Tag: Food

Waterford Festival of Food Unveils Digital Partnership

Waterford Festival of Food has announced an innovative partnership with CultureUnderground.ie, introducing a bespoke, mobile-first digital guide to navigate this year’s extensive festival programme. This exciting collaboration reinforces the festival’s long-standing commitment to sustainability and accessibility, offering attendees a seamless, paperless way to navigate over 100+ events across Dungarvan, West Waterford, and Waterford City directly from their smartphones!

As the 2026 programme expands into Waterford City and deep into the West Waterford countryside, the Culture Underground guide serves as a real-time companion for visitors. Designed to reduce reliance on traditional printed materials, the intuitive platform provides interactive maps, instant schedule updates, and curated discovery features, allowing festival-goers to move effortlessly between high-profile chef collaborations, foraging trails, and the festival’s signature outdoor markets.

The move is a key part of the festival’s environmental strategy, aimed at reducing the event’s physical footprint while ensuring that the 100+ events remain easily navigable for visitors of all ages.

Eunice Power, CEO of Waterford Festival of Food, welcomed the partnership saying “Accessibility and sustainability are the twin pillars of our festival design. As we grow, we want to ensure that navigating the weekend is as enjoyable as the events themselves. Partnering with Culture Underground allows us to bring our values into the palms of our visitors’ hands, making it easier than ever to discover new chefs, follow food trails or family friendly events  and just generally move through the weekend with ease.”

Shane Holohan, Founder of Culture Underground, added: “We’re delighted to collaborate with the Waterford Festival of Food, a flagship event built on community, creativity, and a profound sense of place. Our goal is to make cultural discovery effortless. We are proud to support festival-goers with a digital guide that doesn’t just show them where to go, but helps them immerse themselves in the stories and producers that make this event so unique.”

The digital guide will be available to all visitors via waterfordfestivaloffood.com and through QR codes located at key festival hubs throughout the weekend.

Hosting Holidays Stress-Free: Pre-Party Prep and Post-Party Cleanup

There is a specific kind of anxiety reserved for anyone who has ever hosted a dinner party or a holiday gathering. It starts about four hours before the guests arrive. You are trying to marinate the roast, arrange the flowers, and shower—all at the same time. Then, you look down.

The floor is dusty. There are dog hair tumbleweeds in the hallway. The kitchen tiles have flour on them.

In that moment, you have a choice: Do you spend 45 minutes sweating over a broom and mop, or do you ignore it and hope the lighting is dim enough?

For the modern host, this dilemma is obsolete. The art of stress-free entertaining isn’t about lowering your standards; it’s about delegating the labor. By utilizing a “Two-Phase” cleaning strategy, you can ensure your home is pristine before the doorbell rings and effortlessly restored after the last guest leaves.

This strategy relies on two distinct tools: a vacuum and mop combo for the preparation, and a powerful wet/dry system for the recovery.

Phase 1: The “Invisible” Prep Team

The hours leading up to a party are precious. Every minute spent cleaning floors is a minute taken away from food preparation or your own relaxation. This is where automation becomes your best co-host.

The goal of pre-party cleaning is “Visual Perfection.” You want the floors to shine, the carpets to have those fresh vacuum lines, and the dust bunnies to be banished. However, you do not need to do this yourself.

By deploying a robot vacuum and mop in the morning, you delegate the most physically demanding part of the prep. While you are at the grocery store or prepping ingredients, the robot is systematically navigating your home.

A high-quality combo unit is essential here because it handles dual tasks. It vacuums the high-traffic areas where guests will congregate—the living room, the dining room, the entryway—while simultaneously damp-mopping the hard floors to remove fine dust and footprints.

When you walk into the kitchen to start cooking, the floors are already done. You haven’t lifted a finger. The air feels fresher because the dust has been removed, not stirred up. This psychological win cannot be overstated; starting your evening with a clean slate sets the tone for a relaxed, confident host.

Phase 2: The “Chaos” of the Event

Parties are messy. That is the sign of a good time. People track in dirt from outside. Appetizers get dropped. Drinks get spilled.

