Last month, the Vending and Automated Retail Association (AVA) issued a warning to the government over the potential impact of recent budget changes on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the vending sector. In an open letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, AVA expressed concerns about the financial strain resulting from changes to Employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs), alongside increased national minimum wage and living wage levels. The industry predicts these adjustments could add £39 million in additional annual costs across the sector, threatening jobs, businesses and overall economic stability. “Our industry is predominantly made up of SMEs, many of which employ fewer than 50 people,” the letter states. “For individual businesses, the changes will add over £100,000 in costs – an unsustainable burden at a time when many are already struggling with rising costs for fuel, energy, ingredients, transport and shipping.” David Llewellyn, chief executive of AVA, warned that the combined pressure of these new costs could lead to widespread job losses, business closures and inflationary price hikes. The situation is particularly challenging for an industry reliant on long-term contracts, where passing on these additional costs to clients is often not an option. While acknowledging the government’s focus on improving public finances and supporting economic recovery, the trade association emphasised that the proposed NIC changes disproportionately affect lower earners and could undermine flexible working arrangements. “We fully support the ambition to deliver inclusive growth and economic stability,” the letter continues, “but these changes threaten to stifle the very businesses that underpin employment and opportunity across the UK.” AVA has urged the Chancellor to reconsider the NIC changes and explore alternative measures to support economic recovery without jeopardising the future of small businesses. #AVA

The Nero Group is strengthening its ties with two major British retailers, Waitrose and John Lewis, through the launch of new cafés locations. Waitrose will roll out a new café concept in five of its stores – opening in Billericay, Godalming, Keynsham, Locks Heath and Stroud – offering customers menus that pair Waitrose’s food with coffee roasted exclusively for the supermarket by The Nero Roasting Company. At the same time, Caffè Nero is opening its first location within a John Lewis store in White City, London. The 1,500-square-feet space will accommodate 72 customers and offer the full selection of Caffè Nero’s premium speciality coffees and deli food. The partnership between Waitrose and The Nero Group began in 2021, with The Nero Roasting Company supplying coffee to Waitrose’s nine million myWaitrose members. Will Stratton-Morris, Caffè Nero CEO UK, commented: “Our partnership with Waitrose continues to build and we’ve been delighted with the close working relationship we have grown. We have always seen the potential to deepen that relationship further and the launch of the new café in Waitrose is a key step in that process, as is widening the scope of our relationship with our first Caffè Nero store within a John Lewis store." "I’m excited that customers can enjoy the hospitality and premium coffee of a Caffè Nero within the unique shopping experience of John Lewis. It’s a perfect pairing and there is still so much scope for our partnership to continue to grow”. Charlotte Di Cello, commercial director for Waitrose, added: “We’re excited to build on our successful partnership with the Nero Group with the launch of our new cafés. The initial tranche of five café will offer the best of Waitrose quality food with coffee from The Nero Roasting Company in a welcoming environment with the great partner-led service we’re famous for. Our stores are hubs for local communities across the country and we know our customers love to have the option of enjoying a coffee, snack or meal after their shop.” #CaffèNero

Danone-owned brand STōK has introduced a new line of ready-to-drink decaffeinated cold brew coffee in the US. STōK Decaf is available in two variants: Unsweet and Not Too Sweet. According to the brand, with 30.2% of Gen Z and many millennials seeking health-conscious coffee options, STōK Decaf offers a 'bold and smooth' flavour without the caffeine. Brittney Polka, VP of ready-to-drink beverages at Danone North America, said: "I think we can all relate to those relentless coffee cravings that hit throughout the day. But what are you supposed to do when it's past your caffeine curfew?...Thanks to our new STōK Decaf Cold Brew, you don't need permission to enjoy cold brew any time of day." STōK Decaf Cold Brew is currently available in grocery stores across the country. #Danone #STōK #US #coldbrew #decaf

The European Vending & Coffee Service Association (EVA) has announced that its annual European Vending Experience (EVEX) will take place from 9-12 September 2025 in Split, Croatia. The four-day event will be hosted at the Meridien Lav hotel, offering attendees a blend of networking, educational workshops and conferences, and a showcase of the latest products and developments in the industry. It will also provide insights into the Croatian and Balkan markets. The event will include a mobile app for attendees and an evening boat trip from the hotel’s private marina. Registration opens in April-May 2025, with more details available on EVA's website and social media. #EVA #EVEX

