Orders for soft-serve machines and freezers should be going up soon, at least if Dairy Queen is your customer. International Dairy Queen plans to increase its presence in China by more than 60% by the end of 2011.The Edina, Minn., company already counts China as its fastest-growing and second-largest market (after the United States). Now…

Halton, the Finland-based company specializing in air-flow management, fire safety and kitchen ventilation, has stepped up its presence in the energy-management business by acquiring Current Energy. The Dallas-based company offers energy-management monitoring to reduce electricity, water and gas usage through Web-based automation and controls technology. Current Energy partnered with Halton last year in developing the…

Brazil, host of the 2016 Summer Olympics, is going to be eating more Whoppers. Burger King Corp. has signed the largest multi-unit development agreement in its six-year history in Brazil with one of its newest franchisees, the Vierci Group. In addition to their current development agreement in the state of Santa Catarina, the Vierci Group…

Never let it be said that Focus Brands doesn’t have wide-ranging taste in foodservice companies. In a deal expected to close later this fall, Focus has signed a definitive agreement to purchase Auntie Anne’s, adding soft pretzels to a brand lineup which already sells ice cream, coffee, baked goods, sandwiches and BBQ. Auntie Anne’s, based…

Tom Dirkx has joined Robot Coupe USA as the company’s new international regional manager. Dirkx, who has more than 20 years experience in the foodservice industry, will cover Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico. Robot Coupe, based in Jackson, Miss., specializes in commercial food processing machines.

The Windy City has become the first U.S. market outside of New York and Washington, D.C. to welcome a Pret A Manger restaurant. The London-based quick-service chain opened a store in the downtown Loop two weeks ago, and has plans to expand in Chicagoland during the next three years. Pret A Manger is a privately…

In a deal that combines two powerhouse dealer bid houses, Duray/J.F. Duncan Industries has purchased Baring Industries, a Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., subsidiary of Electrolux Professional. Duray is headquartered in Downey, Calif. Duray Pres. Johnny Wong told FER Fortnightly that the two contract E&S dealers will operate as separate brands. Key management at Baring, including company…

Foodservice Equipment Reports has announced the winners of its annual Industry Service Awards. The annual awards, presented since 2005, honor those who have made substantial, sustained contributions not just to their own firms and professional associations, but to the E&S industry as a whole. They are presented to a standout in each segment of the…

It was a busy few days in San Antonio for members of the Manufacturers’ Agents Association for the Foodservice Industry. The group held its 45th annual conference there late last month, where 300-plus attendees saw Michael Turetzky, Chernoff Sales, elected president; Danny Collis, Collis Group, named v.p.; and Mike McGuire, Zink Foodservice Group dba Zink…

The Edlund Co., a leading maker of commercial foodservice equipment and smallwares, has been acquired by Ali Group, joining the Italian company’s large stable of foodservice equipment manufacturers. The acquisition was publicly announced Sept. 30. According to Edlund Pres. Peter Nordell, there will be no visible changes at the company, which will remain based in…