In the past, a spilled glass of red wine on a hard floor was a “stop the music” emergency. The host would rush out with paper towels and spray bottles, scrubbing on their hands and knees while guests watched awkwardly.

With the right tools waiting in the wings, you can adopt a more relaxed attitude. You know that no matter what hits the floor—gravy, wine, dip, or mud—you have a solution that doesn’t involve a roll of paper towels.

Phase 3: The Morning After Recovery

The real challenge of hosting isn’t the preparation; it’s the aftermath.

The “Morning After” is usually grim. You wake up to sticky floors. There are crumbs embedded in the rug. The kitchen floor is a map of last night’s cooking spills—droplets of sauce, sticky cocktail residue, and whatever the dog tracked in.

A standard vacuum is dangerous here. If you suck up wet food or sticky liquid, you will ruin the motor and make the canister moldy. A robot is also not the right tool for this level of grime; it is designed for maintenance, not disaster recovery.

This is the domain of the wet dry vac. This device is the ultimate “reset button” for your home.

Unlike a mop, which would just smear the sticky residue around, a wet/dry vacuum washes the floor with fresh water and high-speed scrubbing. It literally eats the mess.

Imagine the post-party kitchen floor:

  1. Solid Debris: Crushed chips, dropped vegetables, breadcrumbs.
  2. Liquid Mess: Dried wine spots, sticky soda, water spills.

With a wet/dry unit, you do not need to sweep first. You simply turn it on and walk forward. It vacuums the solids and washes the liquids in a single pass. The dirty water is extracted instantly, leaving the floor dry and streak-free.

You can clean the entire party zone—kitchen, dining, and living area—in roughly 15 minutes. It transforms a task that usually takes all Sunday morning into a quick, satisfying chore.

The Host’s Secret Weapon

The difference between a stressed host and a gracious one often comes down to logistics.

If you are worried about the cleaning, you cannot enjoy the company. By automating the prep with a robot, you buy yourself time. By securing the cleanup with a wet/dry vacuum, you buy yourself peace of mind.

You no longer have to fear the “red wine spill” or the “muddy shoes.” You know that your home system can handle it. This allows you to focus on what actually matters: the conversation, the food, and the memories.

Ultimately, these tools don’t just clean your floors; they protect your weekends. They ensure that hosting a party doesn’t mean sacrificing your Sunday to the mop bucket.

Checkweigher Systems in Ireland: Streamlining Your Operations

How can your business eliminate costly product giveaway, ensure regulatory compliance, and maintain consistent quality across every single item that leaves your production line? The answer lies in implementing the right checkweigher systems in Ireland – a technology that has become indispensable for manufacturers seeking to optimise their operations.

In this article, let’s explore affordable checkweigher solutions tailored for your business in Ireland.

Checkweigher Systems in Ireland

Checkweigher systems, also referred to as weighing machinery in Ireland have revolutionised quality control processes across manufacturing facilities, from Dublin to Cork, Belfast to Galway. These sophisticated weighing solutions provide automated verification of product weights during production, ensuring every item meets predetermined specifications. For manufacturers operating in competitive markets, checkweigher systems represent an essential investment in operational excellence and regulatory compliance.

Overview of Checkweigher Technology

Checkweigher technology combines precision weighing components with advanced electronics and software to create automated inspection systems. At the heart of every system lies a load cell – a sophisticated transducer converting mechanical force into electrical signals. Modern checkweigher systems in Ireland achieve remarkable accuracy, measuring weights from milligrams to hundreds of kilograms. 

The weighing process occurs as products traverse conveyor systems integrated within production lines. Dynamic checkweighers measure items in motion, whilst static systems weigh products individually. Advanced signal processing algorithms compensate for environmental factors, including vibration and temperature variations.

Importance of Checkweighers in Various Industries

The significance of checkweigher systems in Ireland extends from regulatory compliance to financial performance. In the food industry, checkweighers ensure that packaged products meet declared weights, thereby protecting both consumers and manufacturers. 

