A message from Stuart Coutts – Connect Vending and Chair of
the AVA
Another year of development and change has flown by and with the political and economic backdrop thrown in the mix, the public couldn’t be more confused, and neither could we.
Thankfully, our world within the AVA has been slightly easier to navigate as the membership grows. In fact, we have never had so many members for the simple reason that we have shared values. Although not identical, similar is close enough. The board members reflect this.
In 2024, our industry has seen increased consolidation and acquisition. Not since 2019 and pre-covid have we experienced this level of activity and why? Because there has never been a better time for buyers and sellers to extract value and create opportunity. This is also why our industry will go from strength to strength, resulting in new fledgling organisations joining our membership in this backdrop.
Nearly a quarter of a century has passed since the countdown to the millennium and as we enter 2025, I reflect on the unprecedented change in our world. Nokia, the number one mobile phone supplier, replaced by blackberry and in turn replaced by Apple. The high street had more video rental retailers than as we see today in coffee shops and Blockbuster is nowhere to be seen, replaced by Netflix who are being challenged by Amazon, a fledgling book retailer 25 years ago. My point is that change is around us every day and it is our ability to adapt and embrace that will ultimately decide our future. Staying relevant in this environment takes courage, desire and commitment, and as a member of the AVA, you can rest assured that we stand with you and on your behalf shoulder to shoulder to ensure our industry is a leading light in the next quarter of a century.
May I take this opportunity on behalf of all the staff and directors of the AVA, wish you all health and happiness along with an incredibly successful 2025.
Thank you for all your continued support.
Reflections from AVA Chief Executive David Llewellyn: A Look Back at 2024
2024 has been a year of resurgence and progress for the AVA and its members. With a calendar filled with reintroduced and new events, meetings, and educational sessions, the industry continues to thrive. As the year draws to a close and we celebrate 95 years of the AVA, the vending and automated retail sector stands as a testament to the resilience, adaptability, and innovative spirit of AVA members.
Key Achievements and Challenges
This year brought notable successes and significant challenges, shaped by ongoing technological advancements, market changes, and global uncertainties. The industry continues to grow, with over 463,000 vending machines operating daily across the UK. Contactless payment and equipment connectivity has transformed the user experience, fostering trust and removing past perceived friction.
Despite Brexit, EU legislation still impacts our members, alongside evolving UK regulations. These factors highlight the importance of collaboration and adaptability as we operate across borders. I genuinely believe we are in a golden age of vending—an industry perfectly suited to life on the go, empowered by ever-evolving technology.
Guidance and Advocacy
The AVA remains committed to providing clarity and support to its members amidst the complexities of legislation and market shifts. We aim to ensure members deliver high-quality service to clients and end users. Our Monthly Newsletter keeps members informed about legislative updates and industry events—be sure to subscribe to stay in the loop.
Facing Challenges with Resilience
2024 posed its share of challenges, but our industry continues to persevere, innovating in the face of adversity and ever-increasing costs. Society’s return to pre-pandemic routines brought stability to vending markets, with education, leisure, and office spaces requiring our services. Technology has played a critical role in addressing inflation, labour shortages, and operational challenges.
Looking Ahead
As we move into 2025, our actions and involvement will remain critical to the industry’s success. If you’d like to learn more about our Board or how we support our members, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Notes from Graham Kingaby, AVA Treasurer
Having completed my 15th consecutive year as a member of the AVA board, I can confirm that the art of making successful predictions about the year ahead requires an element of luck. Of course, we all hope that with experience comes some practiced good judgement and a little acquired wisdom. Most importantly at the AVA, our board is made up of a group of men and women who all have their fair share of experience, good judgement and acquired wisdom. As a result, I am again delighted to report on another satisfactory financial year for our association. A few significant and somewhat unexpected factors have, however, contributed to this result.
12 months ago, we anticipated that there would be additional financial demands placed upon us in 2024 as renewed efforts from green lobbyists, governments and the media moved us toward a number of ill-informed and misjudged changes to legislation that would NOT create the desired or anticipated results for them, but cost our industry dramatically. We planned to take our own steps to address these matters in the hope law makers would amend their plans. For a variety of reasons, many of those pressures were repeatedly delayed and this created some underspends in our budget.
