The European Federation of Catering Equipment Manufacturers (EFCEM), which represents manufacturers of commercial kitchen equipment and advocates and influences European legislation and regulation, has released the findings of its recent member survey.
Conducted in December 2024, the survey sought feedback from representatives across EFCEM’s nine National Associations of Producers (NAP). It produced valuable insights into the key benefits of membership, as well as identifying opportunities for improvement.
Respondents confirmed that the primary benefit of EFCEM membership is representation and influence in Brussels, followed by communication on European legislation and national regulations and networking with other national associations. These findings highlight the crucial role EFCEM plays in advocating for the industry and keeping members informed about regulatory developments.
Among the key recommendations for improvement, 91% of respondents expressed a need for more frequent communication, while 64% requested increased visibility through PR and industry events. Members also called for a shared intranet platform where essential resources such as market statistics, regulatory updates, and industry contacts could be accessed.
Deeper insights
“This survey confirms what we have long believed – that our members greatly value EFCEM’s role in representing their interests at a European level,” said Iain Munro, Secretary General of EFCEM. “We are committed to enhancing our communication and providing members with deeper insights into regulatory changes, market trends, and technological advancements.”
Environmental concerns featured prominently in the survey. Three quarters (75%) of respondents ranked the EFCEM Working Group – focused on environmental matters, including energy labelling, ecodesign, and hazardous substances regulations – as the top priority. Eco design was identified as the most significant theme impacting the sector, followed by the circular economy, and market surveillance.
Compliance with EU regulations, adapting to new rules, and competition from non-EU manufacturers emerged as the most pressing industry challenges.
“EFCEM will provide SMEs with tailored resources to ensure they remain competitive in an evolving market, helping members to navigate environmental regulations and adopt smart technologies,” said Munro.
Feedback from members underscored the need for clearer objectives and deliverables within working groups, as well as greater collaboration and knowledge-sharing among NAPs. Respondents also called for stronger lobbying efforts and strategic support for small and medium-sized enterprises, particularly in areas such as sustainability reporting and cybersecurity requirements.
EFCEM is committed to turning these insights into tangible actions. “By enhancing our advocacy, expanding our industry intelligence, and improving engagement, we will continue to be a powerful voice for catering equipment manufacturers across Europe,” said Munro.
Further details:
The European Federation of Catering Equipment Manufacturers (EFCEM) represents manufacturers of commercial kitchen equipment. The Federation was founded in 1969 and includes the key European National Associations and its members. EFCEM is the only commercial kitchen equipment group represented in Brussels by Orgalim, the highly respected voice of the Europe’s technology industries. For more information visit efcem.info. Please contact: sec.gen@EFCEM2024.onmicrosoft.com
Michael Jones
