Refreshment brings you monthly updates on the latest news and insights from our member associations in the vending, coffee and water sectors. Featuring insights from industry leaders, this round-up highlights key developments, events and initiatives shaping the future of these industries, providing essential information on emerging trends and regulatory changes.

Vending and coffee updates

The vending, automated retail and coffee sectors are rapidly evolving, with new initiatives, industry events and regulatory developments shaping its future. Here’s what’s happening in this sector this month:

The Vending & Automated Retail Association (AVA)

• AVA appoints Alex Walsh as new public affairs manager

AVA has appointed Alex Walsh as its new public affairs manager.

Alex brings ten years of experience working with The Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP, using her political expertise to support local constituents and businesses.

In her new role, she will help develop and implement the AVA’s public affairs strategy, engage with members on policy matters and build relationships with political stakeholders to influence government policy for the benefit of AVA members.

AVA's chef executive, David Llewellyn, said: “As the ever-accumulating weight of new legislation, regulations and ‘official guidance’ continues to shape the environment in which we operate, the importance of a strong, informed and proactive voice for our industry has never been greater".

He continued: “To ensure AVA remains both responsive and forward-looking in the face of these developments, we are delighted to welcome Alex Walsh in the new role of AVA public affairs manager".

“With a wealth of experience in navigating complex policy landscapes, Alex will play a vital role in shaping our responses to consultations, strengthening relationships with partner associations and forging valuable new connections across the political and regulatory spectrum."

“We’re thrilled to have her on board and look forward to the insight, energy, and expertise she’ll bring to our small but dynamic team.”

Walsh added: "I am delighted to join the team and look forward to working with members to ensure the industry is heard in Westminster and beyond".

• AVA Live: On-the-Road – Visit to Parts Town UK

📍 Parts Town UK, Cannock

📅 Thursday 8 May 2025

💼 Free for AVA Members

AVA members are invited to the next AVA Live: On-the-Road event – a site visit to Parts Town UK’s 100,000 square feet high-tech distribution centre in Cannock.

Parts Town UK is the country’s largest Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) distributor of spare parts, serving the catering, refrigeration, coffee and vending sectors. Attendees will gain insights into OEM parts supply and distribution, and network with peers from across the industry.

Spaces are limited. To book, email: kennedy.warwick@the-ava.com

European Vending & Coffee Service Association (EVA)

• Registration opens for EVEX 2025 in Split

EVA has opened registration for EVEX 2025 – the European Vending Experience, taking place 9-12 September at the five-star Le Méridien Lav in Split, Croatia.

Since its launch in 2015, EVEX has become one of the vending and coffee industry's key annual events, combining innovation, insight and high-level networking in premier European destinations. Following successful editions in Rome, Bucharest and Cannes, the 2025 event brings the industry together on the Adriatic coast.

Organised by the EVA, EVEX 2025 will feature:

• A welcome reception on Tuesday, 9 September, evening.

• A two and half day trade show showcasing the latest in vending, coffee and unattended retail tech.

• Key updates from the EVA general assembly, including executive committee elections.

• A keynote from AI strategist Matthew Blakemore on the impact of AI in the industry.

• Workshops with Arnaud Llamas Bravo on using AI to improve team performance.

• An early look at a new industry specification for seamless device communication.

• A scenic boat cruise from the hotel’s private marina to Split’s city centre.

• A programme combining business, networking and hospitality.

The focus theme for this year is artificial intelligence, exploring how the technology will shape operations, efficiency and future growth in the vending and coffee sector.

The full programme of the event, the current list of sponsors, as well as the webpage to register for EVEX can be found at the association's page.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available, though space is limited.

Join industry leaders in Split this September to connect, explore emerging trends and help shape the future of vending.

Beverage Standards Association (BSA)

• Latest edition of Something’s Brewing highlights market challenges and industry developments

This edition of Something's Brewing examines the reasons behind the coffee price increases. Simon-Speed-Andrews from Miko Coffee and Tim Sturk of Aimers Coffee & Tea examine the market and how to mitigate some of the increases. 

A feature article focuses on maintaining espresso machines and grinders for optimal efficiency. Ensuring equipment is functioning correctly is essential for consistent quality – this piece offers tips for daily operation and maintenance.

Joyce Mania from the Cambridge Tea Consultancy looks at speciality teas and asks why standards differ so much. Joyce has a failsafe method of grading tea now and in the future. 

Industry partners such as JES and BWT Water contribute to the conversation around equipment servicing, highlighting the importance of sourcing reliable spare parts and implementing effective water filtration systems.

BSA membership continues to grow with two new members: Sanremo coffee machines and Aquaphor. Additional coverage includes the launch of Brita's Grounds of Innovation Awards; and a preview of the 2025 Caffè Culture exhibition, taking place this September.

National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA)

• NAMA announces 2025 industry award winners

NAMA has revealed the recipients of its 2025 Industry Awards, recognising two standout companies and one individual who are shaping the future of the convenience services industry.

