2022 REVIEW
WATER DISPENSE The provision of potable drinking water in the workplace is and always has been important for health and wellbeing, but following the pandemic, innovation in the water dispense industry has been focused on enhancing sanitation, hygiene, and safety to respond to consumer demand. Phillipa 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.” 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.
• Meanwhile, in public spaces, bottle refill stations help cut down on single use plastic waste.
VENDING SOFTWARE Vending software specialists have been growing their software solutions in order to deliver for both present and future requirements of vending operators. The aim is to give operators an understanding of the machine’s performance, stock management, route planning and machine uptime ensuring the maximise their sales potential. Data is gathered from vending machines through telemetry and sent securely to the cloud for users to access their machine information remotely anytime anywhere. Software is said to allow users to embrace new payment systems including contactless as well as interactive vending technologies that will offer even greater levels of operation efficiency and satisfaction to operators and customers alike.
INDUSTRY EVENTS Many industry events returned for the first time in two years this year following the pandemic. Among them was The Vendies 2022 which has been held virtually
for the past two years. The who’s who in the vending industry gathered at the iconic Grand Connaught Rooms, in London on 9 June. A total of 16 awards were presented for standout products and excellent service to both operators and suppliers to the vending industry. Other events held this year included: The Food-to-Go Conference,
the UK Water Drinks Conference, The London Coffee Festival, Vendex Midlands, Scotland and North, EVEX, Venditalia, AVA Live and the 19th Global Water Drinks Congress.
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