Prática Expands UK Reach Through FEM Collaboration
Compact, advanced ovens deliver benefits and special features, with stackable models available
High speed oven manufacturer Prática, has agreed a Master Distributor partnership with FEM to distribute its range in the UK. Based in Brazil, where it is market leader in the high-speed oven sector, Pratica is expanding its presence in the UK, European and Middle East regions, having already become well established in the USA and South America.
“The UK is a very important market for Pratica,” says Carlos Baktchejian, managing director of Pratica Europe. “We see FEM as a perfect fit for us: they have a great reputation, lots of experience in marketing major global brands, and excellent relations with the major dealers in the UK.”
FEM’s sales director, Mike Inwood, is equally enthusiastic about the partnership. “Pratica is a proven manufacturer of high-speed ovens,” he says. “This is a high-quality, energy efficient, reliable product with several special features, such as a removable catalytic converter for easy cleaning and servicing.”
From left to right: Michael Inwood (Sales Director, FEM) and Carlos Eduardo Baktchejian (Managing Director, Prática Europe).
Background: Prática's Fit Express SM and Fit Express ovens.
Pratica is investing heavily in its UK and European operations, putting together an experienced sales and service team and a warehouse in Germany. The company is also working with specialist consultants Konzept Lounge to set up a dedicated application team called the Pratica Academy.
As one of our distributors, FEM will be offering the full Pratica high speed oven range, including single- and double-magnetron models, stackable ovens and an extra-wide version for larger products. Pratica’s ventless line for the UK also includes a fast cooking pizza oven.
UK dealers and end users will benefit from a comprehensive support package, including cooking demonstrations, a dedicated service network and Pratica’s IOK (Internet of Kitchen) cloud platform, which allows users to monitor and manage ovens remotely and update recipes.
As part of the launch, FEM is taking the ovens on the road with a series of events, including dealer and customer training sessions and exhibitions. “We want to make people aware of just how good these ovens are,” says Inwood. “Operators are looking for alternatives and Pratica’s range offers significant benefits and features at a fantastic price. We think the stackable version in particular will be popular, providing a solution that competitors can’t.”
Baktchejian says that Pratica and FEM share a common company culture.
“Both are family businesses with the focus on customers and partners and an open, transparent approach to communication. We are very excited and looking forward to this partnership.”
Inwood agrees, “The similarities between the companies are striking. It feels like we’ve been working together for years!”
For more information and details of local stockists visit
www.fem.co.uk
Foodservice Equipment Marketing Ltd
Foodservice Equipment Marketing Ltd (FEM) is based in East Kilbride near Glasgow, Scotland.
Since 1993 the company has represented leading foodservice equipment manufacturers in the UK market.
Over the years FEM has established partnership agreements with many of the industry's top brands in both smallwares and equipment, including Vollrath, Manitowoc Ice, Cambro, Sirman, Prince Castle, San Jamar, Hamilton Beach Commercial, Alto-Shaam, Pujadas, Ugolini and Pratica.
From left to right: Mark Hogan (Commercial Director, FEM), Henk Groot Roessink (Regional Manager Europe and ME at Prática Europe),
Harry Hogan (Managing Director, FEM),
Carlos Eduardo Baktchejian (Managing Director, Prática Europe) and Michael Inwood (Sales Director, FEM).