SOFT DRINKS & FLAVOURED WATER Industry must ‘wait and see’ as consultation ends


energy drinks (HCED) to children, the vending industry now awaits the outcome of a decision that could have a significant and damaging impact on businesses across the UK. The proposal would make it illegal to sell


W


energy drinks containing more than 150mg of caffeine per litre to anyone under 16 years of age, applying to all retail channels –


ith the conclusion of the government’s consultation on banning the sale of high-caffeine


including shops, online retailers, restaurants, cafés, and vending machines. While the AVA fully supports the government’s intention to protect children from the perceived risks associated with HCED, the potential impact on the vending sector is substantial. The restriction would affect a significant part of the £248 million UK vending soft drinks market, representing a major loss for the industry. A blanket ban would prevent many of our


180 members – who collectively manage around 460,000 machines nationwide – from selling high-caffeine energy drinks. This would come at an estimated cost of over £40 million to the vending sector. Our members are already mindful of the issues surrounding HCED consumption among young people. As a result, they


Soft drinks giant adds new cherry flavoured energy variant


Vending operators are being offered a new cherry-flavoured option for 2026 as Carabao Energy expands its portfolio with the launch of Cherry Crush. Available in a 330ml can,


Carabao Cherry Crush features a cherry flavour and packaging designed to stand out in vending settings, where purchasing decisions are typically made quickly and on impulse. Cherry is one of the fastest-growing flavours in the energy drink category, now worth £18.9m in RSV* (250-568ml). Carabao’s


new offering has been developed with this demand in mind. It is described as refreshing, easy to drink and appeals to a wide range of consumers, including students, commuters, gym-goers and night workers. The soft drink contains 41 calories per


can, no aspartame and is enriched with B vitamins, offering ticking boxes in both taste and functional benefits. Carabao’s wider brand visibility is


supported by its long-standing football sponsorships, including the Carabao Cup and its partnership with the EFL. These partnerships give the brand


New carbonated option inspired by 18-35 year old demand


Soft drinks manufacturer Radnor Hills has debuted a new carbonated soft drink. Radnor Spring offers four new, fruity flavours of sparkling spring water with added B vitamins – and all low calorie. Flavours include: Black Cherry & Blackcurrant, Mango & Passion Fruit, Pineapple & Grapefruit and Strawberry & Raspberry. The 500ml bottles are 100% recyclable and made from 30% recycled plastic. The low-calorie range has been developed for leisure, retail, vending, grab-and-go and convenience as well as further education and for blue- and white-collar workers. It is now available, with listings already


secured with two national distributors in foodservice. The UK carbonated market size was valued at £10.2bn in 2024 and 3 in 10


20 | vendinginternational-online.com


customers drink a carbonated soft drink daily. Research (Kantar Profiles/Mintel, October 2024) shows that 16+ and 18+ drink carbonated soft drinks ‘to hydrate’ and to ‘treat themselves’. Chris Sanders, sales & marketing director


of Radnor Hills, said: “We love to innovate and we’re working on a number of new drinks which will extend our portfolio and offer hydration for every generation. “We have carried out extensive consumer


research of 3,000 18-35-year-olds who have loved our brands throughout their education years. We gained strong feedback that they are thirsty for more innovation from us as they make their next steps outside of education into the workforce and in their leisure time. “We believe that it’s a perfect time to


create our own juicy carbonated soft drink, bottled by us in our zero to landfill site in


comply with a voluntary code of practice that restricts the sale of energy drinks in vending machines located at public sites, such as local authority leisure centres. David Llewellyn, chief executive of the


AVA, (pictured) said: “With the outcome of the consultation not expected until later this year, we now enter a period of ‘wait and see.’ Despite numerous consultations with the Department of Health and Social Care and the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, it is incredibly disappointing that the government has continued down this path. This approach will ultimately penalise businesses and adult consumers alike.” The AVA will continue to review


any further updates or actions from government and ensure its members remain fully informed.


visibility and engagement with football fans across the UK. For vending operators, Cherry Crush offers an opportunity to tap into a growing trend. Cherry-flavoured energy drinks have seen


a 30% value growth in the latest 26 weeks to 27.12.25*. A Carabao spokesman said: “As the vending sector continues to evolve, products that combine exciting flavours with strong visual impact will lead the way. Carabao Cherry Crush delivers on both, giving operators a fresh way to drive impulse sales and excite shoppers in 2026.” *NielsenIQ – Energy Database – UK Total Coverage – MAT To WE 27.12.25


Wales, and that Radnor Spring enhances an already nostalgic Radnor basket of products.” Radnor Hills has a wide network of distributors and wholesalers through the UK & Ireland. Radnor Hills will be exhibiting at Vendex Midlands, Milton Keynes, on March 25th. Visit them on Stand 30 where they will be showcasing Radnor Spring and also Radnor Splash, the UK’s fastest growing water brand with three units sold every second.


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