Milestone Rathfriland now operates an award-winning food hall alongside Loft 56 bistro and the Milestone Kitchen café in Newry, producing up to 1,000 food items daily. At the centre of this expansion is executive chef Cathal Grant, whose team has embraced advanced cooking technology to meet growing demand.

The introduction of the Rational iVario and iCombi Pro systems marked a turning point for the business. Initially hesitant to move away from traditional gas cooking, the team quickly recognised the benefits. Within weeks, the new equipment demonstrated faster cooking times, improved safety and greater efficiency.

The iVario replaces multiple kitchen processes, handling frying, boiling and pressure cooking with consistent results, while eliminating common issues such as heat loss and burn risks. Meanwhile, the iCombi Pro operates the throughout day, producing baked goods, ready meals and roasts with precision, aided by automated temperature controls and overnight cooking functions.

The shift has also reduced operational costs, with gas systems described as slower and more expensive to run. During peak periods such as Christmas, when production doubles, the kitchen maintains output without increasing staff or space.

Despite its advanced capabilities, staff say the systems are straightforward to use. For Milestone, the investment signals a clear direction: modern, efficient and reliable food production at scale.

Experience the iCombi and iVario live at a free product demo near you: https://www.rational-online.com/en_gb/see-for-yourself/rational-live-events/