Originally four owner distributor companies met together in order to raise standards and develop communication in the European Foodservice Equipment Distribution Industry. Subsequently, the Association was formed in January 1990 in London for the following principal aims:-

To gain a voice, and to use it to influence matters relating to European catering equipment users on which the European Commission in Brussels could legislate.

 
To provide an effective means of communication on all problems and opportunities, facing equipment importers throughout Europe.
 
To tackle constructively, questions of equipment approvals and quality standards in Europe.