Pharmaceutical manufacturers face stringent requirements where weight verification contributes directly to patient safety. Healthcare and veterinary sectors similarly depend on precise weighing. Beyond compliance, checkweigher systems deliver tangible financial benefits through reduced product giveaway, decreased waste, and improved efficiency.

Types of Checkweigher Systems

Understanding different checkweigher configurations enables informed decision-making when specifying equipment for your application. 

Static Checkweighers

Static checkweigher systems weigh products individually in stationary positions, with items placed manually or automatically onto weighing platforms. These systems excel in applications requiring exceptional accuracy, particularly for high-value products. 

Static checkweighers find particular application in pharmaceutical production, laboratory environments, and quality control inspection stations. Their operation eliminates dynamic forces present in moving production lines, enabling measurement precision often exceeding that achievable with dynamic systems. Modern static checkweighers incorporate automatic rejection systems, removing non-conforming items without manual intervention.

Dynamic Checkweighers

Dynamic checkweigher systems weigh products in motion as they traverse production lines, offering high-speed inspection capabilities essential for modern manufacturing. These inline systems integrate directly into conveyor networks, inspecting items at rates matching production speeds whilst maintaining specified accuracy tolerances. 

Contemporary systems deliver accuracy approaching static checkweighers whilst processing hundreds of items per minute, making them indispensable in high-volume food production, packaging operations, and manufacturing environments throughout Ireland.

Combination Systems

Combination checkweighers integrate multiple inspection technologies within single platforms, delivering comprehensive quality control in compact footprints. Common configurations combine checkweighing with metal detection, ensuring products meet both weight specifications and contamination safety standards. 

These integrated solutions appeal to food safety-conscious manufacturers seeking to maximise quality control whilst minimising production line space requirements. Advanced combination systems may incorporate additional inspection technologies such as vision systems for label verification or X-ray inspection for foreign object detection.

Key Features and Benefits of Checkweighers

Modern checkweighers in Ireland incorporate sophisticated features that extend their utility beyond simple weight verification.

Accuracy and Precision

Accuracy represents the fundamental specification for any checkweigher system. Food packaging operations typically require accuracy within grams, whilst pharmaceutical applications may demand milligram-level precision. Leading checkweigher systems in Ireland achieve these demanding specifications through advanced load cell technology. Regular calibration using certified test weights maintains compliance with regulatory requirements.

Integration with Existing Systems

Contemporary checkweigher systems function as connected devices within broader production networks, exchanging data with upstream filling equipment, downstream packaging systems, and enterprise software platforms. This integration enables closed-loop control, where checkweigher measurements automatically adjust filling machine parameters. Communication protocols supported by modern systems include industrial Ethernet standards, enabling seamless connection with programmable logic controllers. 

Compliance with Industry Standards

Regulatory compliance represents a critical consideration for manufacturers across multiple sectors. Checkweigher systems in Ireland support compliance with Weights and Measures regulations, ensuring packaged goods meet declared weights. 

Food producers rely on checkweighers to demonstrate due diligence in complying with food safety requirements and labelling accuracy standards. Pharmaceutical manufacturers face particularly stringent regulatory requirements, where checkweigher systems contribute to good manufacturing practice compliance..

Applications of Checkweigher Systems in Different Sectors

Checkweigher technology finds application across diverse industries, with each sector presenting unique requirements.

Food and Beverage Industry

The food and beverage sector represents the largest application area for checkweigher systems in Ireland. Weight verification ensures packaged foods meet declared weights, protecting both consumer interests and manufacturer reputations. Beyond regulatory compliance, checkweighers deliver significant economic benefits by preventing costly overfilling that erodes profit margins. Modern systems enable optimised filling, maintaining compliance whilst minimising unnecessary overfill that impacts profitability.

Pharmaceutical Industry

Pharmaceutical applications demand the highest levels of accuracy, traceability, and regulatory compliance from checkweigher systems. Weight verification contributes directly to dosage accuracy and patient safety, making these systems critical quality control equipment in pharmaceutical production throughout Irish pharmaceutical manufacturing hubs.

