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take on Vending
industry has been reactive rather than proactive. We have to be on trend set by the likes of Starbucks and Costa. 12oz vended cups were
the front foot. The AVA has to be the face of vending. By talking to created to meet the demand for a larger coffee and compete with
operators, suppliers, politicians, health groups and press we can the high street brands, at a much cheaper price, so the Industry is
work together. On forecourts and garages it is all larger products, changing in terms of style. The Vending operators in London, for
bigger bags – we are an instant gratification society. We want quicker example, have healthy shelves, delivering what the customer wants.
broadband speeds, our digital pictures immediately…” As an Industry we need to take more of a retail-led approach,
suggesting snacks that might go with a drink and offering a discount
EUROPE - WHERE DOES THE AVA SIT WITHIN THE WIDER on it as a combined purchase.
EUROPEAN CONTEXT? “On the downside, we are seeing the number of In Cup machines
Jonathan explained, “I don’t think people truly understand the diminishing and there are less can vendors too; mainly because of
work the AVA does in conjunction with the European Vending the number of those that have been removed from schools.”
Association (EVA).
Much of the legislation that is introduced in the UK starts in VISION FOR THE FUTURE
Europe and by having a dedicated representative on the Board of the Finally, we asked Jonathan to tell us more about his vision for the
EVA and close links with UK government, we are well placed to future of Vending to which his response was clear: “Should anyone in
identify the important issues likely to affect the UK vending industry. the UK want to know anything about vending, come to the AVA. We
To put it into context, there are over 60 current European directives, would also ask that specifiers only use AVA members. Vending can
either in discussion or nearing completion, likely to impact on the solve a number of issues for the delivery of products to consumers
vending industry across Europe. and more brands need to embrace that. The AVA is the collective
The AVA has a key role to play in ensuring that they do not restrict voice of vending and its voice is getting louder on the issues that
consumer choice or impose unfair financial burdens on the industry. affect our industry.”
WHAT ABOUT THE MEMBERSHIP? To contact Jonathan, just call his office on 0208 661 1112 or email
We asked Jonathan if he planned to look at the AVA’s strict jonathan@ava-vending.co.uk
membership criteria.
He responded: “With 38 bands
for operators and 24 for suppliers,
there is a rule that says you can’t
become a member of the AVA
until you have traded for a year.
My view is that the AVA is there
to help new businesses. We need
fresh blood coming through the
Industry. More regional meetings
will be introduced and we are also
looking at reinstating some of the
social functions.”
THE INDUSTRY
Talking to the press back in
November, Jonathan commented
that the industry had changed
and VI was keen to find out what
he meant by this.
“We have all seen that there
has been wide consolidation
within the Industry and there has
been a shift in consumer tastes
and habits. There is more of a
coffee culture in the UK now, a
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