September 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:

European Vending & Coffee Service Association (EVA)

EVEX 2025 gathers 300 industry players in Split

The European Vending Experience (EVEX) 2025 took place in Split, Croatia, from 9-12 September, attracting around 300 participants from 34 countries, including 100 vending operators and 35 sponsors.

The event, hosted at Le Méridien Lav, coincided with the recent formation of the Croatian Vending Association (CROVENA) and featured a programme focused on artificial intelligence in vending. Keynotes were delivered by Matthew Blakemore and Arnaud Llamas Bravo, while operators presented case studies on adapting to changing consumer demand.

The EVA Annual General Assembly also took place, with elections for the new executive committee. Paolo Ghidotti (Bianchi Industry) was elected EVA president for a three-year term.

Meanwhile, Alberto Giovonni of Brita was appointed treasurer, Mihai Ungureanu of O’Fresh became first vice president and Jürgen Göbel of Ingenico and Antonio Tartaro of IVS were named vice presidents.

The committee also includes Ariadni Skliri (CPI), Michele Pellegrinelli (Evoca Group), José Manuel Mendoza (ANEDA), Aris Kaschefi (BDV), Michele Adt (CONFIDA), Christian Mengus (NAVSA), Pascal Uffer (Boost Inc) and Peter van Griensven (Maas International).

EVA also presented its latest market statistics and progress on SmartLink, a new communication protocol designed to replace existing machine standards. A draft version will be published by the end of 2025, with a working demonstration scheduled for Venditalia 2026.

The two-and-a-half-day trade show highlighted new vending, coffee and unattended retail technologies. Boost Inc’s Vendlive received the Jury Award at the EVEX Highlight Awards, while Evoca Group’s Necta Barista 600 Pro Touch won the Attendees Award.

The anniversaries of the UK Vending Association (95 years) and the French association NAVSA (70 years) were also marked during the event. Details of EVEX 2026 will be announced at a later date.

Beverage Standards Association (BSA)

BSA hosts networking event in Bury, confirms presence at Caffè Culture 2025

The BSA has recently held a networking event at Field Service Solutions in Bury, bringing together members and non-members to connect and learn more about the association and its host.

The evening provided an opportunity for attendees to share industry insights and strengthen professional networks.

Looking ahead, the BSA has confirmed it will take part in this year’s Caffè Culture event, which runs from 30 September to 1 October at the Business Design Centre in London.

The trade show is expected to attract more than 3,500 coffee and hospitality professionals seeking the latest products and services, alongside a programme of talks, demonstrations and interactive features.

National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA)

NAMA appoints Christine Cochran as new president and CEO

NAMA has appointed Christine Cochran as its next president and CEO, following a nine-month search.

She will assume the role on 2 December 2025, succeeding Carla Balakgie, who is retiring after 14 years in the position.

Cochran joins NAMA from SNAC International, where she has served as president and CEO since 2022. Her previous roles include executive director of the Grain Foods Foundation and president of the Commodity Markets Council.

Cochran said: “I am honoured to join NAMA at such a pivotal moment for the US convenience services industry. With more than 165,000 jobs supported and 40 million consumers served daily, this industry plays a critical role in delivering accessible nutrition and innovative solutions to people at work and on the go."

"I look forward to collaborating with the NAMA board, members, stakeholders and staff to build on this strong foundation and support the industry’s continued evolution as convenience services operators provide an ever-increasing range of custom solutions."

NAMA's chair and search committee chair, Patrick Moran, commented: “Christine has consistently demonstrated strategic vision, operational expertise and a focus on growth. Her track record makes her the right leader to guide NAMA forward."

"I’m eager to partner with Christine to advance the industry as she focuses on delivering high-impact programs and services for our members. I’m also deeply grateful for Carla Balakgie’s impactful and enduring leadership and dedicated NAMA service.”

