SEPHRA USA Attends National Restaurant Association Show - ChocoHot Chocolate Tap Dispenser Proves a Hit

Sephra USA LLC, sister firm to Sephra Europe, headquartered in Kirkcaldy, has recently Exhibited at the National Restaurant Association show in Chicago. It received a fantastic response to its range of concepts for the professional restaurant, in particular it's ChocoHot chocolate dispenser, used for vending melted Chocolate which in particular is used for Chocolate Coated Strawberries, and Dubai Chocolate which have become a growing worldwide trend.

Sephra’s exquisite Belgian Chocolate is particularly suited to operate in these innovative machines due to the high levels of cocoa butter in the recipe. Sephra also used the NRA exhibition to promote its new partnership with the world biggest producer of chocolate and market leader Callebaut, which Sephra USA LLC has recently become a distributor for. Additionally added to the US portfolio, and proving sought after with the Restaurant Show attendees, were Sephra’s Squeezita Filling Creams, particularly the Pistachio flavour.

Attending the prestigious show marks a significant milestone in Sephra’s partnership with ICB Tecnologiei, a partner supplier with Sephra dating back to 2012. The exceptional growth in this equipment line, with sales of their chocolate tempering, melting and dispensing equipment increasing fivefold since 2020, reflects both the rising demand for high-quality chocolate equipment across the UK, and the strong synergy between Sephra and ICB, a respected Italian manufacturer known for precision engineering and innovative design in chocolate tempering technology.

To ensure customers have a varied and interesting experience with their melted chocolate, the stylish stainless steel Chocohot offers a choice of different nozzles, each with a distinctive effect, alongside different chocolate flows. An easy-to-use pedal controls the chocolate flow, whilst a reversible and removable auger conveyor makes it easy to clean.

Commenting on the success of the National Restaurant Show, Sales Executive Steven Philbin, from Sephra USA, said: “This was our first national restaurant show since 2022, after exhibiting at the New York Restaurant Show for the first time in March. Months of planning went into our attendance, from arranging booth space, to booking our flights & accommodation, to deciding which products to exhibit, and how they needed to be laid out and demo-ed. We are absolutely thrilled to had such a positive response. We dedicated four members of staff to attend the Show, we built the stand ourselves, and we were supported by our amazing graphics and marketing team who designed the backdrop advertising and promoted the show on social media, as well as created mail shots to invite customers along.”

“It was a huge amount of work, a real team effort, and we are all really proud of how the Show played out for us.”

Steven went on to say that Sephra USA LLC had “made some great leads at the Show, we had a lot of valuable conversations, and found a lot of interest in our unique range, particularly the ChocoHot chocolate tap, and the pistachio cream. Many people in attendance at the show were surprised to learn that we don’t only supply equipment, but the ingredients, accessories and supplies too – a real one stop shop for the trade!”

Outside of the Show, Steven and his team were able to sample some of the culture of the Windy City, along with attending some show-related events in the town.

“Overall, it was a great experience being able to meet our existing customers face-to-face, which is rare being UK-based, as well as being to generate excitement about our product range to a new and wider audience. We've seen extremely positive growth this year so far and I am looking to keep that maintain that momentum, grow the business, and continue providing innovative, quality products and excellent service to the US market,” added Steven.

Sephra continues to invest in its chocolate solutions portfolio, with ICB’s range and premium couverture lines forming a key part of its ongoing commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction.

Commenting from ICB Tecnologie, Alberto Cigolini, Sales Manager, said: “Our partnership with Sephra is a long standing, and most rewarding, one. Sephra began introducing our chocolate tempering machines and chocolate tap machines, responding to growing demand for more advanced chocolate-handling solutions. From 2019 to 2024, our business together has increased almost fivefold – a result that speaks to both market momentum and the strength of our collaboration.”

A key driver behind this growth has been the rising interest in high-quality, artisanal chocolate,” continued Albert. “Consumers today are looking for more refined, authentic experiences – and this has led to a surge in demand for equipment that allows chocolatiers and dessert professionals to work with precision, consistency, and creativity. Our tempering machines, in particular, have become essential tools for those who want to elevate their chocolate work to the next level.”

“What makes this partnership truly special is not just the commercial success, but the shared values behind it,” continued Alberto. “Both ICB Tecnologiei, and Sephra, are committed to quality, innovation, and customer care. We’re both family-run companies with a deep respect for craftsmanship and a passion for chocolate. Looking ahead, we see even greater potential – not just to grow, but to keep creating tools and solutions that inspire professionals around the world.”

For further details on Sephra’s Chocolate Solutions Portfolio in the USA please check out https://www.sephrausa.com/chocolate-equipment/chocolate-melting-dispensing