After nine years at the helm of coffee machine specialist Evoca UK, managing director David Ward is retiring. He will be replaced by Hervé Donneaud who will be in the UK from May 1 to start the handover process. Hervé has a background in finance and has been with Evoca for 15 years initially managing the company’s French Leasing business. […]

The Board of the AVA has announced that David Llewellyn is to be the new chief executive of the Automatic Vending Association (AVA). David will take over from the current CEO Jonathan Hart who leaves the organisation on April 6. Over the last few months, the Board has been gathering the views of its members about the direction and aims […]

Water filtration specialist, BRITA Professional, has appointed Steve Buckmaster as its new Sales Director. Buckmaster has been an essential part of the BRITA team since 2002, leading on the development of sector plans while coordinating with the Catering Equipment Distributors Association (CEDA). His hard work and passion for the company has led to a 25% increase in sales in the […]

After 50 years in business, Refreshment Systems has appointed Steve May as commercial director and Sue Sproston as head of operations and logistics.  The move is expected to help the company drive forward and evolve to the next level. Steve brings over 15 years of experience of working in the coffee industry, both in sales strategy and commercial management, and […]

Burts Potato Chips has acquired Leicester-based Savoury & Sweet. The acquisition is the first made by Burts since being founded in 1997 and is expected to diversify its product portfolio to include a wider range of healthy snacking products as well as popcorn. Savoury & Sweet is one of the fastest growing players within the popcorn and healthy snacking sector, […]

Barry Callebaut, the manufacturer of high-quality chocolate and cocoa products, has successfully closed the acquisition of the ingredients division of Gertrude Hawk Chocolates in the U.S. Antoine de Saint-Affrique, CEO of Barry Callebaut, said: “Gertrude Hawk Ingredients adds new capabilities, technologies and skilled employees who we are happy to welcome to the Barry Callebaut family. “The acquisition allows us to […]

4 Aces has appointed Jackie Venn to the role of commercial director and David Blake to the role of sales director. Both have been promoted by the packaging specialist from existing positions, as head of marketing and head of sales, respectively, in recognition of their shared contribution and involvement in the company’s planned growth. Jackie will take on a more […]

RBC Logistics has acquired the goodwill and assets of Brands 2 Hands, which came into effect on August 7. RBC Logistics, based in Milton Keynes, provides specialist logistics support within the vending, catering and IT equipment sectors. Operating across the UK, RBC’s two-man crews effectively plan and execute next day deliveries for their customers. Brands 2 Hands, based in Old […]

The UK’s leading trade body representing the water cooler sector, the British Water Cooler Association (BWCA) has elected Jon Wicks as its new chairman. John Dundon, who held the non-executive position of chairman for six years, has stepped down. Mr Wicks was elected by members who attended the AGM in Hinckley on October 4. He has had many years’ experience […]

It has been announced that Vianet will purchase Vendman. Matt Lane, MD of Vianet, told VI exclusively that he was hugely excited by the acquisition and the prospects it brings. He added: “With over 20 years of experience in our relative fields of expertise both Vendman and Vianet, as a single company, will provide the vending industry with a proven and […]