WATER The water dispense sector transforms
Water dispensing is evolving into new formats and finding new locations, but what impact will the changing commercial market have on the sector? VI canvassed the industry’s water dispense experts to find out
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hillipa Atkinson-Clow, general manager of the Water Dispenser & Hydration Association (the WHA)
believes water dispensing is coming of age. “Whilst much of the business world was shut down, the water dispense sector was working hard to respond to the new climate of change and the need to appeal to ‘safety first’ attitudes. People are finding that the familiar water cooler is now popping up in unfamiliar formats and not just in the workplace. It’s one of the few good things to have emerged from the pandemic.”
A WIDER RANGE OF OPTIONS New developments include the introduction of smart device app controls; microbial coating for touch areas; and other safety measures. There are also touch-free countertop
and free-standing systems dispensing mains-fed water, especially useful in self- service settings. Integrated Tap Systems are the fastest
growing category in the water dispense sector, according to Zenith Global. Hospitality systems that resemble bar pumps are available, delivering still or sparkling water served in reusable bottles that provide a stylish option.
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vendinginternational-online.com Meantime, in public spaces, bottle refill
stations help cut down on single use plastic waste. Jon Wicks, chairman of the WHA,
said: “The water dispense sector has developed to meet new needs and has seen a proliferation of options alongside traditional bottled water coolers and mains fed coolers. It’s no longer a ‘one size fits all’ approach. The industry has risen to the challenges magnificently. What all these have in common is the provision of safe, sustainable, convenient methods of drinking what is arguably one of the healthiest of drinks, water. “The vending industry is welcome to contact the WHA to see how they can help you expand into this exciting arena. As more vending sector companies extend their portfolios, adopting WHA-Safe procedures is ever more important.”
SHIFT AWAY FROM COOLERS According to food and drinks consultancy Zenith Global, after a dramatic drop of almost 30% volume in 2020 as a result of Covid-19 lockdowns, the UK bulk water market volume grew by almost 10% in 2021 to regain some ground to exceed 250 million litres.
Despite Zenith Global forecasting modest
further volume growth to 2026 based on the key demand drivers of healthy hydration and convenience, consumption of water for coolers is expected to remain lower than in the years to 2019 as the commercial market has changed in the wake of the pandemic. Associate director of Zenith Global,
Christina Avison says: “The structural shift away from bottled water coolers towards refill and other dispense technologies is expected to continue, exacerbated by the incomplete return to offices as flexible working has been adopted more widely than first predicted.
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