NEWS | Industry Updates AVA explores what lies ahead for the industry
The Vending & Automated Retail Association updated the industry on how members have been engaging with MPs and about important rule changes set to impact the sector in the next year
MPs getting a taste of vending Over the past few months, several members of the Vending & Automated Retail Association (AVA) have welcomed their local MPs for a behind-the-scenes look at the vending industry. Visits have included Adam Jogee MP to Options Management, Jerome Mayhew MP to Norfolk Vending and Catering Services, Mike Reader MP to Carbon Neutral Vending, and Sir Alec Shelbrooke MP to AVA. These visits gave operators the opportunity to showcase their businesses and demonstrate the vital role vending plays in providing convenient food and drink options across a variety of workplaces and other settings. They also allowed MPs to gain a first-hand understanding of the challenges facing the industry. A key topic of discussion during each visit was the Government’s proposed ban on high-
caffeine energy drinks in vending machines. Members were able to explain the practical implications of the proposal and the concerns it raises. Encouragingly, MPs have responded positively, expressing sympathy with the industry’s position and, in several cases, writing directly to Government ministers to raise our concerns. This is exactly the kind of engagement our industry needs. The more MPs understand how vending businesses operate and the impact proposed policies could have, the more likely they are to ensure our voice is heard during the decision-making process. If you would like to invite your local MP to visit your business, Scott Sherlock, AVA’s Public
Affairs Manager, can help make it happen. The first step is to write to your MP about the proposed high-caffeine energy drink ban. Scott can provide a template letter and support you throughout the process. To request a copy, email
scott.sherlock@
the-ava.com. Every MP visit is another opportunity to put vending firmly on the political agenda and ensure policymakers understand the value our industry delivers every day.
New school food standards introduced The Government’s updated school food standards will significantly change the drinks that can be sold in schools. Subject to Parliamentary approval, the new rules will apply from September 2027 in primary schools, with some secondary school requirements phased in from September 2028. The AVA has revealed what this means for vending: Under the new standards, vending machines in education sites will no longer be permitted to sell 100% fruit juice, fruit combination drinks, sugary soft drinks or artificially sweetened soft drinks. Instead, permitted options will be limited to plain water, lower-fat milk, plain plant- based alternatives such as soya or oat drinks, and tightly regulated sugar-free or no-added-sugar fruit-flavoured still water. The AVA said: “For vending operators, this will require a review of product ranges and secondary school or academy vending contracts. While the changes reduce the range of drinks available, they also provide a clearer framework for operators supplying education sites. As schools place greater emphasis on health and wellbeing, the industry will need to adapt its offer to ensure products remain both compliant and appealing.”
6
|
vendinginternational-online.com
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
