Today’s consumers expect speed, convenience and flexibility in every transaction. But with bricks-and-mortar retail stepping up its game, can progressive payment technology help vending operators to stay competitive? Refreshment's Bryony Andrews explores.

Here’s a look back at the news that defined the year.

Representatives from the Automatic Vending Association (AVA), the European Vending & Coffee Service Association (EVA), the Water Dispenser & Hydration Association (WHA) and Zenith Global offer their insights into how technology, consumer behaviour and legislation will shape the future of automated retail and hydration.

Refreshment's Bryony Andrews spoke with several industry experts to explore how the latest water filtration technologies can improve coffee quality for both consumers and professional users.

Akos Petri, managing director of Zenith Global Commercial, explores how challenger brands, functional hydration and strong digital reputation strategies are shaping the industry’s future.

As the UK intensifies its focus on reducing high-sugar beverages, Air Up is stepping into the spotlight with its new Shaky Shakes flavour range.

Austria’s nationwide Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) has completed its first year with strong public support and impressive collection results, surpassing 1.2 billion returned PET bottles and aluminium cans by the end of November.

TÜV Rheinland Hong Kong hosted its first Coffee Machines & Appliances Summit on 28 November, highlighting rising safety, regulatory, and cybersecurity challenges in modern household appliances.

PayRange, a mobile-first commerce platform for unattended retail, has acquired KioSoft Technologies, a global provider of cashless payment and IoT solutions, for an undisclosed sum.

Ecozy has introduced the Brezzano Elite, a new four-in-one touchscreen espresso machine designed to offer barista-style coffee making at home.

Refreshment editor Rafaela Sousa takes us through her favourite moments from this year’s dynamic event.

Bixolon Europe has partnered with Polish IT company iMedia and systems integrator Hant to supply receipt printing technology for GreenBottle, a nationwide network of reverse vending machines collecting PET bottles and cans.