This year’s honourees were selected for their leadership, innovation and lasting contributions to the field.

Carla Balakgie, president and CEO of NAMA, said: “The convenience services industry thrives because of exceptional individuals and companies like this year’s awardees. These honourees are not just winners – they’re thought leaders and changemakers. Their commitment to advancing the convenience services business, and the customer experience, are helping define what’s next for our industry.”

The 2025 Industry Award recipients are:

• Industry Person of the Year: Mark Stein, president of Mark Vend Co (retired)

• Operator of the Year: The Pepi Companies

• Allied Member of the Year: VendCentral

Industry person of the year: Mark Stein

Mark Stein spent over 30 years in convenience services, leading Mark Vend Co to become a major player in vending, micro markets and office coffee. He also served on the NAMA Board and the Illinois Automatic Merchandising Council, influencing both business and policy. In 2004, he was inducted into the Chicago Area Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame. Now retired, his leadership and advocacy continue to shape the industry.

Operator of the year: The Pepi Companies

The Pepi Companies, based in the Southeast US, is recognised for advancing vending and refreshment services through tech and community-driven initiatives. Under the leadership of David, Donnie and Vic Pemberton, and Shaun Morris, Pepi has implemented SNAP payments in micro markets, promoted healthy options and adopted touchless technologies.

Allied member of the year: VendCentral

VendCentral, led by Neil Swindale, provides digital marketing services tailored to vending and refreshment operators. From website development to social media, the company helps clients grow their reach and modernise customer engagement. Swindale’s involvement in NAMA and state councils highlights his support for the industry.

Water updates

Watercoolers Europe (WE)

• Aqua Awards 2025 – Honouring excellence at WE Milan

The Aqua Awards return this November as part of the Watercoolers Europe (WE) Conference & Trade Fair in Milan, Italy. A key event on the WE calendar, the awards recognise innovation, sustainability and leadership in the watercooler sector.

Now approaching its 30th year, the Aqua Awards have become a cornerstone of the WE calendar, recognising contributions from companies and individuals shaping the future of hydration. The winners will be announced during a special Gala Dinner at the elegant Galleria Meravigli.

This year’s awards will be presented across four categories: Best Innovation (product or technology), Sustainable Leadership, Water for All and Marketing Campaign. Together, they reflect the values and vision of WE, celebrating achievements that combine creativity with social and environmental responsibility.

Participation is open to full members of WE, either directly or via their National Associations, and there is no entry fee. Entrants can also access support to help craft professional-quality presentations or video submissions.

The Aqua Awards provide a platform to share work, connect with peers and recognise progress in the sector. WE Milan 2025 offers a focused setting to highlight those making a difference.

Water Dispenser & Hydration Association (WHA)

• WHA reports strong training an audit performance in 2024

WHA has published its latest figures highlighting a strong year of training and audit activity across its membership network.

In 2024, the WHA delivered 60 industry-specific training courses to over 500 delegates. Designed exclusively for WHA Members, these courses uphold the association’s commitment to high-professional standards and ensure continued alignment with best practices and audit protocols.

Key training topics included hygiene awareness, mains-fed installation standards and water regulations, bottling plant operation, crisis management, good practice for distribution management and electrical safe isolation.

Training course content is reviewed annually to ensure it remains relevant and impactful. The most recent update to the hygiene awareness module received positive feedback from participants, who found the content engaging, practical and directly applicable to their day-to-day roles.

Looking ahead, the WHA plans to introduce a concise reference guide in 2025. This will support ongoing learning by helping delegates refresh and apply their knowledge following training.

The WHA's robust audit programme continued at pace. During 2024, the association's team of auditors conducted over 80 distributor audits and 14 bottling plant audits, ensuring members meet the stringent standards set by the association.

This continued focus on compliance and best practices demonstrates the WHA and its members' commitment to operational excellence. With this strong foundation in place, the WHA is well-positioned to build on this momentum and look forward to a strong year ahead.

Natural Mineral Waters Europe (NMWE)

• NMWE joins call for swift adoption of strong EU water protection measures

Together with 16 representatives from civil society organisations and sector associations, NMWE is raising the alarm about the delayed introduction of new EU water pollution standards and efforts to weaken the Water Framework Directive (WFD).

Currently, fewer than 30% of EU surface water bodies meet good chemical status. This threatens aquatic ecosystems and access to clean water, while also putting pressure on the economy. Therefore, urgent action is needed.

NMWE call on EU Institutions to:

• Accelerate negotiations and finalise the inter-institutional agreement under the Polish Presidency.

• Ensure Member States are required to address pollution from newly listed substances in the next River Basin Management Plans (2028-2033).

• Uphold existing water protection regulations and reject any new exemptions to the WFD.

Healthy waters are Europe’s most valuable resource and a vital driver of resilience and global competitiveness.

Read the open letter here.

Stay tuned for more updates next month.