Post election, we are already seeing a massive change in the environmental temperature, so we have carried the 2024 saving into the 2025 budget to ensure we can invest in lobbying and media engagement of our own. This is a vital activity that is an expensive cost for us.
The second factor we could not anticipate in 2024 was that the returns on our invested funds performed much more strongly than in previous years. We took proactive steps to try to ensure these funds were invested safely but successfully, and the results have been pleasing. This is good news as these returns may be needed in our own lobbying activities in the year ahead.
In summary, the financial position for 2024 is better than we anticipated. While our fundamental governance procedures have been applied to our day-to-day activities, the 2 factors I have referred to have given us a better than budget performance. The caveat being that the additional funds will be needed in 2025 to help defend our industry.
Highlights from this year’s AVA census
Ŋ 14% growth in product revenue in 2023 driven primarily by double-digit price rises, but still 9% below 2019 levels
Ŋ Operators expecting further significant revenue growth in 2024 over 10%
Ŋ Hot Beverage continues to premiumise by switching to bean-to-cup and tabletop semi-automatic. In Hot Bev, tabletops now comfortably outnumber free standing.
Ŋ Coffee-to-Go revenue now £760 million. If UK C2Go was a country, its revenue would be the 8th largest in the EU!
Ŋ Sales of fresh food through vending are growing significantly from a low base but is under-indexed compared to the European average. More opportunity is there.
Ŋ The bases of Smart Fridges and Micro-markets continue to grow rapidly.
Ŋ The share of pay-vend machines with cashless has grown again to 85%, with 90% of this being open site cashless.
Ŋ A record number of operators and experts contributed the Census this year – huge thanks to you all.
HAVE YOUR SAY!
The Annual AVA Census provides vital data for our industry. It is regularly used as the basis for successful lobbying with Government, as a resource to members to help them benchmark performance against the overall industry and by potential investors to understand key trends and assess potential acquisitions.
Martin Colston will once again be carrying out the AVA Census next year and we hope that all members will find time to complete and return submissions. The 2025 Census will, yet again, be essential to gauge and report on vending businesses and the sector as a whole.
For more information – contact the AVA office or Martin Colston on: martin@colstonconsultants.com
Committee Reports
Environment Committee: Adrian Pratt, Benders Paper Cups
Another year of change and challenge across proposed legislation has kept your Environment Committee busy, ensuring that the best interests of our industry are recognised and acknowledged by the respective governments of the Home Nations and Central Government.
We have been discussing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), Deposit Return Schemes (DRS), and Simpler Recycling for what feels like years – and indeed, we have. Now, however, we are reaching the final stages of these key pieces of legislation as they begin to pass into
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): EPR will significantly change packaging waste management by requiring manufacturers and distributors to fund collection and recycling. This will impact costs across the industry, and some operators may need to report data. We are working with the Alliance for Fibre-Based Packaging to highlight the benefits of fibre-based products to the government.
Paper Cup Takeback: While Defra has abandoned a mandatory scheme, several industry-led recycling programmes are ongoing. Volumes processed through these schemes can reduce EPR fees. A successful Cup Takeback programme remains crucial to avoiding any future Single-Use Cup Tax.
Simpler Recycling: From March next year, businesses in England must separate their waste to improve recycling rates, with households following the year after.
Deposit Return Schemes (DRS): England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland plan to introduce DRS from October next year, while Wales intends to pursue a separate scheme. We are pushing for the same exemptions for vending achieved in Scotland, where unattended sites do not need to provide return points.
Plastics Tax: Now in its second year, the tax will rise to £223.69 per tonne from April 2025. Treasury claims success, but cost pressures remain.
Scottish Cup Levy: The Scottish Government proposes a 25p charge on all single-use cups. Through our engagement, vending is likely to be exempt – a significant win, as the levy would increase the cost of vended coffee by 53%.
