Low energy, infrared oven for an improved automated cooking

Project Information

Smart Cooking

Grant agreement ID: 808697

DOI

10.3030/808697

Project closed

EC signature date 31 January 2018

Start date 1 February 2018

End date 31 May 2018

Funded under

• SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - Secure, clean and efficient energy

Total cost

€ 71 429,00

EU contribution

€ 50 000,00

Coordinated by

CB SRL
Italy

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - Smart Cooking (Low energy, infrared oven for an improved automated cooking)

Reporting period: 2018-02-01 to 2018-05-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The food service industry is expanding rapidly due to changes in lifestyle. Only in the EU the food service sector is made of 2 billion businesses, of which 90% are SMEs, directly employing 10.2 million people. Cooking is responsible for nearly 60% of the total energy costs of a food service and 20% of a business’ annual energy is wasted through the use of inefficient equipment. Small restaurants need to cut down costs and optimise kitchen space and productivity in order to remain competitive in such a crowded market. The purpose of this feasibility study was to analyse the technical, financial, and commercial potentialities of Smart Cooking of fulfilling the need of small food services of energy-efficient and cost-effective cooking appliances.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

During this feasibility study we carried out a technical, financial and commercial analysis of Smart Cooking. A detailed technical plan for the implementation of the multi-cooker improvements was defined, identifying measures to mitigate potential risks and confirming the technical feasibility of the project. The commercial cooking equipment market and the food service industry were analysed to assess the feasibility of our commercial strategy. From this analysis it was concluded that Smart Cooking will satisfy the demand of energy-efficient cooking appliances that allow increased food quality and operational multifunctionality in our main target markets (Germany, UK, France, Spain and Italy). The financial projections elaborated confirmed that the project is viable from a financial point of view as the initial investment will be paid back in less than 3 years with cumulative profits over 5 years of over €12 million.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

Smart Cooking will be the only technology on the market capable of cooking up to 3 different foods simultaneously, saving up to 60% of energy and up to 50% of time, increasing kitchen’s productivity by 30% and revenues by 40% through cooking time and food weight losses reduction. Our innovation will allow a revolutionary organisation of small commercial kitchens and the preparation of healthy food with a longer shelf time, hence reducing waste. We expect to obtain a turnover of €4.14 M by the 3rd year of commercialisation and contribute with 13 new positions to the EU economy.

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