LIW is always a fun show, colourful, noisy and active, with numerous stands on which athletic types are demonstrating the latest in gym equipment. Then there's everything from pool equipment and communications systems to facility management solutions and catering - including, of course, vending.

The vending presence at LIW over the years has varied somewhat and, it is fair to say, was not at its strongest this year. Having said that, there were a good number of representative exhibitors showing the latest in equipment and products plus a few interesting new ideas.

Acadia Associates is becoming well-known for its Castus range of healthy fruit snack bars - Castus apparently being Danish for ‘everything that's good for you'. In addition to showcasing Castus Fruit Bars and FruitBites, Kaj Abrahamsen was also previewing Frugstang bars which will soon be available in Strawberry and Fig flavours.

All Things Nice Vending was showing its current range of confectionery and toy vending machines and products, which included a new specialist sticker and tattoo machine, while ‘fun vending' was also represented by Midland Vending Supplies, the Novelty Toy Company, ToyVend and Unique Gifts.

Closer to home, Autobar, which was really the only ‘big player' operator at LIW, had a prominent stand promoting its tailor-made vending solutions for hot and cold beverages, snacks and food, for the leisure industry.

Carvill Vending was announcing a new vending service for swimwear and swim accessories - more of this elsewhere in this leisure feature - while, returning to food and drinks, Bagshot-based Centre Catering, which specialises in the leisure centres and theatres, was promoting its tailored solutions.

Coca Cola Enterprises featured a selection of its brands, including new product Glacéau vitamin water and its Powerade range of drinks; while Pepsico's Gatorade made its LIW debut as the world's best-selling sports drink.

Cash handling specialist Cummins-Allison was at the show with its range of products, including an increasingly popular solution which incorporates its Jetsort coin sorter with its note-counting range, capable of processing takings from vending machines, tills and charity events.

Happy Days Vending made a colourful splash and attracted a lot of attention with its fresh candy floss and popcorn machines; while Outlook Management Systems had a busy stand showcasing its range of vending solutions including some famous brands.

There were also a number of smaller exhibitors showing fruit juices and other healthy drinks and snacks, all targeting the leisure market.

Perhaps it would have been good to see a little more support from the operator sector, to wave the flag for vending while promoting their own services.

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