The free of charge service is available to end users, contractors, distributors and equipment concept specialists. Bespoke designs are based on a range of customer supplied parameters, including size, profile, interior configuration, lighting and accessories.

Using the company’s proprietary ‘Configurator’ 3D modelling software, Fri-Jado’s design engineers are able to produce fully rendered illustrations of proposed counter layouts, providing total freedom in the development of innovative display solutions and allowing customers to view realistic representations of proposed designs at the concept stage. The software also simplifies the specification and quotation processes.

The company’s director of national accounts, Gary Thacker, said: “Food-to-go is one of the fastest growing areas in the UK food retailing and foodservice sectors, with an estimated value of £20 billion in 2018. In such a competitive market, many retailers, QSRs and food brand operators are seeking to set themselves apart from their competitors with unique counter displays.

“The ‘Configurator’ software allows us to accommodate the needs of all food-to-go outlets, including supermarket multiples, convenience stores, forecourt outlets, QSRs and specialist retailers such as butchers, food halls, farm shops and delicatessen.”

Fri-Jado’s Custom Counters may be configured as self-service or serve assisted units to meet the specific application. The business offers counters with a choice of easily cleaned square or curved glass profiles, which provide high visibility of merchandise. Straight or recessed underframes may be specified to meet customers’ preferences, and a variety of counter illumination options may also be specified to further enhance visibility of products.

A feature of the company’s Custom Counters is the ability to multiplex hot and chilled units to create in-line seamless configurations for the complementary merchandising of cooked and cold food. The modules feature triple glazed side panes which ensure excellent insulation and prevent heat transfer between units. The side-by-side display of hot and chilled food-to-go meets increasing customer demand for a broader menu offer and promotes impulse purchases.

The hot counters benefit from upper radiant heat and a precision controlled humidification system, holding product at 65°C or above throughout the unit, ensuring food quality and safety. Meanwhile, chilled units incorporate high performance refrigeration and precise humidity control to maintain stable storage temperatures. The design incorporates a low velocity airflow, which significantly reduces food dehydration for optimum food quality, freshness and appearance. Accurate temperatures in both the hot and chilled units ensure that product is held over extended periods without deterioration in quality or appearance, reducing the need to discount or discard food.

As standard, the counters are manufactured in stainless steel. Fri-Jado’s Custom Counters may be supplied with a wide variety of custom finishes, including tiled, stone and wood cladding. Logos, signwriting and branding may also be accommodated for personalisation of counters.

Mr Thacker added: “We have already completed several large projects for major supermarkets in the UK and Europe using the ‘Configurator’ 3D modelling tool. We are now extending the service to more of our food retailing customers, contractors, distributors and equipment concept specialists.”