New solutions for topping, freezing, testing, and inspecting baked goods have been launched by equipment suppliers.
Among the developments are non-stick baking trays that don’t contain ‘forever chemicals’ and cake tiers that you can plant and grow flowers once the wedding party is over.
Check out our round-up of new equipment hitting the UK market below:
Dojatec topping and finishing systems, EPP
Epsom-based equipment distributor European Process Plant (EPP) has exclusively partnered with German manufacturer Dojatec to bring its advanced topping, dipping, aeration, and spray finishing systems to UK and Irish bakers.
“From egg wash and syrup application to glazing, icing and decorative finishes, these technologies from Dojatec enable food manufacturers to achieve a more natural hand finished appearance while retaining repeatable and consistent results across every batch, while supporting higher throughput and a consistently high-quality finish,” commented EPP managing director Steve Merritt.
Invirobake trays, Invicta
In response to the growing scrutiny around per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) – so-called ‘forever chemicals’ – in non-stick cookware materials like Teflon, Invicta has developed new industrial coatings that are PFAS-free.
The new Invirobake trays incorporate advanced Sol-Gel ceramic technology and are currently available to trial, with Invicta – based in Pickering, North Yorkshire – offering site visits, technical support, and re-coating options for existing bakeware where suitable.
“Awareness around PFAS is increasing across the industry, and many of our customers are beginning to look at what this means for their operations,” said Trevor Talbot, coatings specialist at Invicta. “The move away from traditional fluoropolymer coatings is not straightforward, but it is something the industry is starting to prepare for.”
Contamination detectors, Mettler-Toledo
Two food product inspection solutions have been unveiled by Mettler-Toledo – one for detecting metal and the other for low-density contaminants.
The new M50 R-Series AdvancedLine metal detectors are designed to support food manufacturers facing increasing demands around compliance, traceability, data connectivity, and line performance. Combining improved detection performance with intuitive operation and secure connectivity, the models include the M55R, used for smaller metal contaminants in dry products like savoury snacks and deep-frozen produce; the M55RB for bulk items like flour sacks; and the M66R for all application including chilled, wet, and metalised film-wrapped products.
Meanwhile, Mettler-Toledo has launched the X56 DXD+ dual energy photon-counting x-ray system with AI capabilities. An expansion of its X6 Series portfolio, the new X56 DXD+ model delivers enhanced detection capabilities of contaminants such as rubber and plastic. AI integration helps to improve the reliability of quality inspection tasks while reducing unnecessary product rejection.
Plantable cake tier, Prop Options
A compostable wedding cake tier has been introduced to the UK market that can be planted outdoors after the event, where it grows into wildflowers. Named Bloombase, it was created by sustainability-led brand Made With Flower and is available exclusively via Dorset-based cake stand retailer Prop Options (rsp: £27.99, 6”x6”).
“For so many couples, weddings are about creating something meaningful but also something that reflects who they are and what they value,” commented Zoe Bayliss Wong, founder of Made With Flower. “I wanted to create something that didn’t just look beautiful but continued to contribute beyond the big day. Something that becomes part of your story whilst also giving back to nature.”
Test bakery oven, Senius
Danish baking solutions specialist Senius has launched Lab Oven, its new small-scale tunnel oven developed specifically for bakery test environments. It features a simple, intuitive control panel allowing operators to manage temperature, airflow and baking time, while rapid heat-up or cool-down cycles cut down on waiting times between tests.
With its wide temperature range and adjustable baking speed, the oven is suitable for trials across the full range of batters, mixes, and dough formats and product styles. The oven’s compact design makes it simple to relocate as needed, and its low electricity consumption makes it a cost-effective option too.
The Lab Oven is available via EPP as part of its exclusive UK and Ireland distribution deal with Senius, first started in 2024.
Hybrid tunnel freezer, Starfrost
An update to its existing model, the new hybrid tunnel freezer from Suffolk-based cooling solutions provider Starfrost integrates advancements in design, performance and hygiene, all while maintaining exceptional energy efficiency.
It can freeze or chill a wide variety of food products, in particular loose individual items like baked dough balls, bite-sized pastries, churros, and garlic bread slices. A key new feature is a multi-belt conveyor system that crust-freezes products prior to full freezing, which helps retain shape and reduce clumping.
Despite its more compact design, two extra conveyor belts enable up to 60% more production capacity than its predecessor. Additionally, the freezer is built around an engineering approach that minimises difficult to clean areas and incorporates smooth surfaces and high-grade components.
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