The CEDA Pedigree

In the late 1960's the role of the distributor was somewhat different to that which one sees today. The major proportion of 'distribution' of catering equipment, certainly of the heavy type, was in the hands of the large UK manufacturers who accounted for the majority of planning and installation of new kitchens and a considerable amount of the replacement business.

From a users point of view this was not altogether a satisfactory situation as mostly the factory was a long way from the site creating supply and servicing problems. There was a restriction of choice (no manufacturer can claim that every item they produce is the best of its type). Furthermore, as orders were normally placed at long intervals, the incentive for 'follow-up' was obviously less than that from a supplier making frequent deliveries, as is the case with a local firm.

The need for local distributors was realised and although there were some in existence they were largely overlooked by the manufacturers. A group of farsighted distributors took note of the methods of distribution in the USA. There they had organised themselves and formed an association.

Plans were put in hand to do the same here, the object being to form a network of companies supplying a full range of equipment together with good advice, after sales service and local customer care.

In 1971, a meeting of representatives from six companies was arranged in Bradford. They were Berry & Warmington of Liverpool, Modern Kitchen Equipment of Liverpool, Mollett of Bradford, Musitano of Truro, Scobie & Mcintosh of Edinburgh and Staines of London. This resulted in agreement to form an association.

The prime aims of the association were to give status to the role of the distributor and to encourage professionalism so that the manufacturer would also benefit and recognise the wisdom of having a group of genuine distributors.

Our first AGM was held in April 1973 when twenty member companies were in attendance. 1974 saw the first of the successful CEDA Annual Conferences, which have become an important event in the industry's calendar.

The activities of the Association have widened and membership has grown to over 70 firms, including Associate and Probationary members, who give national coverage. We have a good rapport with CESA (Catering Equipment Manufacturers and Importers Association) with whom industry training and standards have been established, particularly for the Catering Equipment Engineer.

CEDA continues to serve its members as a trade association. Probably most important has been the flow of information that passes between members. Our record speaks for itself, and our success will always depend on the interest and support of members. Hopefully, this will always be there with the wishes of the original six in 1971 being fully realised and CEDA will go from strength to strength.