Looking back, looking forward
Iain Munro , who retires at the end of 2025, reflects on his role as Secretary General of EFCEM, and predicts a bright future for the Federation – and the foodservice equipment sector
After 37 years in the catering equipment industry, and with my retirement now approaching, I have been reflecting on the privilege it has been to serve this remarkable sector and, over recent years, to serve EFCEM as its Secretary General. This industry has shaped my entire professional life, and I feel deeply fortunate to have witnessed its evolution, its resilience, and its constant commitment to better solutions for the operators and communities we ultimately support.
When I stepped into the role of Secretary General, it was under the shadow of the sudden and very sad passing of my predecessor, Fabio Gargantini. Fabio was widely respected throughout our industry, and his loss was felt deeply across the federation.
Honoring a legacy
My immediate responsibility was not only to honor his legacy, but to ensure that EFCEM had the administrative foundations needed to operate with confidence. Establishing essential structures, banking and accounting arrangements, email systems, and formal registrations became the early priority. With these secured, we put in place the stable platform required for EFCEM to continue its important work.
From there, my focus shifted to strengthening the federation's voice and purpose. Over the years, I have been proud to contribute to efforts that help bring our members together, navigating European policy developments, supporting harmonized standards, and ensuring that manufacturers are well informed about emerging regulatory expectations.
Whether discussing sustainability frameworks, energy efficiency, digitalisation, or evolving safety standards, I have consistently been impressed by the professionalism and dedication of our working group experts. Any progress we have made has always come from collective endeavour.
A period of consolidation – and forward planning
The past 12 months, in particular, have been a period of consolidation, renewed engagement, and forward planning. One of the most important developments has been the establishment of the National Association Producers (NAP) Members Committee , giving national representatives a clearer forum to shape EFCEM's direction and strengthen their collaboration. We also hosted the Global Exchange , which brought together key international trade partners to share intelligence, align priorities, and deepen global understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our industry.
Alongside this, considerable work has gone into developing our Working Groups , clarifying their aims, refreshing their focus, and ensuring they are well-prepared to address forthcoming legislation and standards. Much of my recent effort has centered on preparing a smooth, structured handover, documenting ongoing policy files and organizing governance information so the federation can continue its work with minimum disruption.
I am delighted that Joakim Granfors will be taking on the role of Secretary General. Joakim brings a strong European perspective, deep industry knowledge, and a calm, inclusive leadership style that I know will serve EFCEM exceptionally well. With the administrative foundations now secure, he can fully concentrate on supporting the working groups, strengthening member engagement, and guiding EFCEM through the evolving regulatory landscape.
As I step back, I do so with immense gratitude to the Presidents and Board members who have supported me; to the experts who give so much of their time; and to the wider membership whose innovation, openness, and collaboration define the strength of our industry.
This sector has given me far more than a career; it has given me lasting relationships and a deep respect for the people who drive it forward. Thank you for the trust you have placed in me, and for making my time with EFCEM truly meaningful.
Iain Munro, Secretary General, EFCEM