Developments in Vending – AVEX 2007

The biennial international vending exhibition, AVEX, in April 2007, including the ‘Cooler Show’, showcased a number of developments. The industry demonstrated ways of reducing the environmental impact of vending by reducing energy consumption and increasing recycling. The retail trend for more fairly traded products was mirrored in the increase in the number of fairly traded coffee, tea and chocolate items available. Both the range and quality of hot food provision is increasing, assisted by developments in reheating technology. Two entirely new drink-vending concepts, one using capsules containing liquid concentrates, and the other providing pouches of cold drinks from concentrate, were launched. The water cooler industry showed options based on bottles, direct connection to the mains, bag-in-box and condensation from the atmosphere. The increasing emphasis on hygiene was evident in the range of ultraviolet (UV), ozone and filtration methods offered to reduce bacterial counts to a minimum.