Manufacturing and Packaging

Beyond food and pharmaceutical applications, checkweighers serve diverse manufacturing and packaging operations in Ireland. Consumer goods manufacturers use weight verification to ensure product consistency, detect missing components, and optimise packaging efficiency. The versatility of modern checkweigher technology enables application across products ranging from small components weighing mere grams to industrial packages exceeding hundreds of kilograms.

Choosing the Right Checkweigher for Your Business

Selecting appropriate checkweigher systems in Ireland requires careful consideration of multiple factors.

Factors to Consider

Product characteristics fundamentally influence checkweigher selection. Package dimensions, weight range, and physical properties determine conveyor specifications and load cell requirements. Fragile products may require gentle handling features, whilst irregular shapes necessitate specialised conveyor configurations tailored to your specific products.

Production speed represents another critical specification. The checkweigher must inspect items at rates matching or exceeding line speeds to avoid creating bottlenecks. High-speed applications require sophisticated dynamic weighing technology that can deliver accurate measurements.

Environmental conditions like temperature variations, humidity, vibration, and electromagnetic interference can impact measurement accuracy. Industrial environments with demanding conditions may require specialised equipment configurations with environmental protection features.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Underspecifying accuracy requirements creates problems when equipment fails to meet actual production needs. A realistic assessment of weight tolerances ensures appropriate equipment selection for your specific application.

Neglecting integration planning results in isolated systems unable to contribute effectively to broader production management. Early consideration of data connectivity, communication protocols, and software compatibility facilitates seamless integration of checkweigher systems with your existing manufacturing infrastructure.

Failing to consider the total cost of ownership beyond the initial purchase price overlooks ongoing operational expenses like maintenance requirements and support service availability.

Maintenance and Support Services for Checkweigher Systems

Sustained checkweigher performance requires ongoing maintenance, calibration, and technical support.

Importance of Regular Maintenance

Preventative maintenance protects checkweigher accuracy and reliability across Irish manufacturing facilities. Regular inspection identifies potential issues before they cause failures, minimising unplanned downtime.

Maintenance activities include cleaning to remove product residues, mechanical inspection of conveyor components, and electronic testing of load cells. Comprehensive maintenance programmes extend equipment life whilst maintaining optimal performance.

Available Support Services in Ireland

Obeeco Ltd provides comprehensive support services throughout Ireland and Northern Ireland. Our experienced service engineers understand the systems we supply, enabling effective troubleshooting. After-sales phone support provides immediate assistance. 

For on-site issues, our callout services ensure minimal production disruption through prompt response. Our spare parts inventory includes components for current equipment models and discontinued systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What services are included with checkweigher systems in Ireland?

Our checkweigher systems come with delivery and ongoing technical advice to ensure they operate efficiently in your facility.

  1. How can I book a checkweigher system installation in Ireland?

You can easily book an installation by contacting our sales team through our website or by phone at (+353 1) 278 2323, and we will assist you in scheduling a suitable time.

  1. What payment options do you offer for checkweigher systems?

We accept payment via bank transfer.

Take the Next Step Towards Operational Excellence

Implementing checkweigher systems in Ireland represents a strategic investment in quality control, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency. The technology delivers measurable returns through reduced product giveaway, improved process control, and comprehensive production documentation supporting quality assurance initiatives.

Obeeco Ltd’s 45 years of experience serving Irish manufacturers positions us as your ideal partner for checkweigher implementation. Contact our team today to discuss your requirements. Telephone (+353 1) 278 2323 or email sales@obeeco.ie to arrange your consultation and discover how advanced checkweigher systems in Ireland can optimise your operations.