Michael Schwartz, NAMA chair elect and search committee member, added: “Christine brings a deep knowledge of Consumer Packaged Goods, food and nutrition to NAMA. Her background in food manufacturing and related regulatory issues ensures NAMA will continue to protect the industry while growing association programs and services."

Balakgie will remain with the association until the end of 2025 to support the transition.

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)

NMWE and UNESDA publish guide to effective DRS

Natural Mineral Waters Europe (NMWE) and UNESDA Soft Drinks Europe have released a new guide to support the development of Deposit Return Schemes (DRS) across the continent.

The DRS Playbook: Everything you need to know about developing, financing and operating Deposit Return Schemes was produced with OLHC Consultants and is intended as a practical resource for policymakers and industry stakeholders. It comes as more EU Member States consider, implement or redesign DRS in line with the recently approved Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).

Patricia Fosselard, secretary general of NMWE, said: "There can be no one-size-fits-all for DRS. Every system will need to take into account the country’s specific context. But with this Playbook, we hope to provide the essential ingredients to build effective schemes."

"By working together and sharing key learnings and best practices, we can build solutions which will deliver circularity for beverage packaging across Europe."

Nicholas Hodac, director general of UNESDA, added: "We are excited to release this playbook. It is a major collaborative effort bringing together our extensive expertise in DRS engagement with one clear goal: to inspire and guide stakeholders in making new DRS work effectively across Europe."

"This is an important step in our own circularity actions and helping the industry to accelerate progress toward a circular economy for beverage packaging."

The playbook includes case studies, policy analysis and technical guidance on designing efficient, consumer-friendly systems, financing long-term operations and achieving high return rates with closed-loop recycling.

The publication aims to help member states meet the 2029 target set by the single-use plastics directive, which requires 90% collection of plastic beverage bottles.

International Bottled Water Association (IBWA)

IBWA president and CEO Joe Doss to retire in 2026

IBWA has announced that president and CEO Joe Doss will retire in 2026 after leading the organisation since 1999.

According to the association, Doss’s tenure coincided with significant category expansion in the US.

Bottled water moved from the nation’s fifth-largest beverage by volume at the turn of the century to number one in 2016, a position it has held for the past ten years. Annual consumption has risen from 4.3 billion gallons in 1999 to a projected 16.8 billion gallons in 2025, while retail sales are projected to grow from $10.4 billion in 2000 to $51.2 billion in 2025.

IBWA said Doss will remain in post during the search for his successor and for several months after the new leader is selected to ensure a smooth transition.

In a message to the board and executive committee, Doss said: "“IBWA has been more than just a place to work – it has been my passion, my purpose and my family for more than a quarter-century".

"It has been a great privilege to help lead such a wonderful team of members, staff, and consultants through many years of transformation, challenge and growth in the bottled water industry, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished during my tenure."

IBWA’s chair, Doug Hidding, praised Doss' leadership, saying: “As Joe approaches his retirement, our association reflects with gratitude on the remarkable leadership he has provided as president and CEO. His commitment to fairness and accuracy has been the hallmark of his service, guiding decisions that have strengthened our organization and advanced our mission.”

“These qualities have earned him enduring respect across the membership and beyond. We extend our sincere appreciation for his 26 years of dedicated service and the lasting impact he has made.”

Watercoolers Europe (WE)

WE: Early bird rates and Aqua Awards applications

Watercoolers Europe is pleased to announce that early bird registration is now open for the WE 2025 Conference & Trade Fair, taking place on 6-7 November 2025 in Milan. Delegates can secure preferential entry rates until 30 September 2025, with further discounts available for WE Members.

The event programme features keynote sessions, technical and marketing workshops, the International Trade Fair and the prestigious Aqua Awards Gala Dinner.

Applications are also open for the Aqua Awards 2025, celebrating excellence in innovation, sustainability, marketing and social impact across the watercooler industry.

The final application deadline is 17 October 2025. Winners will be announced during the Gala Dinner in Milan, in front of industry peers and leaders.

For more information and to register or apply, visit: www.watercoolerseurope.eu