Technology, trends and togetherness
The meet & work networking event at B.PRO in Oberderdingen. As well as the key topics of digitisation and sustainability, the focus was on personal exchange
The weather threatened to put a spanner in the works for the meet & work networking event. Outside the B.PRO headquarters in Oberderdingen, the advertising banners flapped in the wind and the rain continued to pour. Nevertheless, some 60 guests were not deterred. Benches were moved under umbrellas, lively discussions were transferred to the exhibition area. The mood? Brilliant despite the weather!
meet & work was born out of a traditional meeting of sales representatives 28 years ago. Today, around 50 companies from a wide range of areas of the food service industry are part of the network. They are involved in a continuous exchange of ideas, contribute their expertise and thus develop simple and fast complete solutions. "We are all equal partners on an equal footing. Our motto has always been: Everyone for themselves – but all together for the benefit of the customer," is how co-founder and Rhima sales manager Bela Palasthy summarised it.
It is important to Palasthy and his colleagues to engage in dialogue with each other in a relaxed manner. The annual "meet & work on tour" event in Baden-Baden is particularly popular, where people work up a sweat by hiking and mountain biking together – with the next date organised for 22 September. "These events mean we’re quick to skip the formalities!" smiled the 57-year-old.
"Holistic customer advice is a great opportunity"
Recently, the organisers have also started organising forums on specific topics. In Oberderdingen, the focus was now on digitisation and sustainability in order to future-proof the industry. Many of the 16 exhibitors on site presented their products and services against this backdrop.
In addition to networked cash registers and payment systems, sustainable meat alternatives and cocktails at the touch of a button, the company QMSpot also presented its modular hygiene and quality management software. This is used, for example, in the B.PROTHERM E food transport container.
"Just like B.PRO, we see holistic customer advice as a great opportunity," explained QMSpot founder Daniel Schwanitz. Although his company is not yet a member of the meet & work network, he knows many of the attendees well. "We focus on customer proximity and partnerships that benefit everyone involved. Such events are a good opportunity to have a relaxed chat with people. After all, food service is still a people's business!"
AI in the canteen
Schwanitz is remaining tight-lipped for now – but the topic of AI is poised to play an important role at QMSpot in the future. In Oberderdingen, the Karlsruhe-based company auvisus provided a glimpse of what is already possible. Its visioncheckout system uses AI-based food recognition to automatically record the guest's items and transfer them directly to the checkout system. The advantages: shorter queues and more flexible staff deployment – a real plus point, especially in commercial catering.
"I've already managed to make some new contacts today," says Sales Manager Tobias Kohlhaas. "It is important for auvisus to build up a regional network, and this works best on such occasions." The company has been working together with B.PRO for some time, including on joint trade fair appearances. "It's added value for both sides."
Plant-based wraps as a delicious lunchtime snack
This collaboration is also evident at the meet & work event. The visioncheckout from auvisus is an integral part of the B.PRO FRESH & GO concept. This makes it possible to implement production, finishing, presentation and check-out in nine square metres of space – and with just one employee. This was demonstrated by Sven Eyben. The regional sales manager of Hilcona Feinkost prepared delicious meatless wraps with the help of the B.PRO COOK I-flex. "B.PRO and Hilcona have been a dream team for a long time," he emphasises.
"Without people, every system remains lifeless"
This meet & work network meeting served as yet more confirmation that personal contact is irreplaceable.
“Digitisation and sustainability are key building blocks for a future-proof industry – but without people, every system remains lifeless," emphasises B.PRO Managing Director Dr Ralf Klöpfer. "Network meetings such as meet & work show how technological innovation and direct encounters can be combined. This is the only way to take the next step: economically, efficiently and with real added value for guests and teams."
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