Sky Mobile reveals major savings hack for 2026

New research from Sky Mobile has revealed Irish customers’ habits when it comes to their monthly mobile bills and switching mobile providers – and some new opportunities for saving money in 2026. 
The study revealed that almost half (49%)* of Irish people are making financial New Year’s resolutions this January, from paying off debt to saving more money. Cutting back on impulse purchases (50%), following a budget (43%) and reducing food and drink spending (38%) are the top three ways Irish people plan to save money this year – but there’s one major savings hack that isn’t receiving the same attention. 
The same research revealed just 1 in 10 (10%) Irish people were likely to start switching mobile providers more regularly as a New Year’s money saving hack. For the remaining 90% who planned to stay put with their provider, there’s a huge, missed opportunity for saving. This January, customers who switch to Sky Mobile today will pay just €15 a month for unlimited data, calls and texts to any network in Ireland – and switching couldn’t be easier. 
The findings also show that customers aren’t as savvy at switching mobile providers as they are with other utilities, despite 70% saying they would switch for a better deal. While some Irish consumers are still not switching utility providers as often as they could, they are switching mobile providers far less frequently. Only just over a third of Irish consumers (37%) switch mobile provider within five years — while nearly double that number say they have switched electricity, gas, or broadband providers in the last five years (73%).  
What’s more, 1 in 3 consumers say they wait over five years to switch mobile provider, while 1 in 5 admit to never switching providers. Think of the savings they could have been making! 
Speaking about the findings, Irish budgeting creator and author, Caz Mooney, said: “One of my top budgeting tips for 2026 is to switch utility providers regularly but when it comes to mobile bills, it looks like many consumers are missing a big opportunity to save money.  Sky Mobile has some brilliant offers for anyone looking to switch, and the best thing is, switching is easy.”
Speaking on the benefits of Sky Mobile, Aideen Chambers, Connectivity Director, said:  “Since landing in the Irish market in 2024, Sky Mobile has offered customers fairness, flexibility and transparency when it comes to their mobile plan. However, our research tells us that a huge number of Irish customers are overpaying with their current provider. Switching to Sky Mobile could be the answer to your savings goals for 2026.”
Sky Mobile disrupted the mobile market in 2024, giving Irish customers the opportunity to Expect More versus other providers, with fairer contracts and greater transparency providing significant monthly savings. 
Sky Mobile is available in Sky’s retail stores across Ireland and online at sky.com/ie/shop/mobile. 

Snacking with less salt, AI-powered food safety – Young Scientist Exhibition

Kerry is to showcase the latest science underpinning advances in sustainable nutrition at this year’s Stripe Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition.

The company, a global leader in specialist ingredients for the food and beverage sector, is a Silver Sponsor of the event and will present the Kerry Sustainable Nutrition Award, recognising outstanding student projects that demonstrate scientific innovation in sustainable nutrition.

From January 7–10 at the RDS, Kerry experts will be on hand to provide key insights on   pressing global food challenges, from coffee and chocolate supply issues to sodium reduction and AI-driven food safety solutions.

Attendees will have a chance to step into the world of sustainable nutrition at Stand 113, where Kerry brings science to life through five interactive experiences, showing how innovation creates real-world impact for consumers and the planet.

 

  1. Great taste with less salt

With global sodium intake exceeding twice the WHO recommendation, reducing salt without compromising on taste remains a significant industry challenge. Kerry will showcase how its TasteSense™ Salt technology enables up to 60% sodium reduction while maintaining flavour and food safety. Visitors can experience a live tasting demo comparing standard crisps with reduced-salt alternatives – seeing first-hand how healthier snacks can still taste great.

 

  1. Improving Human Healthspan 

Healthspan is about living better, not just longer – at Kerry’s stand attendees will see how science can provide dietary solutions to proactively boast wellness over a lifetime. Kerry experts will highlight science-backed solutions supporting stress reduction, immune health, gut health, and skin wellness, tailored to age and gender needs. The showcase will feature clinically validated ingredients including Sensoril® Ashwagandha, Wellmune®, BC30™, and Plenibiotic™, which support energy, resilience, and long-term wellbeing.

 

  1. AI- Powered Food Safety

Unsafe food remains a global health challenge. Kerry will demonstrate how its AI-driven predictive model analyses thousands of data points to anticipate food safety risk, reduce analysis time by 80%, accelerate development by up to 10 months, and deliver safer food solutions to market, faster.

