NEWS | Industry Updates


de Jong Duke awarded gold medal for sustainability


de Jong DUKE, a manufacturer of innovative coffee machines, has been awarded the EcoVadis Gold Award for its sustainability performance in 2025. This recognition places de Jong DUKE among the top 5% of companies assessed by EcoVadis worldwide. EcoVadis is one of the world’s most trusted providers of business sustainability


ratings, evaluating companies across four key areas: environment, labour & human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement. The Gold rating reflects de Jong DUKE’s ongoing commitment to responsible business practices, environmental stewardship, and ethical supply chain management. “We are honoured to receive the


EcoVadis Gold Medal,” said Marco Middag,


chief executive of de Jong DUKE. “This achievement underscores our dedication to creating high-quality coffee solutions while minimising our environmental impact and promoting social responsibility throughout our operations.” The recognition comes at a time when sustainability is increasingly vital to customers, partners, and stakeholders across the coffee and vending industries. de Jong DUKE continues to invest in energy-efficient technologies, circular design principles, and transparent reporting to drive positive change.


Vending mourns former association chair and industry leader Dan Blake


The Vending & Automated Retail Association (AVA) has announced the passing of Dan Blake — a highly respected industry figure and a long-standing supporter of the Association. Dan made a significant and lasting contribution to the UK vending sector. A generous mentor to many, he was widely appreciated for the time, knowledge and experience he shared with colleagues and with the AVA over several decades. He


served as an AVA director from 1995 to 2003, including a period as Chair. Dan was managing director of Sankey


Vending, part of GKN, where he was brought in from another division to turn the business around — a challenge he met with great success. Following the company’s sale to Wittenborg, he was asked to remain as managing director to oversee the transition. Dan passed away peacefully following a period of rapidly declining health.


Radnor Hills innovates


with launch of Radnor Hydrate


The range meets vending standards in universities and is also compliant across academies and MATs. (School compliant in England, Wales and Northern Ireland) Flavours include Summer Berries, Apple & Raspberry and Tropical and the 250ml drinks will come in a pack size of 24. The RSP for food service is 75p per drink. Chris Sanders, sales & marketing director of Radnor Hills, said:


“This month we’ve been kicking off an exciting line-up of new product ranges.


Soft drinks manufacturer Radnor Hills has launched its second new product offering this month with the unveiling of Radnor Hydrate. Radnor Hydrate is clean and simple, a refreshing 60% tropical juice and 40% natural spring water. It follows the launch of Radnor Spring, a low-calorie sparkling


spring water in four refreshing and fruity flavours. The Radnor Hydrate 250ml Tetra Pak juice drink is a celebration


of simplicity for healthy hydration. It is HFSS compliant, School Approved and CQUIN compliant for NHS hospitals with a shelf life of 12 months ambient.


6 | vendinginternational-online.com


“Last week saw the launch of Radnor Spring, our brand new carbonated, low-calorie drink that brings a bright, fruity refreshment to any moment. “This week we’re introducing the market to Radnor Hydrate, which is perfect for a wide range of markets including education, the workplace, leisure, healthcare and retail, including convenience and grab-and-go. “We’ve made our beautiful spring water and delicious fruit juices


the hero ingredients for simple, healthy hydration. “Both ranges will be available from January 2026 with free trade samples now in stock. 2026 is definitely the year of NPD for Radnor Hills and we’re looking forward to more exciting product innovations throughout the year.” Radnor Hills has a wide network of distributors and wholesalers through the UK & Ireland.


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