European Regulations: We are monitoring EU legislation, including the SingleUse Plastics Directive, Packaging and Waste Regulation, and Deforestation Regulations, which continue to impact the UK market.
The AVA Environment Committee will remain dedicated to representing the interests of all members and our wider market throughout the coming year.
Committee Reports
Technical Committee: Chris Skipper, N.V.C.S.
The AVA Technical Committee has addressed several key issues in 2024, with updates shared via regular Technical Newsletters. Here are some highlights:
Domestic WEEE Consultation (March): Defra proposed a household WEEE collection scheme funded by manufacturers, retailers, and importers. However, their definition of ‘household coffee machines’ included commercial equipment, adding unnecessary costs despite existing WEEE compliance schemes. Full AVA response details can be found HERE
PFAS (Forever Chemicals): PFAS are fluorine-based chemicals widely used in industry but linked to health risks. European legislation aims to phase out many PFAS compounds starting in 2026. Although the UK isn’t directly affected, manufacturers will likely stop producing UK-specific parts. The UK also plans to ban several hundred PFAS compounds. Full details HERE.
NHS Fire Safety Regulations: New NHS fire safety rules have been misinterpreted as banning vending equipment in corridors or walkways. This is not the case. Clarification is available from the AVA Technical & Operations Webinar HERE.
3G Sunset Impact: Most UK providers will phase out 3G by the end of 2024. While vending payment systems were thought to have 2G fallback capabilities, this isn’t always the case, forcing some operators to upgrade systems. More details HERE.
AVA Technical & Operations Webinar
The committee arranged a well-attended webinar covering a range of topics –this can still be viewed (in useful bitesize pieces!) on the AVA YouTube Channel
We will be holding another Technical & Operations webinar in September 2025 – keep an eye out for details.
Committee Reports
Commodities Committee:
The AVA Commodities committee has convened on a number of issues in 2024:
High Fat Sugar & Salt (HFSS):
Ŋ Each of the Home Countries have declared an intent to either restrict promotion or consumption of HFSS products. If fully implemented, then this will have an impact on what Operators can include as part of a meal deal, or even individual products sold via vending equipment or micromarkets.
Details for Scotland HERE
Ŋ Wales were also looking to ban ‘energy drinks’ from all vending machines as part of their rationale for restriction of sale to under 16’s. Given that over 82% of member’s equipment is in Workplace we opposed this.
Details for Wales HERE
Ŋ The Office for Health Improvement & Disparities, part of the Department for Health and Social Care, has also been charged with restricting sale of energy drinks to under 16’s. The AVA has been in discussion to ‘familiarise’ the civil servants with the vending market and the channels in which we operate. We have been asked to review the discussion document before publication. This just re-emphasises the importance of continued relationship with all of the various Government departments.
Committee Reports
AVA Futures: Jason Vincent, Boost Inc.
In 2024, AVA Futures has continued to empower the next generation of vending and automated retail professionals, fostering innovation, collaboration, and technological advancement to support AVA Members and drive industry growth.
Key Highlights:
Ŋ June 12th Webinar: Industry leaders Jason Vincent and Gillian White shared insights on technological innovations, consumer trends, and workplace changes to enhance efficiency and engagement.
Ŋ Payment Technologies: The webinar explored cashless solutions, including mobile apps, QR codes, and digital payments, helping businesses adapt to evolving transactions.
Ŋ Market Strategies: Dan Balnave and Nestlé’s Insight team provided strategies for managing market volatility and shifting consumer expectations.
Ŋ Engaging Younger Customers: Helen Hewlett (CCEP) presented key trends to attract tech-savvy, younger consumers.
AVA Futures has also played a vital role in supporting AVA Members by advancing technology adoption, sharing actionable insights, and influencing industry growth. Through webinars, discussions, and professional networks, the group has equipped businesses with tools to navigate market and technological changes effectively.
The full webinar recording is available on the AVA YouTube Channel.
Looking ahead to 2025, AVA Futures will expand its role in driving innovation and collaboration, ensuring businesses are ready to tackle future challenges. This year’s efforts reaffirm its commitment to building a forward-thinking, sustainable vending sector that thrives in a rapidly evolving industry.
