FEA launches Industry Insight with ‘Grass root granularity of detail’
Database can become bedrock of successful sales and marketing strategies.

What if there was a database showing what type of commercial equipment was in use in which sectors of the foodservice market?  That was based on live, constantly updated information?  That could drill down to individual sites, to show what equipment they had.That could tell you if the site was open or closed, due to the pandemic?  Now FEA has launched Industry Insight, a database that gives exactly that type of granular data – as well as an overview of the market as a whole, and information on all points in between. 

Industry Insight is the result of collaboration between FEA, its members, equipment suppliers and consultants, and foodservice database specialist Caterlyst.  In development for two years, its aim is to create what FEA chair Steve Hobbs describes as “An industry first: a genuinely unique set of data that offers a deep understanding of the installed base of foodservice equipment in the UK.”    He adds, “There is nothing like this on the market, the grass root granularity of details is incredible.” 

During the launch event on February 17, Nichola Gallagher of Caterlyst gave a tour of the database, showing how users could drill down from the macro to the micro.  The database is supplied in modules covering specific product areas – the first three to launch being cooking and warming products, warewashers and refrigeration.  Each module gives an overview, with the total number of outlets and appliances in the market, then users can drill down by sectoror by product type.  For example, they might look at passthrough dishwashers in small, medium or large pubs.  They can also look at the twenty largest pub groups, and split the outlets by region.  Or they might look at the schools market, in similar detail.  There are links on the database to individual sites, so that the user can look them up in greater depth. 

Gallagher explained that the individual site data is refreshed every week, with equipment numbers reviewed quarterly.  Each quarter subscribers receive an executive summary report, highlighting trends and changes and giving a top line commentary. 

Simon Frost, chair of the FEA Statistics Committee, led the project since its conception.  “By detailing the product penetration by sector, the database shows users where the gaps and opportunities are, allowing them to optimise their marketing and sales efforts, based on live data.  There is so much potential here – for example, the regional breakdown can help direct a sales force’s efforts.  I believe it will become the bedrock of many companies’ sales, marketing and new product development strategies.” 

During the Q&A at the end of the launch event facilitator Keith Warren, CE of FEA, was asked who had decided what data was required and how to split it.  “That work was carried out initially in the FEA’s Product Group Forums – refrigeration, warewashing and so on.  Each Forum’s members come from specialist companies and are all experts in the relevant field.  Their work was then verified by independent consultants, Julie Barker and Steve Loughton, before the project was linked to the site-relevant data by Caterlyst.  We’re as sure as we can be that no stone has been left unturned.”  

The cost of Industry Insight is £875 per module per year, for FEA members, although there is a special ‘3 for 2’ launch offer, until March 17 2021, whereby members can get all three modules for £1750.  On top of that is a cost of £150 per year per user licence.  For non FEA members, the cost of the three modules is £5,000 plus £150 per licence. 

The Foodservice Equipment Association (FEA)is the independent, authoritative voice of the foodservice equipment industry, representing nearly 200 companies who supply, service and maintain all types of commercial catering equipment - from utensils to full kitchen schemes.  For more information on FEA visit www.fea.org.uk

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Keith Warren, FEA: 020 7793 3030

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