The Foodservice Equipment Association (FEA) is the premier trade body representing the entire spectrum of the foodservice equipment industry in the United Kingdom. Based in London, FEA supports manufacturers, suppliers, importers, distributors, and service providers through advocacy, education, networking, and industry intelligence. It acts as the voice of the UK foodservice equipment sector at both national and international levels.
Brief History
Formerly known as the Catering Equipment Suppliers Association (CESA), the organization rebranded to FEA in 2020 to better reflect its expanded role across all segments of foodservice equipment. With over 80 years of legacy, FEA has evolved into a comprehensive platform that addresses the modern challenges of equipment innovation, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence within the industry.
Core Business
FEA operates as a not-for-profit trade association focused on:
- Policy Advocacy and Industry Representation
- Member Services and Certification Programs
- Technical and Regulatory Guidance
- Market Research and Industry Insights
- Education and Workforce Development
- Networking and Events
FEA engages with key regulatory bodies, government agencies, and international associations to ensure its members' interests are represented in policy development and industry standards.
Product and Service Offerings
Membership Services
- Advocacy with UK Government and EU agencies
- Industry representation in foodservice and hospitality forums
- Access to exclusive reports, technical standards, and legal updates
Educational Programs
- Certified Food Service Professional (CFSP) qualification
- Manufacturer and distributor-specific training modules
- Industry-led apprenticeships and development courses
Industry Insights and Resources
- Market and sales trend analysis reports
- Technical and compliance documentation
- Regulatory update bulletins on energy efficiency, safety, and hygiene
Events and Recognition
- FEA Industry Conference: Annual gathering of industry leaders
- Product Innovations Forum
- FEA Awards recognizing excellence in product development and sustainability
Specialisation and Core USP
FEA is unique in its comprehensive representation of the entire equipment supply chain—from warewashing, refrigeration, and cooking equipment to light kitchen utensils and technology.
Key differentiators include:
- Direct involvement in regulatory development (e.g., UK’s Energy Labelling, Brexit impacts)
- Cross-border collaboration with EU and international trade groups
- Hosting the UK's only CFSP-accredited training programme, recognized across Europe
- Providing technical advisory services to help members adapt to market changes
Financials
As a non-profit, FEA’s financials focus on reinvestment in member services. Key metrics include:
- Membership of over 200 organizations as of 2024
- Annual revenue sourced from:
- Membership dues (~60%)
- Training and certification programs (~25%)
- Sponsorships and events (~15%)
- Investment in industry research and development advocacy programs
Operational Reach and Impact
- Represents 95% of the UK commercial catering equipment supply chain
- Involved in over 30 regulatory and policy forums
- Trained more than 3,000 CFSP professionals since programme inception
- Publishes bi-annual market trend reports consumed by 1,500+ stakeholders
Target Market
FEA supports:
- Manufacturers and OEMs
- Distributors and Wholesalers
- Service and Maintenance Providers
- Foodservice Consultants
- Hospitality Operators and Public Sector Buyers
Capabilities
- Policy and regulatory lobbying at government level
- Education and certification delivery across the UK
- Digital resource libraries and compliance toolkits for members
- Consultation on product compliance, sustainability, and innovation
Certifications and Compliance
- Host of the UK’s CFSP Qualification Programme, aligning with international best practices
- Provides technical documentation for:
- UKCA/CE compliance
- HACCP and hygiene safety
- Carbon footprint and energy efficiency reporting
- Endorsed by the European Federation of Catering Equipment Manufacturers (EFCEM)
Member Testimonials
“The CFSP certification gave our team the tools to deliver better service and expertise to our clients.”
— Managing Director, Equipment Distributor UK
“FEA’s insights on post-Brexit regulation saved us significant compliance time and cost.”
— Operations Manager, UK OEM Manufacturer
Major Achievements
- Successfully rebranded from CESA to FEA in 2020, marking a strategic expansion
- Led the development of UK energy labelling standards post-Brexit
- Established CFSP as the national benchmark in foodservice equipment training
- Hosted the largest annual foodservice equipment conference in the UK
- Partnered with DEFRA and BEIS on sustainable equipment standards
The Foodservice Equipment Association stands as a vital pillar of the UK foodservice infrastructure, championing innovation, compliance, education, and collaboration across the food equipment ecosystem.
