For Burlodge, Every Meal Matters

Since its foundation in 1984, Burlodge has built a reputation as a forward-thinking manufacturer of meal delivery systems. Today, its equipment is trusted across hospitals, care homes, educational institutions and correctional facilities in more than 30 countries. But while the company’s history is rich with pioneering firsts, Burlodge remains focused on the future and innovating new solutions that help foodservice teams work smarter, safer and more sustainably.

A history of firsts

Burlodge was founded in the UK by Bruno and Angelo Speranza with a single idea: there had to be a better way to deliver meals safely, efficiently and at the right temperature. That entrepreneurial spirit has guided the business ever since.

Over four decades, Burlodge has consistently set new industry standards. The Alphagen, launched in 1996, was the first single-tray trolley with a refrigerated oven and cold section, fundamentally changing multi-site distribution. Burlodge also pioneered the first HACCP monitoring system for foodservice trolleys in 1999, embedding food safety into the heart of operations.

Another breakthrough came with the Multigen, today Burlodge’s best-selling solution in the UK. By introducing dual oven technology, the Multigen allows foods of different densities to be loaded together and regenerated at different temperatures within one chamber. This represented a huge step forward for operators: improving food quality, increasing efficiency, and reducing the workload required in busy kitchens. It remains a benchmark in the industry and a core part of the Burlodge portfolio.

Later, the B-Pod became the first manipulation-free nesting shuttle system, while the introduction of IQ[1]Control in 2021 marked the industry’s first touchless operating system.

Each innovation reflects a common theme: seeing the world from the operator’s perspective and designing equipment that solves real problems.

The Class-e era

That ethos continues today with the launch of Burlodge’s most advanced generation of products: the Class-e range. This new family of systems - BSmart Class-e, BPod Class-e, and RTS Class-e - combines four decades of know-how with cutting-edge technology.

At the heart of Class-e is the IQ-Control 2.0 App, a contact-free operating system that makes meal delivery simpler, safer and more reliable. The App communicates wirelessly with trolleys via Bluetooth and allows operators to program and monitor trolleys from a handheld device whilst the time slot operation and pictorial touchscreen control automates cycles. Operators can also monitor their entire Class-e fleet remotely with built-in HACCP monitoring and event downloads, ensuring full compliance and traceability.

The range also introduces unique Air-Tech brushless motors, improving energy efficiency, and ensuring optimal and even food temperatures every time. Ergonomic features, from lighter stainless-steel shuttles to colour[1]coded status lighting, make everyday use faster and safer. Together, these advances ensure meals are delivered at their best, every time.

“Client relationships are the heart of everything we do - they drive our purpose, our progress, and our passion.” Nick Hook, MD (UK)

Designed for people, built for progress

Foodservice can be physically demanding, and Burlodge has long prioritised ergonomics to reduce strain on staff. From smooth push[1]pull handles to carefully balanced wheel layouts, every detail of Class-e equipment is engineered for ease of movement and confidence in use.

This people-first approach is captured in the company’s enduring promise: “Together, We Work.” For Burlodge, innovation is not about technology for its own sake, but about collaborating with clients to understand their challenges and deliver solutions that last. The company actively supports partners through training, service, and lifecycle support that extends far beyond the initial installation.

Sustainability with substance

Innovation at Burlodge is inseparable from sustainability. The company has committed to achieving net zero by 2045, and its latest equipment is already helping operators reduce their footprint.

The Class-e range uses more eco[1]friendly R290 refrigerants to comply with the EU’s 2025 F-Gas regulations, while advanced insulation and intelligent Air-Tech airflow cut power consumption whilst improving food quality. Equipment is built to last, with recyclable components and robust designs that reduce waste from frequent replacements.

Burlodge’s manufacturing operations are certified to ISO 14001, underscoring a culture of continuous environmental improvement. Solar energy, material reduction, and a recycling programme for older units all contribute to a more sustainable future.

Looking ahead

Burlodge’s story is not one of looking back, but of consistently looking forward. From introducing industry[1]first technologies to launching the new Class-e range, the company has continually redefined what is possible in meal delivery.

As Burlodge celebrates more than 40 years of innovation, its mission remains clear: to help food professionals deliver meals safely, efficiently and sustainably - because every meal matters. And as the company’s promise reminds us, the journey continues best when Together, We Work.

- Hospital Food & Service, September/ October 2025, pages 28-29