Food industry guide to good hygiene practice updates
The Food Industry Guide to Good Hygiene Practice: Vending and Dispensing is now over 15 years old. Much has changed in that time and it is important to update it.
The Guide provides the basis for Environmental Health Officers inspecting Operating companies and is recognised as authoritative by the Food Standards Agency for its guidance on issues such as water quality, when it could be used in court if necessary.
A draft of the revised guide has been submitted for FSA and FSS for final approval. As we receive this back, it will be put out for consultation. This will be your opportunity to provide feedback and suggest any changes. We expect to have the final guide published in Spring 2025.
Quality audits & ISO accreditation
David Bamford, AVA Membership Services Manager
The AVA logo is a mark of quality and assurance for all our members’ customers, as we are dedicated in providing guidance, training, and annual audits to ensure that our members maintain a high service fit for clients and their customers.
QUALITY REASSURANCE
The Quality System enables members to demonstrate:
Ŋ Their services have set standards that are recognised and controlled
Ŋ Conformity to customers’ standards
Ŋ Compliance with regulatory controls.
Visit the full QA page here
LEGISLATED:
AVA Members sign up to maintain their Client Services to a strict Customer Charter and agree to comply with the AVA Code of Conduct. Each of which are regularly reviewed and audited.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
The AVA and its membership are at the forefront of environmental and recycling legislation. Working closely with Government and NGOs to ensure that processes, plans and procedures are kept up to date with new technology and legal requirements.
EASY RESOLUTION:
Both Members and their Clients can make use of support services with the AVA ensuring that problems or queries can be quickly resolved.
Every AVA member is bound to these requirements, making up our AVA Code of Conduct, and are advised to encourage others in the industry to act in accordance with this code to ensure consistent quality and convert new members.
Quality Assurance – AVA (the-ava.com)
Quality service in focus
To reinforce the value of AVA membership and highlight the ‘Badge of Quality Service’ it represents, we launched a targeted advertising campaign across key industry publications. These advertisements showcase the high standards AVA Operators uphold, providing a compelling message to both existing clients and potential customers. Operators are encouraged to leverage these ads when submitting new tenders or communicating with current clients, emphasising the credibility that AVA membership brings. This is particularly significant as organisations like TUCO, have made AVA membership a mandatory criterion in their new Tender Framework, solidifying its importance in the industry.
You can find these advertisements here:
Ŋ HEFMA
Ŋ Public Sector Catering
Ŋ Contract Catering
Ŋ TUCO
We plan to review these end-user advertisements in the new year and explore additional opportunities to better support our AVA Members. If you have any feedback regarding the advertisements mentioned above, please contact Kennedy at kennedy.warwick@the-ava.com.
AVA Business Support Service
Members have unlimited access to the AVA Business Support Service, an essential service that is designed to support and protect your business. That’s the good news… the even better news is the service is FREE for members to access.
To give you a flavour of what you can access here are some frequently asked questions.
The AVA Business Support Service – What Is It?
Ŋ Advice Line – unlimited access to experienced advisors offering practical advice on HR, employment law, health & safety, legal issues plus tax and VAT matters,
Ŋ Website – access to over 700 template documents covering HR, employment law, health and safety and legal matters. The website also includes an HR and H&S Health Check.
How Do I Access the Service?
Ŋ Advice Line – call 0116 243 7589. You will be asked for your name, company name and AVA password
Ŋ Website - LINK
Ŋ Log in to the AVA Members’ Area of the AVA website
Ŋ Go to the Membership Benefits / AVA Business Support Service page
Ŋ Click on the website link the text
Ŋ Login to the Business Support Service page.
What Can I Use the service for?
To help you resolve any issues you have with HR and employment law, health & safety, legal or tax.
You don’t have to wait until you have an issue or a serious problem before you call. The advice line will help answer any questions you may have.
