NEWS | Industry Updates
Coffee machine specialist obtains the Gender Equality Certification
Rhea, manufacturer of coffee break machines, has announced that it has obtained the UNI PDR 125:2022 Gender Equality Certification issued by Dasa-Rägister. This is an important milestone that reflects its ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive, fair, and sustainable working environment. This recognition confirms a path the company has been following for years, placing people at the center, and translating corporate values into concrete actions, in line with the inclusive culture it has always embraced. Rhea has long implemented a range of concrete initiatives to
ensure gender equality, focusing on raising awareness around inclusivity issues through targeted training programs that provide everyone with the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of these topics. The aim is to create a virtuous cycle of behaviour that foster a culture of respect and openness to diversity. “At Rhea, we strive to build an environment that values the uniqueness of each individual and the diversity that unites us all,” emphasizes Virginia D’Agata, People & Organization Manager of Rhea. “Rhea is a place where people can grow and express their
Vending toy wins award
potential in a context of respect and opportunity.” Flexible working hours, remote work, part-time options, corporate
welfare programs, and initiatives aimed at people’s well-being are just some of the concrete measures implemented to support work- life balance.
Another pillar of this strategy is the Women Spark project, an
initiative that promotes professional growth and support for women - and beyond - within the company. Its goal is to reduce the gender gap, foster equal career opportunities for everyone, and encourage better collaboration regardless of gender or role. Women Spark goes beyond training and mentoring; it continuously evolves through new projects and programs focused on development and networking. Rhea is also committed to social issues such as the prevention
of violence in relationships. Through an awareness-raising initiative involving all employees, Rhea aims to promote a safe and respectful work environment for everyone, ensuring a peaceful and harmonious life in the workplace, within families and across society, by creating a true “Effetto ECO”, a path designed and implemented by the Di Vasto-Bono law firm, based in Saronno.
Melissa & Doug, a preschool brand for wooden and sustainable toys, has won the Preschool Toy of the Year (TOTY) Award for its Sort, Stock, Select Wooden Vending Machine Play Set, presented at the 2025 Toy Foundation’s TOTY Awards Gala in New York City.
Kids can load the Sort, Stock, Select
Wooden Vending Machine Play Set with double-sided play candy, snacks, and drinks then drop a color-matching play coin into a slot or insert the play credit card, press the corresponding button, and watch the snack drop into the collection drawer, no batteries required! The play set helps teach kids about cause- and-effect and encourages letter, number,
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and color recognition as well as sorting, matching, and fine motor skills. The fully functioning wooden vending machine has become a viral hit during the past year. On social media, parents, caregivers, and teachers have posted about filling the vending machine with real snacks and small toys to use as a rewards system. The award was accepted by Sofia Dumery,
senior vice president of Design, and Brett Almstead, senior product designer and lead designer for the vending machine. “It’s an honor to be recognised for our commitment to creating innovative toys that inspire the kind of kid-powered, wholesome play that will help children develop the confidence to take on the world,” said Dumery.
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