quality contacts and first orders have been Vending Stars
received already. One of the highlights was once again the
“We were impressed by the high standards Vending Party in the Rheinterrassen with the
and innovation on the machines, it is clear that award of the ‘Vending Star 2009’. This year’s
this part of the market is professional and winner was Stüwer GmbH with its gourmet
ready to face the challenges of today.” meal vending concept.
Huhtamaki produced a mammoth stand for The company’s ‘miniature canteen’ can
the occasion. Ray McNamara, UK & Ireland hold and refrigerate a capacity of 88 meals
vending sales manager foodservice division, and dispense them hot after only about two
commented, “Eu’Vend offers a great showcase minutes of preparation time. It holds a selection
of the latest products, so attracts visitors from of 22 different meals that can also be dispensed
all over Europe - the first day was certainly cold, allowing customers to purchase meals and
bustling with visitors, especially during ‘peak’ prepare them at home.
hours. The final line-up - including Servomat
“Whilst there were new products for Steigler’s Cino, the flexible table-top machine,
visitors to peruse, it was obvious, that like the Sielaff’s FS2010-H2-combi machine, able to run
UK, the rest of Europe is finding the industry itself on an independent fuel cell and Vendinova
very tough - and whilst the stands were large B.V.’s 365Soup fresh soup dispenser - were on
(many exhibitors chose to retain their larger display for all to see and experience during the
stands instead of downsizing, unlike AVEX), the show and had been whittled down from over
exhibition was smaller than two years ago.” 40 entries to be in final contention.
On the show’s organisation Ray commented, The new interview and discussion forum, ‘The
“Once inside, the layout of the exhibition was Red Sofa’ was also hailed as a success. Experts
excellent, as was the standard and quality of addressed current topics in compact interviews
the stands themselves. and in-depth discussions at the heart of the
“The evenings, as always, prove to be really exhibition area. Topics covered included school
successful and some of the exhibitors invite catering, new coffee solutions, vending machine
their clients to stand parties - having attended innovations, category management for vending
the Huhtamaki stand party I know just how machines and new location possibilities for
well this is appreciated and enjoyed by all vending machines.
who attend. Invited guests arrive on the stand Many of the talks drew constant large crowds
when the show closes at 6pm and have drinks and the organiser’s boasts of success seem
and canapés whilst listening to live music until founded in reality, yet a focal discussion area
10.30pm - this is what makes this exhibition so - however successful - is not really a unique
special, especially after a hard day working!” initiative for a vending show.
Many company representatives particularly The organiser reported that with around
emphasised the wide international 5,000 buyers from 59 countries, visitor appeal at
demographic and decision-making competence Eu’Vend remained constant.
of the visitors. “Eu’Vend 2009 has proved More than 38 per cent - around 1,900 - of
that Cologne occupies a leading role in the the visitors came from abroad with reported
international vending sector,” said Michael good visitor numbers from the Benelux
Maurer, spokesman for the board of directors countries. The fair also attracted the interest of
of the German Vending Association (BDV). visitors from Scandinavia, France and especially
“(The show) presents a comprehensive the Middle East, however, due to the economic
overview of the relevant topics in the world conditions, visitor numbers from Spain and
of vending: machines, filling products (food and Portugal, in contrast, declined slightly.
non-food), operating systems, payment systems Last month AV editor Amanda Roberts
and services.” talked about an opportunity for vending, the
While not doubting the quality or decision- likes of which it may never have experienced
making competence of visitors to the show, before and may never again - namely, the
Oasis Europe’s Florent Perrin confessed that, opportunity to take on the high street at a time
although his company had a successful show, when it is reeling from the effects of recession.
visitor numbers seemed to be down on She highlighted the need for vending to seize
previous years. the initiative, and if Eu’Vend is anything to go
He said, “Two years ago, we were almost see some of our German key customers, like by, the industry - new innovations in tow - is
always busy, except maybe for the last one or Nestlé, and plenty of small vending companies seemingly going to go for the big push.
two hours each day. we do not usually deal with. The mood of the show was buoyant, and
“This year, we felt there were less visitors, “The show was fine in terms of organisation, steeped in a reality that much like other
we spent less time on the stand and I am just sorry it was on Thursday - Saturday, industries, vending has rolled with the punches,
sometimes, none of us were busy for an as Saturday clearly did not bring us anything in but now stands poised for action.
hour or more. I suppose all this is due to the terms of quality contacts and forced us then The next Eu’Vend will take place in Cologne from
(financial) crisis - there were maybe fewer to stay for another night, returning home on a Thursday to Saturday, September 8 - 10, 2011.
visitors coming from far away - but we did Sunday.” www.euvend.com
Pre-register now for Vendex
®
2009 at vend-ex.co.uk October 2009 37
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