Celebrating 95 Years in Excellence
Since its inception as the Coin Operated Machine Association (COMA) in 1929, the AVA (Automatic Vending Association) has stood as a cornerstone of the vending industry, evolving alongside the needs of its members. For 95 years, the AVA has championed innovation, professionalism and excellence, providing vital support, advocacy, and resources to help businesses thrive.
From fostering best practices to advocating for industryfriendly policies, the AVA has continuously enhanced the value it delivers to its members. Its rich history reflects a steadfast commitment to advancing the vending sector and ensuring its members remain at the forefront of a dynamic and everchanging industry.
In the news
AVA COMMUNICATION & PRESS
The AVA is committed to open and efficient communication with our members. From regular legislation updates to monthly newsletters, we work hard to keep you informed about key developments in the industry. As highlighted in this year’s review, it’s been a busy period! To ensure you don’t miss out on important updates, you can sign up for our newsletter via the AVA website.
We’ve also embraced social media as an exciting way to connect with members. Through our platforms, we share updates about AVA activities, member achievements such as quality audits, upcoming events, and online meetups. We’re keen to improve our social media presence and would love your input on what content you’d like to see. Please share your suggestions by emailing Kennedy at kennedy.warwick@the-ava.com
Why not give us a follow?
Instagram: @automaticvendingassociation
Facebook: The Vending & Automated Retail Association
Twitter: @vendingAVA
LinkedIn: AVA: The Vending & Automated Retail Association
This year’s events have been a great success, and we’re thrilled so many of you joined us. Highlights included our popular golf days, the activity day, and the Christmas Luncheon, which received some of our best-ever feedback. Your support and enthusiasm make these events possible, and we’re truly grateful.
Looking ahead to n ext year, we’re excited to deliver even more! With Kennedy back in action, we’ll continue hosting all the events you love, including both golf days and the Christmas Luncheon, while reshaping our online events for even greater value.
But let’s not forget the serious stuff. It isn’t all fun and parties in our industry. We also offer an array of training and educational courses, including the Electrical Competency Course, which is set for a makeover next year—so keep your eyes peeled for that! Additionally, we host regional events where we bring critical legislation updates and insights directly to you, helping you and your business thrive in this ever-changing environment.
Our Chief Executive, David Llewellyn, has been busy sharing key industry information and updates with the wider public. At the AVA, we believe it’s vital to showcase the hard work and dedication within the vending industry. By collaborating with industry publications, we’ve highlighted the challenges we face, key legislation developments, and our perspectives on the broader political landscape.
There are simply too many articles and publications to include on one page, so here are a few of the highlights and some of our favourites:
Discover how innovative vending solutions are reshaping hospital nutrition, offering healthier, more accessible options to staff and patients alike. Read the full article on Hospital Hub here
The Autumn Budget introduces significant challenges for business owners. Explore the details and potential impact in FM Business Daily’s analysis here
Our Chief Executive, David Llewellyn, shares AVA’s perspective on the Autumn Budget and its implications for the vending and FM industries. Find his comments in FMUK here
Get an overview of how the FM sector is responding to the recent budget announcements, with insights from key players, in PFM’s detailed report here
For a comprehensive breakdown of the Autumn Budget and its implications for the FM sector, read FM Business Daily’s newsletter feature here
David Llewellyn, Chief Executive of the AVA, shared his insights on the Autumn Budget and its impact on our industry, looking ahead for FM Business Daily. You can read his comments here.
David also offered his perspective on the evolving UK vending industry and how we’re adapting to meet B2B demands in the food and beverage sector. His full interview can be found in Refreshment Magazine here.
Revolutionising The Way We Snack In The Workplace by David Llewellyn, Chief Executive discusses revolutionising the way we snack in the workplace here
You can read David Llewellyn’s view on the New UK Government here.
As facilities managers navigate changes in modern workplaces, office refreshment reveals some rather intriguing cultural shifts, as David Llewellyn, Chief Executive of the Vending & Automated Retail Association (AVA), explains here.
KEEP IN TOUCH WITH ALL THE AVA AND INDUSTRY EVENTS - CHECK FOR UPDATES AND NEW ADDITIONS IN OUR CALENDAR
