Blentech Automation Shortlisted for Two 2026 Automate UK Awards
We’re excited to share that Blentech has been named to the 2026 Automate UK Awards shortlist in two categories: Both nominations demonstrate what food production automation should deliver: greater consistency, clearer process control, stronger production records and the confidence to…
We’re excited to share that Blentech has been named to the 2026 Automate UK Awards shortlist in two categories:
- Innovative Processing System
- Innovative Robotics / Automation Solution
Both nominations demonstrate what food production automation should deliver: greater consistency, clearer process control, stronger production records and the confidence to increase capacity without compromising product quality.
Scaling Culinary Intent at Cafe Spice
Cafe Spice needed to translate chef-developed recipes from 5–10 lb test-kitchen batches into repeatable production batches exceeding 2,000 lb.
By combining programmable cookers with AutoChef recipe control and ARTIS production intelligence, Blentech helped Cafe Spice increase cooking capacity by more than 10X and support more than 4X the packaging throughput.
Automation controls temperature, timing, ingredient sequence and agitation while giving R&D greater visibility into how each batch was produced. The result is higher-volume production that still protects texture, ingredient integrity and the character of the original recipe.
Read the Cafe Spice automation case study.
Modernizing Proven Equipment at Hanssens Catering
At Hanssens Catering, automation created a different path forward: adding modern controls and production intelligence to equipment that was already performing reliably.
Hanssens retrofitted its cook room with AutoChef and ARTIS to standardize recipe execution, guide operators, automate repeatable tasks and create accessible digital batch records. The results included a 33% reduction in quality defects and approximately 1,250 labor hours recovered annually.
The project shows how processors can gain better control, traceability and visibility without replacing equipment that still has years of productive life ahead of it.
Explore the Hanssens Catering retrofit results.
One Platform, Two Paths Forward
Whether a processor is building new capacity or modernizing an existing cook room, AutoChef and ARTIS connect equipment control, recipe management and production data in one system.
We’re proud to see both customer projects recognized by Automate UK—and even prouder of the measurable value these systems continue to deliver on the production floor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What categories was Blentech shortlisted for in the 2026 Automate UK Awards?
A: Blentech was named a finalist in two categories: Innovative Processing System and Innovative Robotics / Automation Solution.
Q: How did Blentech help Cafe Spice scale its production capacity?
A: Blentech paired programmable cookers with AutoChef® recipe control and ARTIS® production intelligence. This allowed Cafe Spice to scale chef-developed recipes from 5–10 lb test batches to over 2,000 lb production batches, boosting cooking capacity over 10X and packaging throughput over 4X while preserving product quality.
Q: Can Blentech automation controls be added to existing equipment?
A: Yes. Hanssens Catering retrofitted its existing, reliable cook room equipment with AutoChef® and ARTIS®. This upgrade standardized recipe execution and digital batch records, resulting in a 33% reduction in quality defects and saving approximately 1,250 labor hours annually without needing total equipment replacement.
Q: What is the role of AutoChef® and ARTIS® in food manufacturing?
A: AutoChef® manages equipment parameters like temperature, timing, agitation, and ingredient sequencing. ARTIS® provides the production intelligence layer, capturing digital batch records and giving R&D and operations teams clear visibility, traceability, and process control across the production floor.