Nestlé USA has appointed Martin Thompson as the company's chief executive officer and US market head, effective 1 January 2025. Thompson will report to Steve Presley, Nestlé CEO Zone Americas, and join the Zone Americas leadership team. Martin Thompson Thompson joined Nestlé in 2018 through the acquisition of Starbucks' consumer packaged goods and foodservice products business. In 2020, he became president of Nestlé Coffee Partners, overseeing US coffee brands like Nescafé, Starbucks at Home and Seattle’s Best. Thompson brings over 35 years of experience in the consumer packaged goods industry, with a strong background in sales, marketing and general management. Before joining Nestlé, he served as CEO of Ghirardelli Chocolate Company and held leadership roles at Clorox Company and Procter & Gamble. Presley said: “For the last several years Marty has led one of our most successful businesses, cementing our position as undisputed leaders in the coffee category. He was instrumental in doubling our Starbucks business globally in just four years and leading the expansion of Nescafé in the US market." "He understands that our business, regardless of category, is all about the consumer – knowing them and delighting them at every turn. Just as importantly, Marty believes in the power of people and culture to fuel business results and he builds and inspires teams that deliver. I expect he will inspire that same innovation and growth mindset he fostered within our winning coffee business as he takes on the broader CEO role.” #Nestlé #CEO #US #appointment

American podcaster Alex Cooper has announced the launch of Unwell Hydration, a new drink line designed to support wellness in everyday life. Designed 'by women for everyone,' the range is available in three flavours: strawberry, mango citrus and orange hibiscus. Each bottle contains more than 700mg of electrolytes, B-complex vitamins and green coffee extract, offering a natural boost for energy and focus. The products are made with natural flavours and colours. Cooper said: "Women are often expected to juggle multiple roles and be everything to everyone, which is why I wanted to create a hydration drink that helps replenish what we give out. Hydration, however, is a universal need, and that's what truly matters –  a drink that supports wellness for everyone, regardless of who you are." Unwell Hydration will launch exclusively at Target stores from January 2025, priced at $2.49 for a 500ml bottle and $14.99 for an eight-pack. A broader rollout to additional US retailers is planned later in the year. #UnwellHydration #US

Food tech company Deliverect has announced the acquisition of Tabesto, an all-in-one restaurant and fast-food ordering and payment kiosk. According to the company, restaurant operators using Deliverect to manage online orders can now enhance in-store service with Tabesto’s ordering and payment software. The acquisition brings 60 Tabesto employees into Deliverect, with Tabesto CEO and co-founder Guillaume Hourmant taking on the role of head of Deliverect Kiosk. Tabesto will continue operating in France and Switzerland, while the kiosk technology will also launch in the UK, Benelux and Spain, with further European and global expansion planned for 2025. Deliverect sees Tabesto’s kiosks as a key tool for digitising restaurant operations, reducing queues and boosting efficiency. The kiosks, which can increase sales by up to 30%, is designed to integrate with existing suppliers and payment systems. Zhong Xu, Deliverect's CEO and co-founder, said: “At Deliverect, our vision has always been to help the foodservice community thrive in the digital age. Today’s consumer wants the best of both worlds – they’re looking for speed alongside a premium experience. The acquisition of Tabesto enables us to further support both on- and off-premise ordering experiences. Allowing restaurants to manage their menus and operations centrally across all their digital channels." "We remain committed to this goal – exploring options to further expand the coverage of Deliverect into other regions organically as well through M&A – and are thrilled to have Tabesto’s technology and brilliant team join Deliverect in this mission.” Guillaume Hourmant added: "We’re thrilled to join forces with Deliverect, a leader in food tech innovation. This acquisition allows both of our companies to amplify our shared mission to transform the restaurant industry through digital solutions." "By integrating our all-in-one ordering and payment kiosks with Deliverect’s extensive SaaS ecosystem, we can help more restaurants worldwide embrace the power of digitization, driving efficiency and elevating the dining experience. This partnership marks an exciting new chapter for our team and the industry as a whole." #Deliverect #Tabesto

