Refreshment brings you monthly updates on the latest news and insights from some of 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.

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)

• Natural mineral and spring water producers strengthen rural communities across Europe

The natural mineral and spring water industry plays a vital role in supporting rural economies across Europe, creating local employment and contributing to socio-economic growth.

To highlight the scale of the sector’s presence, NMWE association has launched an interactive map showcasing the geographical distribution of natural mineral and spring water bottling sites across the continent.

From Alpine valleys to coastal plains, the map illustrates how producers are embedded in communities, supporting livelihoods while preserving natural resources.

Through close collaboration with local farmers, NGOs and public authorities, NMWE members work to protect water sources, maintain healthy environments and enhance biodiversity in the regions where they operate.

International Bottled Water Association (IBWA)

• IBWA appoints 2025-2026 officers and board of directors

The IBWA has announced its officers and board of directors for the 2025-2026 term, following elections held during the association’s Annual Business Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, from 29 September to 1 October 2025.

Dan Kelly, CEO of Polymer Solutions International (Medford, New Jersey), has been elected chair of the IBWA board for 2025-2026. A long-time IBWA member of 41 years, Kelly previously served as vice chair and sits on the association’s executive committee.

Other officers elected for the 2025-2026 term include:

• Tanner Hanstein (Ozarka Water and Coffee) – Vice chair

• Joe Bell (Aqua Filter Fresh) – Treasurer

• Doug Hidding (Blackhawk Molding Co) – Immediate past chair

L-R: Dan Kelly and Tanner Hanstein

Several members were also re-elected to the IBWA board of directors for a three-year term expiring in 2028:

• Tanner Hanstein (Ozarka Water and Coffee)

• Ryan Heiken (Crystal Clear Bottled Water)

• Brian Hess (Niagara Bottling)

• Doug Hidding (Blackhawk Molding)

• Hih Song Kim (Primo Brands)

• Robert Smith (Grand Springs Distribution)

Newly elected member Mike Glover (Packard Culligan) will also serve a three-year term through 2028.

Other current board members include CR Hall (Hall’s Water), Bob Hidell (Hidell International), Lynette MacFee (Oasis International), Jillian Olsen (Cherry Ridge Consulting), David Redick (Steelhead), Brad Wester (Premium Waters) and Bill Young (Absopure Water Co).

Watercoolers Europe (WE)

• Watercoolers Europe prepares for 2025 Conference & Trade Fair in Milan

WE is preparing to host its 2025 Conference & Trade Fair from 6-7 November at the Meliá Milano Hotel in Milan, Italy, bringing together stakeholders from across the European watercooler sector for two days of networking, learning and innovation.

The annual event will gather manufacturers, suppliers, distributors and industry experts to discuss key trends shaping the hydration market.

This year’s programme will feature expert-led conference sessions, interactive workshops and the return of the Aqua Awards Gala Dinner, which recognises innovation, sustainability and marketing within the industry.

Topics on the agenda include artificial intelligence and digital transformation, emerging cybersecurity challenges and market outlooks influencing the future of hydration in Europe.

Early registration is now open, with exclusive rates available for WE members via the association's website.

Water Dispenser & Hydration Association (WHA)

• WHA reinforces industry standards following Culligan membership resignation

WHA has reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to maintaining high standards of hygiene, safety and service across the UK water dispenser industry.

As part of its continuous standards programme, WHA membership is only granted to organisations that meet the association’s strict Codes of Practice and conduct. These ensure that both consumers and businesses can trust the consistency and quality of WHA-member suppliers.

The association also confirmed that Culligan has resigned its membership.

All WHA members undergo regular audits to ensure compliance and customer protection. Bottling plants are inspected by independent third parties, while distributors are audited by WHA-appointed specialists following a defined process.

Matt Stimpson, WHA chairman, said: “The WHA is committed to safeguarding standards for the benefit of customers, end users and the wider industry. Our responsibility is to ensure that WHA members consistently meet these standards, giving customers complete confidence in the quality and safety of their service.”

