News | Industry Updates Automated retail specialist sees record year of growth after £1.2m investment


technology creating state-of-the-art unattended retailing solutions to dispensing anything from coffee, food, alcohol and even perfumes. The firm provides design, product development, mechanical, electronic and software engineering services, as well as experiential marketing and vending analytics. Expertise in touchless vending has been in


Aeguana, a firm specialising in automated retail technology has experienced record-growth following a £1.2m growth capital investment. The transaction – which was supported by


Frontier Development Capital in September 2020 through its £100m FDC Debt Fund – saw Manish Shah become chief executive of the London headquartered firm. FDC’s debt funding has enabled the firm to


expand its production capabilities and develop its team of in-house experts, implementing efficiency and supply chain improvements needed to service Aeguana’s growing list of global brands and retailers, including WH Smith, Yakult and Carluccio’s. Sales activity has also increased by over 100% in the last 12 months with a strong pipeline of new opportunities in the months ahead. Aeguana specialises in automated retail


high demand in response to COVID-19. Aeguana’s Smart Fridges were adopted by the NHS to enable keyworkers to access meals quickly whilst on shift, becoming their biggest seller since the start of the pandemic. Aeguana’s Eco Dispense technology,


designed to eliminate single use plastic bottles via touchless automated re-fill stations, saw Sipple Hydration Stations win “Best Sustainable Product” at the 2021 Vendies award. Mr Shah, said: “During the past year, we’ve


taken some critical steps on the company's growth journey. Our aim is to establish Aeguana as the number one supplier of automated retail solutions, engaging global customers using the latest technology and delivering innovative retail experiences “Thanks to the investment and support


from Frontier Development Capital, this vision is becoming a reality, with the business expanding its production capabilities,


increasing sales and breaking into exciting new markets. We have achieved this by working alongside leading supply chain partners, enhancing our technology and reducing assembly lead times.” The company recently announced a new


range of barista machines with plans to launch these across the retail and hospitality sectors by the end of 2021. Clive Broadhurst, portfolio director at


Frontier Development Capital, said: “Frontier Development Capital prides itself on providing flexible debt funding to ambitious mid-market SMEs across England. When Manish presented us with his business plan for growth, we understood the massive potential for the Aeguana business. The company has gone on to successfully put this strategy into action over the past 12 months. “FDC provides more than just capital and


we look forward to continuing our partnership with Aeguana as it expands globally – providing flexibility, experience and expertise to the business as it realises upcoming growth opportunities.” FDC provides flexible long-term debt


funding of up to £7.5m for growth capital, shareholder transactions and property development to businesses across the United Kingdom.


Change in the executive committee of Barry Callebaut


The Barry Callebaut board of directors has appointed Rogier van Sligter, currently co-president EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa), sole president EMEA, effective October 1, 2021, following Andrew Fleming’s decision to pursue new career opportunities outside the Barry Callebaut Group. Rogier van Sligter joined Barry


Callebaut in 2004 as account manager. Prior to starting his journey in Barry Callebaut, he took on different marketing roles for various companies. In 2008, he became sales director


Benelux & Nordics. From 2012 to 2016, he served as vice president Europe North before being promoted to vice president EEMEA (Eastern Europe, Middle East, Africa). In this role, he led the continued expansion of the Group in EEMEA. In 2020 Rogier van Sligter was appointed co- president EMEA and member of the executive committee. Peter Boone, chief executive of Barry


8 | vendinginternational-online.com


Callebaut, said: “I want to thank Andrew for his invaluable contribution to Barry Callebaut’s growth over many years. In his 17 years, Andrew played a vital role in growing our business, landing critical innovations and securing our largest customers. Andrew championed the further expansion of our EMEA business into emerging markets and into more


value adding categories in support of smart growth, and with great success.” Mr Boone continued: “I congratulate


Rogier on his appointment as president EMEA, in which role he will continue to apply his considerable experience and deep business insights to further implement the plan for the continued growth of our largest region.”


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