PHS Waterlogic, Europe’s largest supplier of top quality point-of-use (POU) mains fed water dispensing and purifying systems, has developed an innovative new advanced UV purification system for its next generation of point-of-use machines. The system negates the possibility of back contamination – a major source of biological contamination.

UV water purification technology uses ultraviolet light to kill waterborne micro-organisms and has been used by many companies as the main form of water purification. PHS Waterlogic has long been at the forefront of in-tank UV and for many years utilised this purification method.

Despite recommendations that we drink at least eight glasses of water a day, some nutritionists claim that a staggering 80% of us are walking around dehydrated. Many of us drink considerably less than this, but would we up our water intake if the health benefits were as clear as the drink itself? And what do employers have to gain from keeping workers hydrated? Vending International investigates...

Resource management is a key area of concern for schools - governed by strict budgets catering managers are under constant pressure to keep costs down. Vending machines represent an ideal solution for time pressured staff, struggling to feed large numbers of pupils in buildings that are often not fit for purpose. Vending International investigates…

As of September 2007, the new standards for food in schools other than lunches became compulsory. Including vending machines, foods must now contribute to a child’s nutrition. Despite conflicting reports in the media, it is understood that the new government poses no threat to the standards, which are enshrined in law and compel schools not to offer foods high in fat, salt or sugar. An article that appeared in The Guardian back in June explained: “Sarah Teather is soon to examine school meals policy, but the standards will not be scrapped or diluted.”

Aimia Foods’ award-winning Milfresh brand is now offering Milfresh Mooo2 100% dairy whitener with a new reformulated recipe to offer even more versatility and natural dairy goodness.

Milfresh Mooo2 is a premium quality, 100 per cent natural dairy whitener. It is virtually fat free and contains no hydrogenated vegetable oils (HVOs), making it a perfect match for operators looking to provide healthier hot beverages, without compromising on taste. Price wise, Milfresh Mooo2 sits between low cost non dairy whitener and Milfresh premium quality, granulated skimmed milk.

Great hot chocolate just got within easy reach of every vending operator with the launch of Aimia Foods’ Milfresh Superior Granulated Hot Chocolate. Milfresh Superior Granulated Hot Chocolate is a sister product to Milfresh Superior Granulated Skimmed Milk, the UK’s market leader. Milfresh hot chocolate is made with fine quality cocoa and skimmed milk for, what the company describes, as the UKs richest, creamiest, most satisfying vending chocolate. The HVO free recipe is school friendly and taste-wise, has been proven against its leading competitors.

Vending International finds out why chocolate milk represents a healthier alternative to soft drinks and snacks, while taking a closer look at why it’s just as good hot!

According to The Daily Telegraph, a pint of milk a day cuts the chances of heart disease and stroke by up to a fifth. It is also said to cut the risk of developing diabetes and colon cancer. “The findings published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition do not distinguish between low and high fat milk, though they do seem to suggest that the health benefits of drinking milk outweigh any dangers that lie in its consumption,” says the article. In more worrying statistics, however, it adds that within the UK milk drinking has fallen by around one third during the past 25 years: “Milk is the main source of calcium and within the UK it has been estimated that 20 per cent of adolescent girls and 10 per cent of boys have less than the recommended intakes of calcium.”

On 27 August, Nestlé launched the Nescafé Plan in Mexico City, bringing under one umbrella Nestlé’s commitments on coffee farming, production and consumption. The Nescafé Plan contains a set of objectives which will help Nestlé further optimize its coffee supply chain. In addition to the CHF 200 million invested over the past ten years, Nestlé will invest CHF 500 million in coffee projects by 2020. This includes an investment of CHF 350 million for the Nescafé Plan and CHF 150 million for Nespresso. The Rainforest Alliance, an international non-governmental organization, will support Nestlé together with other partners of the Sustainable Agriculture Network (SAN) and the coffee association, 4C, in meeting the Nescafé Plan objectives related to farming.

Following the successful launch of the No Fear Extreme Energy drink earlier this year, Aimia Foods, the leading supplier of hot and cold drinks, is launching a new 250ml slim line can.

The smaller No Fear can format is being introduced on the back of strong sales of the 485ml can within the past six months, It will be available to the on trade and consumers to use as the ideal mixer or for an ‘on the go’ energy fix. Aimia Foods, which produces No Fear Extreme for the US-based, multimillion pound sportswear brand, No Fear, made history earlier this year when the new energy drink hit the shelves in the UK’s first ever re-sealable can.

