Eric Maunoir steps into the managing director shoes
Eric Maunoir is taking over as managing director of Contacto Ltd as Steve Goodliff retires after over 32 years. In fact, Steve has been there since day one, heading up the company when Contacto Bander GmbH set up its UK subsidiary in 1992, and retires at the end of 2024.
“Steve has very much been the face of Contacto in the UK,” says Eric. “Over the years he has built the business and his are big shoes to fill. But we want to assure our partners and customers that, going forward, it’s business as usual!”
With a host of new products due to launch in 2025, Contacto and sister brand Frilich will be at both Ambiente, Frankfurt in February 2025 and at the FEA’s LET Forum in May 2025. “There are some very exciting new lines coming through and we want to get them in front of the market as quickly as possible,” says Eric. “We are also putting the finishing touches to a new catalogue.”
Contacto GmbH supplies a huge range of catering utensils and light equipment and, under the Frilich brand, develops specialist buffet solutions. Both brands are represented by Contacto Ltd in the UK. “It’s fantastic to join a business where two of our colleagues have now clocked up 55 years with Contacto between them and continue to be the bedrock of our customer service,” says Eric.
Contacto is a big supporter of the British Culinary Federation, an involvement that Eric plans to continue. “We support the BCF’s student competitions, as well as other events” he says. “It’s a very fulfilling relationship.”
Eric has been shadowing Steve during 2024, and the pair have been touring the UK to meet as many customers as possible. “I’m delighted that Eric is taking over the reins,” says Steve. “He is absolutely the right man for the job and will continue to grow the business in the UK.” Eric has over 25 years’ experience of building brands, including within the HoReCa and food industry sectors, having worked with a food ingredients business and an Italian fine foods importer.
Contacto Ltd is a leading name in the UK’s hospitality light equipment sector. For more information visit www.contacto.co.uk and www.Frilich.co.uk.
Eric Maunoir, managing director, Contacto Ltd, 0121 605 5522
Notes for editors
Contacto supplies high quality mainly stainless steel items including professional pots and pans, Gastronorm containers, a huge variety of utensils and knives as well as trays, hollowware, cutlery, plate covers, and bar sundries. The company also supplies a range of stainless steel medical products.
Frilich offers a versatile and innovative range of presentation and dispensing systems for buffets for the hospitality sector. Frilich is owned by Contacto Bander GmbH in Germany.