VENDING ASSOCIATIONS


European Vending & Coffee Service Association (EVA)


Future of payments in vending


O


ne of the conference sessions at EVEX 2026 will look at the future of payments in automated retail – ranging from Wero and instant payments, to the upcoming


Digital Euro. It is important to understand what types of payments these


are, how they could be used in our sector and what the benefits could be over the types of payment options and processes we see today. The upcoming Digital Euro - perhaps of less immediate


importance to UK-based operators – could nevertheless bring a significant change for payment acceptance, especially with regards to the payment fee structure that is currently used today; something that can sometimes be cumbersome, opaque and costly. The EU Interchange Fee Regulation helped by introducing caps on some of these fees, but as you know this makes up only part of the arrangement. In addition, corporate cards are not included in the scope of the Regulation, leading to situations like we see in Spain where these unrestricted fees mean a €0.50 coffee in vending can have a fee of €0.35 on top. Strategically, Europe as a whole is of course now trying to become more independent, more sovereign, and less reliant on structures from the USA, China or elsewhere. The digital euro aims to offer a new choice to merchants and consumers with a more European-focused option, without the need for transactions to be routed through card schemes such as Visa and Mastercard. The EVA had a meeting recently with European Central Bank


(ECB), and more specifically with the team that is determining the ‘rulebook’ on how the digital euro will operate, to communicate the needs of vending (and wider unattended retail) and ensure these are properly considered. As such we have now drafted a position paper with all our key asks, which will be finalised by the EVA Electronic Payment Committee at its next meeting. The ECB will launch a pilot in 2027, which could be an ideal moment for vending to participate in, before an expected launch in 2029.


If you are attending EVEX from 13-15 October in Vienna, be sure to join us for this informative session.


AVA Technical & Operations Day Webinar 2026


ever for all members to attend, wherever you are un the UK. This essential event is specifically designed for senior managers, operation teams and technical staff working within the vending and automated retail industry.


W What to Expect:


Building on the success of previous years, the 2026 programme will once again focus on the key issues impacting day-to-day operations. Covering topics such as:


• Launch of the refreshed ‘Industry Guide to Good Hygiene Practice: Vending & Dispensing’


• High-Caffeine Energy Drinks vending ban - latest update • Launch of the updated Guide to Good Hygiene Practice: Vending & Dispense


• The next steps in age verification • Finance that Sells: A Practical guide to Winning and Retaining Customers


• EVA Smartlink – an update on progress with the next generation of machine communication


• Exchange for Change - an update on equipment and return points with David Gell


• Latest Employments Rights Act changes: Rights from Day 1; Rights to Union membership


• Grants, guidance and recruitment guides from the DWP


With Specialist guest speakers, practical sessions and panel discussions, Tech & Ops Day offers valuable insight to help your business stay complaint, control costs and prepare for the future. Free to attend for AVA members, this webinar is a must for anyone looking to keep up with the latest developments in technology, legislation and operational best practice.


You can register for the webinar by visiting our Events page on our website: the-ava.com/calendar/


e’re pleased to confirm that the AVA Technical & Operations Day will return as a live online webinar on Wednesday 21 October 2026 – making it easier than


The Automatic Vending Association (AVA)


vendinginternational-online.com |


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