 

4. Cracking the Cocoa Crisis 

Chocolate is a timeless favourite, but cocoa supply is under threat from crop disease, climate change, and soaring prices. Visitors will discover how Kerry’s Cocoa Boosters enable up to 50% cocoa powder reduction without compromising an indulgent taste. These solutions help manufacturers manage costs and deliver the chocolate experience consumers love, sustainably.

 

  1. (Still) Getting the Caffeine Kick 

Coffee lovers expect rich flavour, but roasting can create acrylamide, a potential carcinogen. Kerry’s Acrylerase® enzyme reduces acrylamide in target applications by up to 90% post-roast, without changing production processes. The result: advanced consumer health, regulatory compliance, and sustainability. Kerry’s interactive experience on this issue – close to any coffee lover’s heart – will highlight how innovation can protect both taste and wellbeing.

Catherine Keogh, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Kerry said: “Kerry’s partnership with the Stripe Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition is both an exciting initiative and a natural fit. Science and technology are at the heart of everything we do. From our roots in Irish dairy to leading the way in sustainable taste and nutrition, our 1,200 scientists are creating innovations that make food healthier, tastier, and more sustainable. This sponsorship is about inspiring the next generation of innovators who will tackle some of the world’s biggest food challenges.” 

The Kerry Sustainable Nutrition Award aligns with Kerry’s Beyond the Horizon sustainability strategy and its ambition to deliver sustainable nutrition solutions to more than two billion people by 2030.

DragonTouch Digital Calendar/Photo Frame Review

The DragonTouch Digital Calendar/Photo Frame is an ideal tool or decoration for someone who has a busy schedule and wants to see nice photos when not working the fact it is touch screen make this even easier to use and there is an app to go along with keeping all things in sync

The build quality is also excellent and looks well on any desk or shelf and comes in a range of sizes, you could also wall mount this and with the included bracket you can place vertically or horizontally the choice is yours.

You can sync from several calendars not just Google for example and all works well having tested in both iPhone and Android devices.

The UI on the app is simple and the same for the UI on the frame itself making life so simple with editing option on screen without the need to pick up your phone or go to your laptop for example this also allows ease of use and others can be invited to use it too.

For me this is a great product executed well and something for anyone or the busy tech enthusiast in your life and an ideal gift, check the full hands on video review for what you can expect.

The eCalender App

  • 【All-In-One Smart Family Calendar】: Dragon Touch digital frame effortlessly organizes and tracks every family schedule with the crystal-clear 10.1″ touchscreen. Assign different colors and tasks to each family member, making family scheduling simpler and more intuitive.
  • 【Easy Setup and Auto-Sync】: Enjoy a user-friendly design that our smart picture frame allows for quick setup—just plug in, connect to Wi-Fi, and link your calendar to the Mobile App. Once synced, it seamlessly integrates multiple personal calendars (iOS, Google, etc.) into one unified interface. Authorize additional devices for even greater convenience.
  • 【Interactive Chores Chart & Dinner Planner】: Our digital calendar keeps housework organized and motivates family members, especially children, to develop healthy habits with an interactive chore chart. Display your family dinner plans to keep everyone informed and eliminate the daily “What’s for dinner?” question.
  • 【Manage from Anywhere】: Stay connected with the powerful eCalendar App. Access and manage your calendar on the go, with free features like a photo frame, chore chart, dinner plan, grocery list, and more. Paid functions like Magic Import offer advanced tools tailored for users with special needs.
  • 【Elegant Digital Picture Frame】: Transform your smart calendar into a stunning digital picture frame when not in use. Display cherished family photos on the clear touchscreen, bringing a touch of sophistication to any room as contemporary home decor.

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Vitesy launches its upgraded version of Shelfy to extend food freshness #IFA2025

Vitesy, a company committed to improving people’s well-being and health through the development of sustainable and smart solutions, announces the launch of an upgraded version of the original Shelfy at IFA Berlin. This upgraded smart device is designed to extend food life, eliminate bacteria and odours, and significantly reduce household food waste.

