NEWS | Industry Updates The AVA welcomes new members to the board Finally, the AVA’s third appointment to the


board is Jason Vincent, chief executive and co-founder of Aeguana, which follows the company’s recent merger with confectionary titans, Boostbar. Jason’s career in vending started with writing the vending management system for Rentokil-Initial, managing over 35,000 machines — a system still in use sixteen years later. Jason’s wealth of expertise in the vending eco-system and vending technology will be a huge benefit for the AVA to help its members streamline their services better.


As well as new appointments, the AVA


The Vending & Automated Retail Association (AVA), has announced several changes to its board of directors, reflecting the company’s commitment to enhancing its leadership team and positioning itself for continued growth and success. The following personnel changes have


been made to the AVA’s Board of Directors: Firstly, Stuart Coutts has taken over the


role of Chair of the AVA board. The AVA has not had a vending operator as Chair for many years, however with 35 years in the vending industry, we welcome Stuarts insight and experience. Richard Brinsley, managing director of


Westomatic Vending Services Ltd, has been appointed as the first of three new board members bringing with him a wealth of


industry experience. His company is renowned for remanufacturing all types of new vending machines, as well as being a global supplier of dispending hot drinks, water, milkshakes and also hot food, snacks and confectionery. The second appointment to the board


is Matt Osborne, head of business development at Masteroast Coffee Company Ltd. Having been at Masteroast for several years, Matt has played a pivotal role in Masteroasts growth into the UKs largest private label coffee roaster. Speaking about his appointment to the board, Matt said: “Being part of the AVA is very important for us as we recognise that vending continues to be one of the strongest sectors, driving a demand for diverse coffee services today.”


A taste of Japan


This summer, Japan House in London has been offering visitors a Japanese rail-themed retail experience, complete with a high-tech vending machine dispensing rarely-seen railway goods and confectionery from Japan’s largest passenger rail operator JR-East. Stepping inside a dedicated rail-themed booth complete with model shinkansen (bullet trains), visitors encountered a digital vending machine dispensing confectionery typically exclusive to regional stations served by the East Japan Railway Company (JR-East) network, as well as a wide selection of luxury, train-themed lifestyle goods. The digital vending machine, displaying not only the products within but also video footage and information, offered visitors the chance to take a culinary journey through Japan. Within the selection visitors were able to try a variety of apple snacks and drinks from


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the celebrated apple-growing prefecture of Aomori, sweet potato chips from Ibaraki and mandarin mochi from Nagano. Each drink and snack celebrates the unique flavours of Japan’s diverse regions, made reachable by JR-East’s vast network of high speed, local and luxury sightseeing trains. The Japanese culture of jidōhanbaiki (vending machines) is well-known for both its high per person density - with one machine per 30 people - as well as the variety of goods served behind the brightly- lit façades. Just as much a mainstay of Japan’s city scenes as on its rural country roads, the machines serve not only to satisfy the hunger and thirst of its population but also offer such conveniences as white shirts for office workers, freshly cooked pizza, flowers and umbrellas. The digital machine at Japan House dispenses ochoko (sake cups) in porcelain, copper and stainless steel, each intricately embellished with bullet train designs. The rail booth, which centres on the theme of connecting Japan through railway technology and you can still catch it if you’re quick as its available until 14 September 2023 in the Shop on the ground floor of Japan House, Kensington High Street.


also welcomes back Natalie Barker, Diane Hunter and Kelly Pugh, who have been voted back to the board as operator representatives. In response to these changes, David Llewellyn, chief executive of the AVA commented, “We are thrilled to have these three talented and experienced individuals join our board. Their knowledge and expertise will greatly benefit not only the AVA, but will also be a huge asset to our members. “They are already settled in and hitting


the ground running. We cannot wait for the remainder of the year, and years, ahead working with them.” The AVA is confident that these personnel changes will strengthen its leadership team and contribute to the continued growth and success of the organisation.


Charity drive for Lilly


“Lily McGregor’s Golf Day” organised with the help of Alistair Balmworth of Refreshment Systems in aid of six-month old Lilly, who is suffering from brain cancer, took place on Friday the 29th of July 2023 at Mill Green Golf Course. Alistair helped to organise the event by sponsoring and providing advertising assistance with print materials to increase the range and visibility of the event. Overall, 72 people attended the day to


support Lilly’s parents and grandparents of Lilly. www.refreshmentsystems.co.uk


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