Three Million Series 2000 Bill Validators and One Million CASHFLOW® 7000 Coin Managers Built MEI associates recently celebrated two record-setting events. The company manufactured its three millionth Series 2000 VN/AE bill validator and its one millionth CASHFLOW® 7000 coin manager in its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Queretaro, Mexico. Both product lines targeted for the vending and amusement industries have a heritage of innovation while being recognized as the industry standard for quality and reliability. CashFlow®, launched in 2003, was the first coin manager on the market and was quickly adopted by vending operators looking for the highest level of reliability, cash management and performance. Operators have embraced the CF7000 because it actively manages change funds to reduce the frequency of exact change situations, enabling a positive consumer experience and higher sales.

Coffee drinkers are being advised to choose where they get their caffeine fix carefully, following eye opening findings from industry experts The Paper Cup Company.

The Paper Cup Company, who conducted the research in a Manchester City Centre, prints and distributes disposable paper cups for coffees, cold drinks, vending, sampling, retail, food to go, portion containers, medical and industrial uses.

After nearly 15 years of traditional Conference Agendas, involving speakers from within and around the vending industry, members owned purchasing consortia Associated Vending Services Ltd (AVS) are changing the style and content of their Conference being held in Vilamoura, Portugal on Friday 24th September 2010.

Marco Beverage Systems, has improved its best-selling Filtro Shuttle bulk filter coffee brewer with a host of new features.

For those looking to enter an Awards scheme that focuses on what can be achieved beyond the foodservice industry, rather than dress codes and discos at the winner’s dinner, the Footprint Awards launched by the Footprint Media Group holds the answer!

Charlie Miers, Managing Director, Footprint Media Group: “Whilst many Awards create good recognition within their sectors, we want the Footprint Awards to demonstrate more widely what an industry can do when the companies and individuals that work within it decide to act to protect and sustain the environment.”

The new Schweppes TV spot, developed by Mother, the agency behind Coca-Cola’s ‘Open Happiness’ campaign, parodies a suburban, middle class couple blithely ignoring the chaos of their daily lives, secure in the knowledge that ‘At the end of the day, there's always a Schweppes’.

Options Management is one of the UK’s most innovative vending operators. MD Paul Ure’s mantra is ‘forward, upward, onward’ and the company’s relentless quest is to ‘add value to the offer’.

“Let’s face it,” Paul says, “a lot of our business is centred on the 20-30p vend. It’s in our interests to raise that bar. The number of coffee shop brands that have become household names in the past few years seems to indicate that customers appreciate that quality comes at a price, and that they are prepared to pay more for better coffee.”

Looking to bring yet another great tasting, indulgent treat to the public, Byron Bay Cookie Company, who was behind last years’ summer hit – Strawberries & Clotted Cream cookie; are pleased to announce the launch of the new Lemon & White Chocolate Cheesecake Cookie.

An independent study conducted by environmental consultancy Sustain has established that PHS Waterlogic’s WL2000 point-of-use water dispenser has a carbon footprint up to 72% smaller than bottled water coolers.

Speaking about the results, David Matthews, Managing Director of PHS Waterlogic said: “As companies and organisations look to reduce their carbon footprint, it is getting increasingly hard to identify the ways in which this can be achieved.

Seaga announces the addition of model VC730, a compact refreshment center, to their range of equipment. The VC730 includes Seaga’s new, sleek silver finish to capture attention and provide effective merchandising opportunities. The small footprint, requiring just over 6 square feet of floor space, makes the VC730 perfect for small to medium office locations. The VC730 accommodates bottles and cans in the seven cold beverage selections.

Sunkist burst into urban city centres in August to bring a wave of Californian summer, surf and sunshine to thousands of people as part of a major marketing drive for the brand.

Models in board shorts and bikinis handed out thousands of free cans of Sunkist over five days from 18th August in Manchester, Leeds, Bath, Oxford and Nottingham with the aim of reaching 60,000 of the Sunkist teen target market.

This summer, The Natural Confectionery Company (TNCC) – the brand based on a philosophy of great tasting, natural sweets – is launching an exciting new addition to its range, Ocean Minis single pack.

Ocean Minis features a range of fun marine-life shaped jelly sweets which, like the rest of the TNCC range, are free from artificial colours and flavours. The new line is being introduced to the impulse market in individual 29g packs, which each contain less than 100 calories.