The main upgrades from the original Shelfy include a new colour option, blue LED lighting for even more effective photocatalysis and enhanced battery performance for a more efficient charging cycle. As German households continue to waste a staggering 10.8M tonnes worth of food annually, Shelfy arrives at a crucial time to help families cut costs and live more sustainably. Vitesy will be at IFA Berlin in H1.2 Booth 113. The new Shelfy will be available from Vitesy from 16th September 2025 for an RRP of £119 [ launch offer at £109]

With its advanced photocatalytic technology, Shelfy removes harmful gases and microorganisms from inside refrigerators, reducing bacteria in the air by up to 97.5% in just 10 minutes and cutting unpleasant odours by 80%, such as those from fish or cheese. It also neutralises ethylene, the natural gas emitted by fruits and vegetables that accelerates spoilage, thereby slowing ripening and decay. The result is fresher food for longer with up to 12 extra days of shelf life.

Key features of Shelfy:

  • No filter replacements needed: The washable ceramic-coated filter helps maintain zero-waste usage and only needs to be washed under water when necessary and placed back in the device.
  • Smart sensors: Built-in temperature monitoring and door opening detection support energy efficiency.
  • Blue LED light: makes photocatalysis more efficient
  • Three adaptive modes: Eco, Crisper, and Performance mode are tailored to placement and usage needs.
  • Up to three weeks of battery life with easy USB-C recharging.
  • Full app integration: The Vitesy Hub app provides real-time fridge analytics, energy tips, and storage advice.
  • Smart home ready: Seamless compatibility with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.

Shelfy also contributes to broader sustainability goals. Vitesy manufactures the device without glue or harmful chemicals, packages it plastic-free and works with sustainability partner UP2You. Its reusable

design aligns with Vitesy’s commitment to a zero-waste future.

With the cost-of-living going up, Shelfy is a one-time investment that can start to pay for itself within months, making it both an eco-conscious and financially smart addition to any kitchen.

Groov-e launches new pet-tech range

Groov-e, a leading UK consumer tech brand, is giving pet owners a smarter, more convenient way to care for their furry friends, by introducing a brand-new range of automatic pet feeders. Designed to provide consistent feeding and hydration for those times when a dog or cat is home alone, Groov-e’s new pet tech line comprises a Smart Wi-Fi Pet Feeder, Automatic Pet Feeder, Automatic Wet Food Pet Feeder and Pet Water Fountain.

The new pet-tech range is ideal for dog or cat owners with busy schedules, whether they are out for the day, putting in extra hours at the office or planning a weekend away. These automatic pet feeders and water fountains give users peace of mind that their fur babies are keeping hydrated and not missing meals. Affordable, with prices starting at £24.99, all four products are available now from Groov-e.

 

Smart Wi-Fi Pet Feeder

Price: £59.99

Available from: Groov-e

The Smart Wi-Fi Pet Feeder is perfect for owners of cats and small dogs who want reliable, hands-free feeding routines. Ideal for dry food, users can easily schedule up to ten meals a day via the Tuya app. A voice recording function allows users to record a personal message, calling their pet and providing comfort when it’s time to eat. A 4L capacity and airtight storage keeps the food fresh and dual power options provide convenience and peace of mind. Plus, it’s easy to clean with a removable food tray.

 

Automatic Pet Feeder

Price: £49.99

Available from: Groov-e

The Automatic Pet Feeder allows pet owners to schedule up to six meals a day for their cat or small dog. It has a capacity of 4 litres and is ideal for dry food, keeping it fresh thanks to its airtight storage. A clear LED display and removable food tray make the Automatic Pet Feeder easy to use and clean. It runs on mains or battery for ultimate convenience.

 

Automatic Wet Food Pet Feeder

Price: £44.99

Available from: Groov-e

The Automatic Wet Food Pet Feeder is ideal for pets on wet or mixed diets, keeping food cool and fresh thanks to the included ice packs. Holding four portions with 240ml capacity per compartment, users can programme for meals to be delivered at set times during the day. Easy to clean and battery operated, the Automatic Wet Food Pet Feeder is perfect for owners who feed smaller meals during the day, work long days or are having a weekend away.