WHA is encouraging procurement teams, facilities managers and end users to check that their water supplier is a WHA member 'to ensure confidence and compliance'.

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 publishes 2024 Vending & OCS Market Report highlighting revenue growth amid slower fieldbase expansion

EVA has released its latest Vending & Office Coffee Service (OCS) Market Report, presenting key data and trends up to the end of 2024.

According to the report, the European vending and OCS sector saw minimal growth in both machine fieldbase and total vends compared to the previous year, though overall revenue continued to increase.

The study also highlights a structural shift in machine placements: the proportion of machines located in workplaces has fallen to 70%, down from 80% before the pandemic. This reflects operators’ efforts to diversify site locations in response to ongoing hybrid work patterns.

Among Europe’s six largest markets, Italy showed a notable decline across multiple indicators, including machine numbers, consumption and revenue. It was the only market among the 24 surveyed to record a drop in product revenue, down 2.9%, despite general price adjustments across Europe.

Nevertheless, Italy remains the continent’s largest market by machine count, with approximately 809,000 units installed.

France overtook Germany as the leading market in total product revenue, generating €3.69 billion, while the Netherlands – largely driven by OCS – maintained the highest consumption levels, with 5.66 billion vends.

While the data reflects the state of the market at the end of 2024, EVA noted that early economic challenges in 2025 may signal the start of a broader slowdown in the vending sector, with concerns that stagnation could follow in the years ahead.

Key figures from the 2024 EVA report include:

• Total machines across Europe: 4.5 million

• Total vends: 34.5 billion

• Total industry revenue: €26.4 billion

• Micro-markets: up 15% year-on-year

• Smart fridges: up 95% year-on-year

• Cashless payment adoption: 85% of pay-vend machines

Vending & Automated Retail Association (AVA)

• ModernExpo joins AVA as new member

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The Automatic Vending Association (AVA) has welcomed ModernExpo as a new member.

ModernExpo is a global retail solutions developer operating in more than 75 countries. Over the past 25 years, the company has delivered more than 100,000 projects focused on combining smart design and technology to support the future of retail.

Its latest development, Coveniq, is described as an all-in-one micromarket system designed for the growing unattended retail sector. The platform integrates multiple modules – including a smart terminal, fridge units, coffee modules and parcel lockers – into a single connected ecosystem operated through one interface.

Tested across various business settings such as offices, gyms and hospitals, Coveniq has demonstrated strong user adoption and return on investment, according to the company.

By joining the AVA, ModernExpo aims to collaborate with other members to advance innovation across the vending and micro-retail industries.

National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA)

• NAMA names Jim Carbone 2025 'Coffee Legend of the Year'

The National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) has named Jim Carbone, head of operations and coffee experience at WithMe, as the 2025 Coffee Legend of the Year, recognising his long-standing influence and innovation in the coffee services industry.

The award celebrates individuals who exemplify excellence and leadership in coffee service. “This award celebrates the people who define our industry’s standards of excellence, leaders whose innovation and integrity inspire others to aim higher,” said Carla Balakgie, president and CEO of NAMA. “Jim embodies that spirit. His contributions have left a lasting imprint on coffee service and on the many professionals who have followed his example.”

Carbone’s career spans decades across the convenience and coffee service sectors. From his early work in the family vending business to founding companies that reshaped coffee distribution and service models, he has played an important role in bringing speciality coffee to workplaces and hospitality venues.

As founder of Tradecraft Outfitters, Carbone helped connect small-batch roasters with major corporate clients including Google and Yelp, setting new benchmarks for coffee quality in professional environments.

In his current role at WithMe, the parent company of PrintWithMe and SipWithMe, he continues to advance technology-driven systems that deliver barista-quality coffee to modern living and working spaces.

Beyond his entrepreneurial contributions, Carbone has also served on the NAMA board of directors, the NAMA Foundation Board and the Illinois Automatic Merchandising Council Board, supporting education, policy and growth across the sector.

Jim Carbone will be formally honoured during CTW 2025, taking place 4-5 November in Miami, Florida.