EurOps is the flagship biennial conference of the EVA and, since 2003, it has been the premier event where European operators meet, discuss and exchange on the latest vending trends and business techniques. Past events welcomed more than 200 executive level participants.

"This will be the fourth conference for us showcasing vending as a dynamic industry and celebrating the success stories of the business", said Catherine Piana, EVA's Director General. One of the highlights will be the presentation of the EVA market and consumer survey, which is designed to deliver new insights into vending market trends and consumer behaviour and expectations.

Industry observers have noted for some time that competing retail channels are responding to changing consumer needs faster than vending operators. EVA thinks that the vending industry has assets of its own which are not fully taken advantage of, namely, convenience and high quality products at an excellent price value.

The reason why competing retail channels better address consumers' needs is that they have a fuller understanding of them. "This is where the EVA initiative for a pan-European quality market and consumer survey comes in", added Catherine. "Armed with continuous and thorough research, for the first time, we will be able to understand consumer expectations and market them accordingly."

The soundness of the research is guaranteed by EVA's partner Datamonitor. The company was founded in London in 1989 and listed on the London Stock Exchange in 2000. With some 300 analysts covering seven ‘vertical' industries, it is a trusted provider of premium information to more than 5,000 corporate clients.

Datamonitor will, for example, conduct online surveys on 3,000 vending operators and in-depth interviews with 210 market experts at European and national level. "We expect from this venture precise information on growth rates, number and market share of the main players, machine movements, market prices and payment behaviours", explained Catherine. As to the consumer part, the individual interviews are expected to yield data on the level of satisfaction about products, locations and the general vending experience.

Addressing the consumer perception is a long-term effort and the key findings need to be absorbed and assessed thoroughly. EVA is strongly convinced that this initiative is only a beginning but in any event an essential tool to allow the vending industry to reposition itself in a fast moving economic and societal environment.

Other issues

Paramount as the market and consumer studies are, EurOps will also address other issues facing the industry such as: maintaining service excellence and cost controlling. The conference concludes with looking at ways of how to combine environmental sustainability with new commercial opportunities. As to the latter, participants will receive a Greener-Vending business guide.

Registrations for the conference are open and more information on the EurOps programme and related activities can be accessed by visiting the EVA website at www.vending-europe.eu/en/eva/eva-conferences/europs-2009.html

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