News | Industry Updates “While products in other retail areas


can be stored and sold at a later date, in the food and drink sector, expirations dates have passed during the forced closures resulting in further losses for these businesses. “Food to go is an essential part of the


food service industry, worth approximately £1.54bn to the UK economy, and without the support of funding now, these businesses will not be around when the world eventually goes back to normal.” The call follows further assertions from


The Automatic Vending Association (AVA) has called on local authorities and local members of parliament to support the ‘vital vending industry’ as Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, announced up to £18,000 in grants for hospitality & leisure businesses and £6,000 in grants for retail businesses in the 2021 Budget today. Across the country, AVA members have


experienced resistance when seeking help from local authorities despite specific funds being allocated in the form of ‘Additional Restrictions Grants’ to support businesses impacted by closures in the leisure and hospitality sector. Yet, late last month GOV.co.uk released


shocking figures showing local authorities have been given £1.13 billion to fund ARGs but have only paid out £143 million (12%). For example, in Leeds, local authorities


have been given £15.8 million, with only £532,496 (3.3%) awarded so far.


AVA calls for support as 2021 budget announced Ensuring that keyworkers have access


to food and drink while carrying out their essential work has been at the forefront of thinking for those in the vending and food-to-go industry since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. With restaurants and canteens being forced to close the option to get food on the go has been a lifeline to those on the front line of fighting the virus and saving lives. Chief executive of the Automatic


Vending Association (AVA), David Llewellyn, said: “Vending is a vital lifeline for those working to get the UK through the pandemic and our members need support to continue to be there for our nation’s keyworkers. With canteens, leisure facilities and workplaces forced to close and numbers of those commuting cut significantly, vending has been severely impacted and as our data shows the level of impact is high.


Evoca UK teams up with Beverage Standards Association As one of the leading manufacturers


“We look forward to what the future


of coffee machines for the out-of- home coffee sector, Evoca UK is able to support the work of the association and its members in many ways. This includes responding to the


Evoca UK has announced a partnership with the Beverage Standards Association (BSA). The association works to support


the out-of-home refreshment sector and together with EVOCA will aim to help the industry recover from some of the most challenging times it has ever experienced.


needs of any roaster or distributor with a comprehensive portfolio of products that extends from super automatic, bean to cup machines through to traditional espresso machines, encompassing such brands as Gaggia Milano, Necta and Saeco. Craig Jukes, Evoca UK sales


director said: “It has been well documented that this has been a really challenging year for the hospitality sector, and at times like these it’s more important than ever to work collaboratively as an industry.


is going to bring and to working closely with the BSA and its members as the industry recovers in the coming months. Together we can help the sector regain lost ground and capitalise on the strong underlying demand for out of home refreshments, and coffee in particular, that undoubtedly still exists. “Here at Evoca we’re committed to


developing machines that incorporate the very latest in technology, that offer roasters, operators and distributors the best possible value for money and allow users to work efficiently. We believe that these are principles that will help BSA members recover lost trade and revive their businesses.”


vendinginternational-online.com | 5


the Chancellor this month that financial assistance is available to those who have seen revenues hit by the crisis however the vending industry and its contribution continues to suffer with 100% of suppliers and 75% of operators surveyed convinced that the Covid-19 crisis will change consumption habits at vending machines long term.


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28