Simonelli Group has acquired a stake in Swedish coffee filter machine company 3TEMP. The acquisition is said to expand Simonelli Group's portfolio, strengthening its position in a growing market segment and reinforcing its commitment to delivering tailored coffee solutions for consumers and professionals. As part of its growth strategy, Simonelli said that the company is positioning itself "as a leader in the industry" with an integrated ecosystem that adapts to market trends, evolving consumer preferences and potential disruptions. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. #SimonelliGroup #3TEMP

US coffee roaster Klatch Coffee has launched 'Ready-to-Go Espresso,' a premium espresso concentrate bottle, designed for café-style drinks without brewing. The 8oz bottle provides 16 servings of espresso concentrate, allowing consumers to make hot or cold drinks by mixing concentrate with water or milk, then adjusting with sweeteners or flavourings. Each bottle includes a recipe card with ideas for Espresso Tonics, Espresso Martinis, Flavoured Lattes and an Espresso Old Fashioned, curated by Klatch. Klatch Coffee's CEO, Heather Perry, said: “Our focus will continue to be on fresh-roasted coffee, but we also recognise the need to be present in this exciting, growing category. Ready-to-use products give consumers the freedom to customize their coffee experience, in a very time-efficient manner. We’re excited to bring high-quality specialty coffee to this format with Ready-to-Go Espresso.” Ready-to-Go Espresso is available via the brand's website and through Klatch Coffee's Southern California café locations. #KlatchCoffee #US

The coffee industry is facing a crisis due to climate change, with rising temperatures and extreme weather threatening yields. Ed Hoehn, COO of Atomo Coffee, explains how coffee is following the path of industries like citrus and cocoa, exploring the challenges ahead and potential solutions for ensuring a sustainable future for coffee. The coffee industry is racing towards a cliff. There is nothing controversial about this statement, unless you’re trying to avoid an inconvenient truth. Climate change is impacting both the quality and quantity of coffee yields due to rising temperatures, variable extreme weather events and heightened pest activity. This trend will reduce suitable land for coffee growing by up to 50% over the next 25 years. This means less coffee beans, higher prices and supply shortages. Consider the citrus and cocoa industries, which are a bit ahead of us on the impact of climate-ruined supply chains. Those same supply chain and price curves are headed for us as an industry and consumers. There are plenty of well-meaning initiatives to help turn some corners on the legacy challenges our industry has perpetrated (and the marketing to make sure everyone knows we are trying). Those initiatives should continue. But there is a solution here, right now, that doesn’t require us to destroy any more wild habitats, doesn’t hurt coffee farmers or lose supply and ultimately consumers. It doesn’t replace coffee, but partners with it for a better / secure / affordable / tasty coffee-filled future. Bridge to sustainability The solution is a unique 50:50 blend, a ‘bridge to sustainability’. It combines traditional coffee beans with beanless coffee made from upcycled, farm-sourced and superfood ingredients. By blending conventional coffee with this eco-friendly option, all brands can reduce their environmental impact while delivering the flavour and quality that made them household names. The production process of this beanless coffee starts by identifying the key compounds in other farm-sourced ingredients that contribute to the distinctive flavours and aromas of coffee. These compounds are then derived from sustainable, natural sources like date pits, lemon and sunflower seed extract which come together to essentially recreate the green coffee bean profile. The ingredients are then roasted to craft a perfect cup of coffee delivering an identical coffee experience all the way down to the molecular level. More importantly, it gives the coffee industry a fighting chance by: Increasing the number of farmers supporting the coffee industry by growing other natural ingredients that make great coffee Partnering with coffee bean farmers to continue producing what they can without destroying more wild habitats Creating extraordinary 50:50 blends that change the game on taste and affordability that consumers can enjoy in every format they prefer Meeting consumer demand Environmental benefits aside, the 50:50 blend also addresses growing consumer demand for eco-friendly options. Consumers today are more focused than ever on making choices that help protect the planet. With growing awareness about climate change and the impact of everyday purchases, people are looking for products that align with their environmental values. Coffee, as a daily staple, is no exception and many consumers want to know that their morning cup is part of the solution, not the problem. They want options that contribute to reducing deforestation and lowering carbon emissions. For these consumers, choosing sustainable coffee is a simple but meaningful way to support a healthier planet, showing that even small shifts in their buying habits can contribute to a larger environmental impact. Better together The future of coffee relies on our industry’s ability to adapt to the challenges posed by climate change. Coffee has long been more than just a morning ritual or an afternoon pick-me-up, it's part of daily life for millions around the world and a cornerstone for farmers and businesses in many regions. But as climate pressures increase, so does the urgency for sustainable practices. The good news? We already have innovative solutions, like Atomo Coffee’s 50:50 blend, designed to help reduce coffee’s environmental footprint while still delivering the quality and flavour people love. Now, it’s up to the big players to step up and lead the way. Major coffee brands have both the power, the tools and a willing partner to help lead this transformative journey. Their influence can set new standards across the industry, showing smaller companies and coffee growers that there’s a path forward that respects both consumer demand and the planet. We’ve invested considerable time, resources and research to develop this breakthrough. The groundwork is laid, and the opportunity is now. All that’s left is for these major brands to take that next step, embrace collaboration and lead coffee into a more sustainable future. #AtomoCoffee

