Connect by Flexeserve scoops new award in HostMilano buildup

The hot-holding specialists’ cloud-based service has been honored prior to Europe’s largest foodservice show.

Globally recognized as the leaders in hot food-to-go products and services, Flexeserve has added to its impressive accolades ahead of October’s HostMilano event – with a SMART Label Award.

Maintaining a strong industry event presence worldwide, this established team is dedicated to helping all manner of foodservice operators sell more and waste less. Flexeserve’s services are a key driver in this mission, with a proven ability to reduce energy costs and streamline efficiencies.

Their cloud-based innovation, Connect by Flexeserve is quickly becoming their most celebrated, now accredited with SMART Label certification by HostMilano’s esteemed panel of judges.

A multi-award-winning service

Connect was launched in 2023, quickly earning a buzz within the industry as the first cloud-based service for hot-holding.

When asked about what made Connect such a game-changer for foodservice, Warwick Wakefield, Director of Customer Experience at Flexeserve, said: “No other platform offers such complete automation for hot food-to-go. With Connect, operators now have a way to turn units or their shelves on and off, schedule cook times, adjust temperatures and receive real-time data analytics – all at the touch of a button.”

The potential for Connect’s impact was soon recognized by industry pundits. The service was honored at the lunch! Show, the Sandwich & Food to Go Industry Awards and at GulfHost 2024’s Innovation Awards, in which it was named Best Front-of House Innovation.

“Connect’s success and recognition is attributed to its immediate ROI benefits,” Warwick continued. “It’s already trusted by major brands who understand Connect’s potential to save them millions in food waste, labor and energy costs.”

“As well as this, Connect’s ability to support other kitchen equipment and cooking systems makes it extremely versatile. You’ll be able to see how high speed ovens and our industry-leading hot-holding units work together seamlessly at HostMilano 2025, thanks to our partnership with RATIONAL.”

SMART Label – recognizing those driven by innovation

HostMilano’s SMART Label Host Innovation Awards are promoted in collaboration with POLI.design, a key higher education provider founded by Politecnico di Milano.

This relationship sees the awards benefit from a rich judging panel of industry experts. Featuring reputable professors of Politecnico di Milano itself, as well as global technology retail specialists, to be recognized by this panel in particular is a true honor.

Not only that, but with only fifteen of all submissions being accredited with the certification, each one is meticulously analysed for eye-catching functionality, technology, environmental sustainability, or ethical and social implications.

When asked about receiving SMART Label certification, Warwick said, “Connect was selected for ‘innovation in mode of use’, which we believe in wholeheartedly. The influence Connect can have on foodservice, particularly in the industry’s efforts towards more sustainable and efficient practices is staggering. At Flexeserve, we’re excited to be right at the forefront of these unique advancements.”

The bigger picture of true hot-holding

Even with its industry recognition, Connect remains only one element of a wider service that Flexeserve offers to achieve true hot-holding – Flexeserve Solution.

“This is our all-encompassing service that puts your business at the center of our expertise,” Kristian Ward, EMEA Key Account Manager, began when asked about Solution. “We work alongside all kinds of operators to review their entire hot-holding program, from menus and cook methods to packaging and the implementation process. The results are transformative, with customers able to maximize sales and profit potential.

“Solution really does unlock true hot-holding, utilizing the pioneering technology found in each Flexeserve unit to its full capabilities. By effectively using recirculated hot air, our units can keep a huge variety of food at just-cooked quality for longer than ever thought possible. Solution finds the exact microclimate needed to perfect your entire menu for unrivaled customer satisfaction.”

You can find Flexeserve at HostMilano, 17-21 October at Fiera Milano (Rho), in Hall 6, Stand B35 C36. There they will be conducting High Speed Food-to-Go Showcases with RATIONAL, displaying their latest product – Flexeserve Zone Lite and continuing to show attendees why Connect is SMART Label certified.

“We can’t wait to talk to all the different kinds of foodservice operators at HostMilano,” Kristian concluded. “There’s never been a better time to invest in our award-winning products and services so you can sell more and waste less. And it can all start with a conversation in Milan.”

Not going to be at HostMilano? Contact us to arrange a hot-holding masterclass and see why we received a SMART Label Award.