FDS Associates - England - International Foodservice Consultants - professional consultancy - industrial kitchen design - institutional systems

Robert Croft FDS Associates Limited Robert Croft MIH FCSI moved into Specialised Consultancy in 1980 and has, since 1985, operated his own company of specialist Foodservice Consultants with emphasis on the introduction of systems catering and new technology to the hotel and catering industry. With over forty years' experience in the hotel and catering industry, including ten years as a professional chef, mainly in West Germany and Switzerland, Robert has acted as Consultant to several major nationally and internationally known clients. These include BASF AG, Wintershall AG, Mars Group Catering Europe, Holiday Inn (CHIC), NHS Trusts, Shell UK Ltd, as well as city corporations such as Glasgow & Aberdeen and institutions such as universities and colleges. He is Managing Director of FDS Associates Limited and a member of the Institute of Hospitality - MIH and a Professional Member of FCSI.

Heiko Uelze FDS Germany Heiko Uelze VdF FCSI is Director of FDS Germany and responsible for Design and Planning together with Development of Concepts in Germany, Austria, Italy Portugal and more recently for projects in Libya. He has over 25 years' experience in the hotel and catering industry with emphasis on kitchen and general management positions. Heiko has been responsible for FDS Germany since 1995 and is a Professional Member of FCSI and the German Guild of Professional Planners.

Sam Manalo FDS Associates Limited Sam is the newest member of the FDS consultancy team and has been involved with FDS since May 2007. He is a senior associate consultant with FDS in the USA. Sam Manalo has over 25 years experience in the Food Service Industry including several years managing U.S. military clubs and restaurants. He was also the Food and Beverage Director at a major resort hotel in the Hawaiian Islands for over 4 years. He is currently employed by the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs assigned with the Nutrition and Food Services. Sam has specific responsibility for Business Development of Consultancy projects with FDS in the USA together with Robert Croft.

Gunnar Gudsveinnson FDS Scandinavia Gunnar Gudsveinnson has over 30 years' experience in the Foodservice Industry including several years as a Restaurateur in Copenhagen, Denmark. Gunnar has been associated with FDS Associates for eight years and has responsibility for Project Development in Scandinavia from his base in Reykjavik, Iceland.

João Pedro Mesquita Senior Consultant with FDS Associates Limited Responsible for Project development, design and planning of Concepts in Portugal, Spain and Malta. Pedro is a specialist in F&B management consultancy with a wide range of experience across all commercial catering sectors. As a Senior Consultant at FDS, he is responsible for new project development, logistics and operational solutions for Projects in Portugal, Spain and other countries in Europe and Africa. He has over 30 years' experience in the Foodservice industry with emphasis on Management consultancy for Large Scale Catering, Hotels and Restaurant projects.

Mario Jr. Haddad Associate Consultant, FDS Middle East Mario Jr. Haddad is a senior associate consultant with FDS in Dubai and Beirut. Mario has special responsibility for project development in the Middle East. He has over 10 years experience as a Consultant and specialises in new business creation and development of Restaurant concepts for projects in Beirut, Dubai and the Middle East. Mario is the newest member of the FDS consultancy team and has only been involved with FDS since February 2005. He has already developed 3 very successful themed projects in Beirut, two of which are Sushi Restaurants. Mario also has specific responsibility for Business development of Consultancy projects with FDS in the Middle East together with Robert Croft.

Ivan Crowdell FDS Associates Limited Ivan Crowdell has worked for over 40 Years in the food industry and since 1995 as a consultant and Food Safety specialist. Within FDS Ltd he is responsible for writing Quality Management systems, is a qualified auditor, carries out Risk Assessments and writes HACCP documentation. His extensive knowledge of hotel, commercial & industrial catering with emphasis on Cook-Chill/Cook-Freeze systems, Quality Management plus food manufacturing and care applications bring a unique practical insight into the inherent problems of our industry. His experience includes detailed practical knowledge of EFSIS, ISO9001.2000 and BRC food manufacturing Quality protocols. He is a registered CIEH training Centre for Food Safety and Health & Safety.