As with all businesses it is always about looking ahead and trying new markets. One of these fast growing areas already seeing a injection of vending machines is at petrol stations which are now becoming the mini shop of the road traveller.

Many moons ago you would see in the odd film a can vending machine set outside a US petrol station. Things have advanced a long way since then. Now we can see hot food vending and beverage machines at many service areas, plus some well known brands are getting in with franchises all responding to the need to increase revenues. For those of you looking for new markets, 2008 sees the International Forecourt & Fuel Equipment Show (IFFE 2008) taking place at the Birmingham NEC from April 6-9. A visit to the show is a good opportunity to look at new markets and meet key players in the field.

Event director Matthew Butler says that one of the big attractions of IFFE 2007 was the number of oil companies present, including BP, Gulf, Pace, Murco and CPL. “Having the oil companies at the show was a real coup and I’m happy to report that already BP, Pace, Murco and CPL have signed up for 2008,” he says.

Subway was a first-time exhibitor in 2007 and it proved a good move for the food-to-go company as they had one of the busiest stands at the show. Subway has also signed up for 2008, doubling the size of its stand.

Other exciting areas for IFFE 2008 include coverage of green issues such as biofuels and water management at car washes.

There will also be a healthy snacking feature. “Dashboard dining has been popular for some time,” explains Butler, “But consumer needs are changing with many demanding healthier options. There’s no reason why forecourts can’t follow the wider convenience model and offer healthier snacks. IFFE 2008 will provide a showcase for such snacks.”

Visitors to IFFE 2008 can also gain entry into the Convenience Retailing Show next door. A special feature of CRS 2008 will be a focus on café culture. Butler explains: “The coffee market is booming and there’s no reason why c-stores and forecourts can’t cash in and compete more with the high street chains. Premium bean-to-cup coffee is what consumers want and CRS 2008 will show retailers how they can offer a value for money version in their stores. It could be a real footfall driver that brings shoppers in and then gives retailers the chance to show off the rest of their range,” says Butler.

Organised by William Reed Events, IFFE 2008 forms part of Food & Drink World which also includes CRS 2008, Food & Drink Expo 2008, Foodex Meatex 2008 and the new Baking Industry Exhibition in association with Food & Bake.

Food & Drink World will be the UK’s largest B2B festival of food and drink with more than 1,300 visitors expected to visit across the eight inter-connecting halls at the NEC.