Refreshment brings you monthly updates on the latest news and insights from our member associations in the vending, coffee and water sectors. Featuring insights from industry leaders, this round-up highlights key developments, events and initiatives shaping the future of these industries, providing essential information on emerging trends and regulatory changes.

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:

European Vending & Coffee Service Association (EVA)

• EVA addresses AI and data compliance at Paris Vending Show

The European Vending & Coffee Service Association (EVA) took part in the Vending Show in Paris from 25-27 June, where it held a series of meetings and presentations, and showcased its latest services at booth 6G, next to the French Vending Association (NAVSA).

On Thursday 26 June, EVA's director general Erwin Wetzel delivered a speech in the 'Vending Square' titled “Smart Vending and the New EU Rules: Turning Compliance into Opportunity”. The session examined the impact of new EU regulations on artificial intelligence and data handling, focusing on how vending operators and manufacturers can manage risks, unlock the value of machine-generated data, and turn compliance into a business advantage.

The topic was previously discussed at an EVA Technical and Electronic Payment Committee meeting in Brussels, where members identified growing legislative challenges as the industry continues to digitise.

National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA)

• US convenience services industry generates $40bn and supports over 165,000 jobs

The US convenience services industry – including vending, unattended retail, office coffee and pantry services – generates $40.04 billion in annual economic impact and supports 165,300 jobs nationwide, according to a new report from the Foundation of the National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA).

Conducted by John Dunham & Associates, the study offers a detailed economic analysis of the sector, breaking down output, employment, labor income and tax contributions across all 50 states.

Carla Balakgie, president and CEO of NAMA, said: “This report confirms what NAMA members already know and understand: convenience services is an industry that empowers local economies, meets consumer needs and creates meaningful jobs in every state. That impact goes beyond economic numbers. It’s reflected in every nourishing, refreshing, accessible, and convenient experience delivered to consumers each day.”

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:

Water Dispenser & Hydration Association (WHA)

• WHA pushes for greater hydration awareness and standards across the UK

The Water Dispenser & Hydration Association is continuing its efforts to promote safe, sustainable and high-quality hydration in homes, workplaces and public spaces across the UK.

WHA's recent Trade Show & Conference 2025 recently gathered industry professionals, experts and members to discuss key developments in the hydration sector. A post-event website is now available at its website, offering summaries from keynote speakers, member innovations and insights into the industry’s future.

The WHA is also expanding its membership across the hydration supply chain, welcoming manufacturers, suppliers, installation specialists and service providers who align with the association’s values of quality, trust and high standards.

Looking ahead, WHA’s Annual General Meeting will take place on 25 September, providing a platform to review progress and outline priorities for the coming year. More information and updates can be found on WHA’s LinkedIn page.

Natural Mineral Waters Europe (NMWE)

• NMWE hosts annual meetings in Málaga to shape sector priorities

From 17 to 19 June 2025, Natural Mineral Waters Europe (NMWE) held its annual meetings in Málaga, Spain, in collaboration with Spanish member association Asociación de Aguas Minerales de España (ANEABE).

The event brought together representatives from over 15 countries, making it the sector’s key forum for setting priorities and coordinating action across Europe.

The agenda focused on critical topics for the natural mineral and spring water industry, including:

• Water resilience: Translating policy into practice with input from policymakers, scientists and environmental experts.

• Packaging circularity: Sharing experiences in implementing effective deposit return systems.

• Biodiversity and local development: Highlighting the sector’s role in environmental protection and regional socio-economic contributions.

• AI in public affairs: Examining how artificial intelligence is reshaping advocacy and communication strategies.

• Strengthening advocacy in Europe: Reinforcing sector unity and alignment at the EU level.

Speakers included representatives from EU institutions, NGOs, research bodies and industry leaders.

NMWE's secretary general, Patricia Fosselard, noted: “Every annual meeting is unique, but they all have one thing in common: we leave feeling richer in terms of knowledge, connections and shared purpose.”

The meetings also marked a return to in-person networking, offering participants the chance to reconnect beyond virtual platforms.

• NMWE hosts EU Green Week Event on deposit return systems

On 2 June, Natural Mineral Waters Europe (NMWE) held a partner event during EU Green Week titled “Deposit Return Systems: Delivering on Circularity Post-PPWR,” in collaboration with the Permanent Representation of Lithuania to the EU.

The event focused on the role of deposit return systems (DRS) in meeting the goals of the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation. Lithuania’s successful DRS, launched in 2016, served as a key case study. Within two years of implementation, the country became one of Europe’s top performers in collecting PET and aluminium beverage containers.

EU policymakers, national authorities, industry leaders and civil society representatives gathered to discuss DRS as a tool for improving material efficiency and reducing packaging waste.

Jurga Kasputienė, deputy permanent representative of Lithuania to the EU, said: “Lithuania’s deposit return system has been a success story since 2016. Each Member State has its own specificities, but sharing practical experience helps everyone develop more effective systems”.

NMWE's president, Alessandro Pasquale, emphasised the transformational role of DRS in building a sustainable circular economy. “We can cut our emissions by 80%, eliminate littering, and preserve significant new resources for the future,” he said. “The best way to achieve efficient circularity is through the implementation of well-designed deposit return systems.”

Clarissa Morawski, CEO of Reloop, noted that countries with DRS achieve over 90% collection rates and significantly reduce per capita packaging waste. She highlighted DRS as central to closed-loop recycling.

Greta Česnaitytė from Lithuania’s ministry of environment emphasised the value of engaging consumers and providing clear communication to drive participation and improve return rates.

Wolfgang Trunk of the European Commission (DG Environment) stressed that while Member States can be exempted from establishing DRS if they achieve 80% separate collection by 2026, the commission expects most will adopt DRS to meet PPWR targets. He also advocated integrating reuse into DRS design.

Industry consultant Raymond Gianotten advised that successful DRS require clear legislative frameworks, national coverage, industry-led operations and at least 24 months for implementation. He warned against government-run systems, recommending not-for-profit structures coordinated under umbrella organisations.

NMWE's secretary general, Patricia Fosselard, closed the session by encouraging collaboration and knowledge sharing. ““DRS are widely acknowledged as one of the most effective tools to boost resource efficiency and achieve high-quality recycling. The question now is how to make them work in every national context. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, but there is a growing pool of best practices to draw on. So far, Europe has only seen success stories.”

International Bottled Water Association (IBWA)

• IBWA appoints Jeremy Pollack as VP of government relations

The International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) has named Jeremy Pollack as its new vice president of government relations. Recently recognised on The Hill’s 2024 list of Top Lobbyists, Pollack brings significant experience in advocacy and public policy.

Pollack previously served as director of government affairs at the Water Quality Association (WQA), where he led government relations efforts at local, state, federal and international levels. His work included overseeing advocacy campaigns, managing Political Action Committee activities and coordinating major events such as the Water Resources Congressional Summit.

He has also worked on initiatives relevant to IBWA members, including advocating for the inclusion of a water icon on the MyPlate nutrition guidance chart. In 2024, he was appointed by the US Secretary of Commerce to represent the water sector on the Environmental Technologies Trade Advisory Committee through 2026.

IBWA's president and CEO, Joe Doss, said: “Jeremy’s deep understanding of the regulatory landscape, successful track record with legislative fly-ins and experience working with companies that are members of both IBWA and WQA gives him unique insight into our industry’s needs. We’re confident that Jeremy will strengthen our government relations efforts and effectively represent our members’ interests at all levels of government.”