July 2025: Key updates from the vending, coffee and water sectors

Vending and coffee updates

The vending, automated retail and coffee sectors are rapidly evolving, with new initiatives, industry events and regulatory developments shaping its future. Here’s what’s happening in this sector this month:

National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA)

Patrick Moran named chair of NAMA board for 2025–2026 term

NAMA has appointed Patrick Moran, owner of Moran Refreshments, as chair of its board of directors for the 2025-2026 term.

With over 30 years in the convenience services industry, Moran brings a wealth of experience to the role. He co-founded Moran Refreshments in 1989 with his father, growing it from a single-truck operation into a regional business serving East Texas. Over the years, Moran has also been a prominent voice in legislative advocacy, representing the industry at both state and national levels.

Moran said: “This industry has been good to our family. We started this business working out of the garage, and I am honoured to continue our journey through service as the chair of NAMA’s board. It is a unique, full-circle moment. I’m looking forward to working alongside an impressive group of officers and directors to support NAMA members and strengthen the value of the convenience services industry in communities across the country.”

A long-time NAMA board member, Moran previously served as president of the Texas Merchandise Vending Association and was named NAMA’s Operator of the Year in 2023.

Carla Balakgie, president and CEO of NAMA, highlighted: “The strength of NAMA lies in its governance. With Patrick Moran as chair and this exceptional slate of directors, the association is guided by leaders who bring deep experience, proven judgment, and a shared commitment to the industry’s future."

NAMA opens nominations for 2025 Coffee Legend of the Year award

NAMA is now accepting nominations for its 2025 Coffee Legend of the Year award, which honours individuals who have made a significant and lasting impact on the coffee industry over the span of a decade or more.

The award will be presented at this year’s Coffee Tea & Water (CTW) event, taking place 4-5 November in Miami, Florida. Eligible nominees can come from all corners of the coffee industry, including coffee service operators, roasters, manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, brokers and educators.

NAMA president and CEO, Carla Balakgie, said: “NAMA’s Coffee Legend of the Year award is more than recognition. It signifies core values that drive the industry forward: quality, commitment and community. By celebrating a Coffee Legend, we spotlight the individuals whose leadership leaves a lasting impact.”

Nominations should highlight the nominee’s specific contributions and achievements that have helped advance coffee service and strengthen the broader convenience services sector. Submissions are open until 4 September 2025.

The Vending & Automated Retail Association (AVA)

AVA CEO criticises Defra's EPR fee changes as 'retrograde step'

David Llewellyn, chief executive of AVA, has issued a strong response to the government’s recent adjustments to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) base fees, calling the move to increase charges for fibre-based materials while reducing them for plastics “a retrograde step”.

The UK government’s latest changes to EPR base fees involve a revised fee structure that increases costs for producers using fibre-based packaging – such as paper and card – while reducing fees for certain plastic materials. The move has sparked concern across multiple industries that have invested in transitioning away from single-use plastics.

In a statement responding to the revised fee structure from Defra, Llewellyn said: "The government’s decision to hike EPR base fees for fibre while reducing them for plastic is, frankly, a retrograde step. From both an environmental and industrial perspective, this move completely undermines the extraordinary progress our sector has made in moving away from single-use plastics."

Highlighting significant changes within the vending and coffee-to-go markets, he noted the industry’s shift towards more sustainable packaging solutions: "Across the UK’s vending and coffee-to-go sector, we’ve seen a huge transition to paper-based cups: around 93% of all drinks we serve are now in paper cups – a shift the AVA Census reveals is driven not just by environmental credentials and ease of recycling, but also by consumer preference for higher quality and more sustainable packaging."

The AVA is a founding member of the Alliance for Fibre-Based Packaging, which advocates for the role of fibre and fibre-based composites in delivering safe, hygienic and efficient packaging solutions. Llewellyn argued the new policy risks derailing UK leadership in sustainable packaging innovation, pointing out that fibre is recycled at scale in the UK, unlike many plastics.

"If this policy is left unchanged, it threatens to undo years of hard-won progress: retailers could be forced back towards plastic because it’s cheaper, and British fibre packaging manufacturers, the real leaders in sustainable innovation, will be hamstrung. How does that fit with any definition of a ‘circular economy’ or a plan to reduce plastic waste?," he said.

Calling on the government to urgently reconsider the fee structure, Llewellyn added: “We should be supporting materials that are actually recycled at scale in the UK, reducing plastic dependency and championing British industry. The current approach does the exact opposite."

Water updates

The water sector continues to evolve with innovative technologies, sustainability initiatives and industry events driving progress. From watercoolers to hydration solutions, here’s what’s happening in this space:

Natural Mineral Waters Europe (NMWE)

Cyprus Water Bottlers Association and Nałęczów Zdrój join NMWE

NMWE has welcomed two new members to its association: the Cyprus Water Bottlers Association and Polish bottled water company Nałęczów Zdrój.

The Cyprus Water Bottlers Association represents companies accounting for over 65% of the bottled water market in Cyprus, many of which are located near natural springs.

Nałęczów Zdrój, founded in 1979, is a Polish producer of natural mineral water and the owner of the Cisowianka and Perlage brands. The company is based in Nałęczów, a town known for its thermal water heritage.

Both members join NMWE’s efforts to promote sustainability, quality and responsible water resource management across Europe. Their participation is expected to support the association’s work in areas such as biodiversity, circular packaging, and the socio-economic development of rural regions.

NMWE said: "We warmly welcome our new colleagues from Cyprus and Poland to the NMWE family. We look forward to working together on our shared priorities, including water and biodiversity preservation, packaging circularity, contribution to the socio-economic vitality of rural areas. Their commitment and expertise will help us to continue strengthening our sector’s role in ensuring long-term environmental sustainability and delivering value to local communities across Europe."

Watercoolers Europe (WE)

Registration opens for WE 2025 conference in Milan

Online registration is now open for the 2025 Watercoolers Europe (WE) Conference and Trade Fair, scheduled for 6-7 November at the Meliá Milano Hotel in Milan, Italy.

The two-day event will include conference sessions, workshops, an international trade fair and the Aqua Awards Gala Dinner. Early Bird registration is available, offering discounted entry for those who sign up in advance.

More information and registration details are available at via WE's website.