 

Pet Water Fountain

Price: £24.99

Available from: Groov-e

The Pet Water Fountain will keep water fresh and clean all day thanks to 24/7 ultra-quiet water flow and a 4-layer filtration system which removes hair and debris from the water. With a large two-litre BPA-free tank, easy-to-clean design and USB-A connectivity, it’s the perfect fuss-free hydration solution for any furry friends. An illuminated fill line in the bowl alerts users when water is running low.

See our Groov-e reviews

New survey reveals misuse of modern fridges in Irish homes

New research has revealed some chilling truths about how Irish households are misusing their fridge. A nationwide survey of 1,000 Irish adults, commissioned by the Home of Innovation, shows it’s time to rethink our fridge habits.

Findings reveal that a staggering 71% of respondents admit to wasting food every week, with the annual cost of this waste reaching an eye-watering €696 per household. 51% of respondents store dairy products on the bottom shelf, an area intended for raw meat because of its colder temperature.

Worse still, 28% keep dairy products in the fridge door, the most temperature-unstable zone, where frequent openings can quickly cause products to go off.

The problems extend beyond the fridge. Nearly half (45%) of those surveyed have discarded spoiled food due to confusion or misuse of their freezers. Air exposure is a major culprit—if food isn’t properly packaged, air can seep in and cause dehydration. Opting for airtight containers and freezer-safe wrapping is essential.

Furthermore, nearly three in four (70%) Irish households are unaware that their fridge and freezer could be responsible for up to a fifth of their total energy costs highlighting the need for both appliance maintenance and timely upgrading to more energy-efficient models for long-term savings.

Finally, while fridges are designed to keep food fresh, many are now doubling as beauty cabinets. An eye-opening 39% of Irish adults admit to storing non-food items such as eye masks, face cream, nail polish, and even toothpaste in their fridges.

Commenting on the findings, Brian McMenamin, Director, BSH Ireland, Home of Innovation, said: “We are passionate about showcasing the latest product innovations because it’s vital that customers feel empowered to get the best out of their appliances. Our research uncovered many common trends are costing Irish households, but with the right appliances and a few small tweaks, lower energy bills and less food waste could be at your fingertips!”

Home of Innovation’s Top Fridge Organisation Tips:

 

  1. The top shelf tends to have the most consistent temperature, but it’s not the coldest part of the fridge so it’s ideal for leftovers, dairy products like milk yogurt and cheese.
  2. Keep your cooked meats, deli items and hummus on the middle shelf.
  3. Raw meat, fish, or poultry should always go on the bottom shelf to prevent drips and contamination.
  4. Fridge Door is the warmest part of the fridge, so best for storing condiments like ketchup, mustard, mayo, jams, hot sauces.
  5. Most modern fridges have crisper drawers designed to control humidity and airflow so put them to use and maintain the freshness of fruits and vegetables.
  6. First in, first out – try to rotate older items to the front as a reminder to use them.
  7. Don’t overfill – air needs to circulate for proper cooling.
  8. Keep fridge at 4°C – that’s the ideal chilling temperature.

Home of Innovation showcases leading appliances from Bosch, Siemens, and NEFF designed with both energy efficiency and real-life kitchen habits in mind. These appliances tackle the common storage challenges effortlessly by maximising every cooling opportunity. Features like multi-airflow systems ensure consistent temperature control, while clearly labelled zones help organise contents with ease. Fish and meat receive special treatment in dedicated compartments chilled to as low as 0°C for optimal freshness.

Models such as the Bosch French Door Bottom Freezer offer XXL storage and clever compartments such as VitaFresh drawers to keep food fresher for longer – ideal for large households.

For a built-in option with extra room to spare, the NEFF N70 Fridge Freezer (381-litre XXL size) offers significantly more space than a standard larder. With adjustable shelving and dedicated zones for fresh produce, meat, and fish, it ensures everything stays organised and fresh – no more dairy disasters

The Siemens iQ300 Free-standing Fridge Freezer combines intelligent SuperCooling with an inverter compressor that adapts to both internal and external temperatures, keeping groceries at their best.

To discover more cooling products from leading kitchen brands visit the Home of Innovation website to schedule your free expert guided consultation.