Developments in technology have made vending machines faster, more accessible and convenient for consumers looking for that quick fix on the run to the office or during that precious lunch hour. However new methods of payment, moves towards more expensive treats and a multitude of locations have drawn fresh concerns over security as machines become a more attractive target for fraud or theft.

The EVA held its 2010 Annual General Assembly and Conference “The ins and outs of European lobbying”, in Brussels. More than 60 companies and National Associations attended this 2-day event which commenced with a short but compact Annual General Assembly on the afternoon of 8 December. The Annual Report and the Business Plan for 2011-2012 were presented by Catherine Piana, and approved by the voters of the Association.

Since launching into foodservice, Burton’s Foods Out of Home Snacking has been driving Vending sales with its range of market-leading branded snacks – including Maryland Cookies and Cadbury Fingers.

With an ideal range of pack formats it’s hardly surprising that operators everywhere are maximising sales by stocking products that include 40g Munch Bags of Maryland Cookies and Cadbury Fingers, and 125g Snack Bites bags of Maryland Cookies, Cadbury Fingers and Jammie Dodgers.

Tayto Group Ltd have expanded rapidly over the last 5 years and is now positioned as a serious competitor in the market providing a comprehensive range of both branded and own label products. Brands within the company’s portfolio include Golden Wonder, Mr Porky Pork Scratchings, Real Crisps, Jonathan Crisp & Tayto NI.

The 2010 Key Note Snacks Food Market Report Plus examines the UK snack foods market, which comprises potato crisps, other savoury snacks (including tortilla chips, baked snack biscuits and rice and corn-based snacks) and snack nuts. Key Note estimates that, in terms of retail sales, the total value of the market increased by 12% between 2005 and 2009 to reach £2.39bn. An especially strong growth of 8.4% was seen between 2008 and 2009 as manufacturers passed on steep rises in commodity costs for items such as potatoes, sunflower oil and nuts.

The recent world financial market crisis and consequent economic downturn in the UK has made things difficult for vending operators. Even though the economy seems to have stabilised, the availability of normal lines of credit for SMEs has remained tight. As a result, sales financing has come under the spotlight, along with the willingness of financiers to appraise customer credit risk sensibly and maintain an appetite for the business.

NESCAFÉ® Gold Blend launches its brand new ‘Workplace of the Month’ competition this March, to encourage workplaces to ‘Get Together and WIN’ in 2011.

Building on the success of 2010’s ‘Employee of the Month’ competition, it encourages employees to make their case as to why their workplace deserves the chance to win BIG. Monthly winners can enjoy a whole host of rewards such as: 20 sets of group tickets for 10 people to the UK’s top attractions, or a VIP experience at the O2 Arena for the winner, and up to 17 of their colleagues.

Falling in Love in Italy, the official title of the 19th Lavazza Calendar, a statement that Lavazza has been proudly promoting for years, thanks to a succession of international photographers asked to give their personal, unique interpretations of the “Belpaese”.

Following on the great values of Italy depicted in Annie Leibovitz’ edition in 2009, and the theme of famous Italian songs interpreted by Miles Aldridge in 2010, it is Mark Seliger, the famous American celebrity photographer, who has been asked to immortalise the essence of Italianess.

The global market for beauty drinks is niche but growing, with demand being driven by a greater appreciation of the role that nutrition plays in beauty.

A study by Zenith International estimates that global sales of ready-to-drink beauty drinks reached 144m litres in 2010, a 2.9% increase on 2009 and 29% up on 2006, taking overall global market value to €1.1bn.

In a world of virtual communication, this premier exhibition offers a unique opportunity to meet customers and prospects face to face. Research shows that prospects are twice as likely to become new customers with a face to face meeting.

Vending operator Selecta has achieved the top environmental accreditation ISO14001 across its entire estate in the UK and Eire.

The accreditation is an important milestone in Selecta’s ongoing commitment to providing a sustainable approach to vending. To achieve ISO14001 from the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) Selecta had to satisfy a number of strict policies for its Environmental Management System, demonstrating it has identified and controlled the environmental impact of its activities, products and services, implementing and achieving environmental policies and targets, as well as continuing to improve its environmental performance.

Beverage specialist Krogab has launched the next generation of juice systems, by introducing state of the art LCD screens to their dispensers - the first of their kind in the UK.

Krogab’s juice systems can now be customised with a 10” LCD screen, allowing operators to personalise their machines with their own corporate brand. This helps to drive profits through high impact video marketing and advertising the latest promotions, news and events.

Nestlé Professional®’s ‘CHEF® CLUB’ is designed exclusively for chefs to provide inspiration and collaboration, whilst enabling exclusive access to Club offers and promotions, industry events and masterclasses.

Selecta, one of the UK and Ireland’s leading vending services providers, is celebrating another year of charitable giving through its Selecta in the Community scheme which has provided a helping hand for a host of good causes in 2010.

The community-based scheme was set up in 2007 and provides financial support for projects, initiatives and charities with a personal connection to Selecta’s employees in the UK, has supported 12 projects this year.

Do environmental issues fall at the heart of your business’ ethos? Would you like to reward your contributions to sustainability and environmental excellence with industry-wide recognition, and show your customers, competitors and fellow industry colleagues that you take sustainability seriously? Well what are you waiting for – enter the “Footprint Awards 2011” today!

The new ‘Say it with Cadbury’ range is hitting the shelves as part of Cadbury’s spring occasions 2011. The range includes two heart shaped gift boxes and flower shaped gift box of yummy Cadbury chocolates.

On 1st January 2011 GVS Assist became the only approved service provider for Scanomat UK’s premium quality beverage solutions.

Simon Bracken, Managing Director, Scanomat UK commented: “With our commitment to delivering product quality, design and versatility being critical, we understood the choice of service provider was equally important. Opting to join forces with an industry respected company such as GVS Assist was an easy decision. In terms of quality, reliability and service they offer an unrivalled operation and together, we look forward to bringing a total beverage solution service to our customers in the UK.”

As a result of a major collaboration between well known coffee industry figures in the UK and the owner of Danish manufacturer Scanomat AS – Scanomat UK Limited was formed in November 2010, and is firmly positioned to deliver the prestigious Scanomat brand of beverage systems direct to the British market.

Danone’s US subsidiary Dannon settles Federal Trade Commission charges of deceptive advertising and will remove claims that dairy product Activia relieves bowel irregularity and DanActive boosts immunity from colds.

The international market for dairy snacks, such as cheese strings and yogurt tubes, grew by 7% in 2009 and is heading for a 6% rise this year. The first major study on this sector, by Zenith International, estimates total volume at 217,000 tonnes in 2010 across 26 countries in North America, Latin America, West Europe, East Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia Pacific.

NIVO, the National Independent Vending Operators’ association with over 280 vending members, has awarded Siemens Financial Services Ltd the NIVO Service Supplier of the Year accolade for the second time running. With over 30 years of track record in servicing the vending industry, Siemens Financial Services Ltd (SFS) has been working with NIVO’s members since the association’s foundation in 1988.

Huhtamaki has launched its new UK website featuring UK specific news and product ranges, as well as information about sustainability and Huhtamaki’s environmentally friendly BioWare range. The site is linked to the Huhtamaki Group website so that users can keep up-to-date with information and initiatives from throughout the Company.

A life-saver for mothers and probably unique is the new Nappy-Vend from Bower Products. Providing a very essential handy pack of nappy, wipes and disposal bag, this compact and slimline dual column vending machine can fit neatly in those small spaces unsuitable for larger machines.