CATERING equipment group Enodis said yesterday the recent trend towards healthier fast-food menus had boosted demand for its products.

The company, which sells equipment to restaurants and chains, including McDonald's, said a number of large groups were trying out equipment that lets them cook hot sandwiches in less than 90 seconds. Enodis reported a six per cent rise in annual pre-tax profits to £41.2m after a recovery in demand for fast food equipment.

The company said this was expected to continue as major chains tested its "accelerated cooking technology".

Fast-food chains have been changing their menus in recent months as consumers become more health conscious amid concerns about a reported increase in obesity.

McDonald's was the target of a recent "mockumentary" by US director Morgan Spurlock, called Super Size Me.

Enodis said it was optimistic about the potential of its equipment, which McDonald's is trying out in restaurants in Canada, the US and Australia. Other products are being tried by Kentucky Fried Chicken in the UK.

The group employs 5,800 people, including 500 in the UK at factories in Aldershot, Sheffield, Birmingham and Rochdale.