertainment venue operator and a top-four supermarket chain.

Ramco is committed to ensuring that its clients’ redundant equipment finds new owners and is not scrapped, improving their sustainability performance, while supporting catering businesses to mitigate losses and help as they adapt kitchens affected by falling sales caused by the coronavirus pandemic and lockdowns.

The market for surplus equipment grew throughout 2020, driven in part by the COVID-19 which, according to the latest CGA report, has caused over 6,000 licensed premises across Britain to close permanently.

Paul Fieldhouse, who leads Ramco Foodservice’s business development said: “There will be a mixed year ahead, with a particularly difficult second quarter highly likely, but the results so far show that sustainability, reuse, and the net-zero agenda are gaining further traction in the foodservice equipment sector.

“We remain optimistic about creating new opportunities and supporting businesses across the sector by helping mitigate their losses through sustainable disposals. Hopefully, with a strong recovery in the second half of 2021, we’ll also see companies rebound and begin investing in new equipment.”

Ramco has also expanded its service-offering and saw a prominent branded catering equipment business use the company for the clean disposal of B grade equipment for the first time in January.

Mr Fieldhouse added: “As foodservice operators seek to take responsibility for their environmental contribution and attract customers who are more interested in ‘green’ credentials than ever, it’s imperative that they carefully consider the full lifecycle of their equipment.

“It’s always going to be the case that some equipment can’t be reused, so managing these items appropriately is another key area for potential growth, especially as we already have the infrastructure and relationships in place to do so.”