The Food Standards Agency’s seventh UK-wide Consumer Attitudes to Foods Survey, published in February 2007, found healthy eating to be a key concern for consumers - noting a significant yearly increase in the number of consumers who are aware that they should eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables each day. But it wasn't all good news for Health. Almost a third snacked on biscuits and cakes and a further fifth on crisps and savoury snacks.

In February last year, research published by the Tea Advisory Panel revealed that the caffeine consumed by typical tea-drinkers actually benefits the mind and the body. The study, published in the March 2009 issue of the British Foundation’s Nutrition Bulletin, showed that the caffeine obtained from the equivalent of one to eight cups of tea per day can improve alertness, short-term recall and reaction time, better mood and reduce levels of fatigue. In addition, the benefits of consuming modest amounts of caffeine, such as those present in tea, begin with the first cup of the day.

HM Treasury recently approved a proposal to change the 5p and 10p coins from the current cupro-nickel alloy to nickel-plated steel. The new coins will be the same size and have a similar visual appearance to the existing 5p and 10p coins - but to electronic coin mechanisms they will be an entirely new coin, so recalibration will be necessary.

Highlights at Caffè Culture were the preview of their latest generation of coffee machines by Franke Coffee Systems. With its two main modules Pura pronto and Pura fresco, the Pura product line introduces many new options into its capacity class. Further innovations were presented in Franke milk systems and around flavoured coffee.

Crem International UK Ltd have just completed an excellent show at Caffè Culture, London, where they have launched the revolutionary Qubic Milk.

Marco Beverage Systems has launched a new generation of water boilers, called Ecosmart with variable temperature control to respond to the modern requirement for hot water at varying temperatures for brewing different speciality teas and coffees. Ecosmart is a development based on, and encompassing, all the energy efficient benefits of the company’s successful Ecoboilers range.

United Biscuits (UBUK), is launching a new range of £1 sharing Price Marked Packs (PMPs) across some of its most-recognisable savoury snacks brands. Available to retailers from the beginning of July, the new selection of £1 sharing PMPs includes the top selling variants of McCoy’s (Flame Grilled Steak), Hula Hoops (BBQ Beef), Mini Cheddars (Original) and Phileas Fogg Crisps (Sea Salt & Indonesian Black Peppercorn) to help retailers grow sales this summer.

Having manufactured over 2.1 million pieces of equipment, more individuals now own vending machines manufactured and financed by Wittern Group companies than any other vending equipment manufacturer in the world.

Footprint Forum saw representatives from Huhtamaki, Unilever, Havi, Sodexo and Pret A Manger debate the packaging issues which affect foodservice today.

The European Vending market has suffered significant declines and is back at 2003 values with most of the decline resulting from a reduction in throughput.

* Datamonitor’s KPI Market Update 2009

The European Vending Association (EVA) and Datamonitor are pleased to be able to provide an update on the state of the vending market.

June 8 heralded a milestone in Jonathan Hilder’s diary as he achieved another one of his goals; that was to bring back the regional meetings. Having established a structure for all the 7 regions the first was held in the Potteries.

Goody Good Stuff, a new range of gummy sweets, made using only all natural ingredients and a revolutionary, plant derived bio-gum which alleviates the need for meat based gelatine, has launched in the UK.

What is the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning?

The World's Biggest Coffee Morning is Macmillan Cancer Support's flagship fundraising event. Over two million people will be putting a smile on their mug and taking part to raise over £8 million to improve the lives of people affected by cancer.

On top of an already extensive list of activity aimed at inspiring and supporting young people in 2010, fast-rising soft drinks brand SUSO is proud to announce its title sponsorship of the SUSO Open Water Triathlon, alongside event partners Human Race and the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust.

Bioguard BIO 040 Descaler Powder now available in handy packs of single-use 50g sachets from Abbeychart is an effective food-safe product that simplifies removing scale deposits from water drinks dispenser boilers, pipes and components.

Huhtamaki’s double wall paper cups feature deeper embossed definition, making them the ideal choice for operators looking to improve the overall quality and appearance of their beverage service!

Autobar UK have announced the acquisition of Scottish based vending company Sanderson Vending. Established over 26 years ago Sanderson Vending are suppliers of hot and cold drinks, snacks and cigarettes.

Vending PARIS, the international vending show, will take place from 27 to 29 October 2010 at the Porte de Versailles exhibition centre.

Jonathan Wadham, Communications & Training Manager, Rombouts Coffee GB Ltd. is now an SCAE Gold Cup Brewmaster, furthering his knowledge and enhancing the expertise for Rombouts within the beverage industry!

Coca-Cola Great Britain becomes a sponsor of the London 2012 Olympic torch relay.

In Sweden, PepsiCo launches an additive- and sweetener-free version of its Gatorade sports drink, initially available in blackcurrant, lemon and orange flavours.

Britvic completes the acquisition of French soft drinks company Fruité Enterprises.

Fast-rising soft drinks brand SUSO has created a distinctive, new character – the SUSO Master - to headline a new marketing campaign by inspiring teenagers to adopt a more positive attitude to life.

N&W Global Vending has announced its intention to move the production of Wittenborg machines from Odense, Denmark, to the company’s production facilities in Valbrembo, Italy. The aim is to strengthen Wittenborg’s position in the market, reduce fixed costs and align future production capacities with anticipated industry demand trends.

After thirty years in their Bishop Auckland headquarters Ebac move manufacturing to facilities in nearby Newton Aycliffe.