Welsh bottled water brand, Ty Nant, has expanded its portfolio with the acquisition of Fonthill Water and Decantae Mineral Water from Primo Water Corporation. According to Ty Nant, the acquisitions aims to expand its market presence and product range. The purchase of Decantae introduces new packaging innovations to Ty Nant's line-up, including cuplets for travel retail and healthcare, alongside its existing glass and PET bottles, broadening Ty Nant's market appeal and accessibility. Meanwhile, Fonthill Spring Water, sourced from the historic Fonthill Bishop Estate in Wiltshire, adds a naturally filtered, high-quality British water to Ty Nant’s portfolio. The deal expands Ty Nant’s geographical reach, introduces 15-litres bottles for the watercooler market and targets commercial, educational and healthcare sectors. Raminder Sidhu, chairman of Ty Nant, highlighted: "Our commitment to sustainability, innovation and exceptional customer service aligns perfectly with the ethos of Decantae and Fonthill. These acquisitions are pivotal in our vision to grow our diversified super-premium adult beverage group, where each product carries a deep sense of provenance, alongside our commitment to premium and sustainable offerings." Sidhu added: "We are poised for an exciting year continuing the tremendous growth we have experienced for the last four years. We will continue to innovate across our portfolio. We're introducing aluminium bottles and cans as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional packaging and refreshing the 'contemporary classical' look for Llanllyr Source. Moreover, we're set to launch new flavours from our award-winning Kings Hill small-batch gin distillery in the Pentland Hills, Edinburgh and we are expanding into ten new export markets." #TyNant #PrimoWater

Adapt, a new functional beverage start-up founded by neuroscientist Michael Vicary, has launched a line of drinks aimed at enhancing mental performance and promoting relaxation. This launch reflects a broader trend in the F&B industry towards health-oriented products as consumers increasingly seek alternatives to traditional caffeine and alcohol for stress management. Adapt's offerings include two initial products: Adapt Focus, which combines lion's mane mushroom, Korean ginseng and ashwagandha to support cognitive clarity without caffeine; and Adapt Relax, featuring reishi mushroom, passion flower and magnesium to aid relaxation and improve sleep quality. Both formulations are designed with clinically-proven ingredient levels, distinguishing them from many existing functional drinks that often use minimal amounts of active compounds. The launch comes at a time when mental health concerns are rising. Recent studies by McKinsey highlight that 77% of individuals regularly experience stress-related physical symptoms, and over 50% feel their productivity is declining. Additionally, 44% of professionals report using alcohol to cope with work-related stress, indicating a significant market opportunity for healthier alternatives. Vicary's background in neuroscience informs the company's focus on evidence-based formulations, which aim to provide tangible benefits rather than relying on the placebo effects often associated with trace ingredient levels in other products. This approach is particularly relevant as consumers become more discerning about the efficacy of functional beverages. The functional drinks market has seen an influx of products that claim to enhance cognitive performance through various adaptogenic ingredients. However, many of these options have been criticised for perpetuating reliance on quick fixes rather than addressing underlying issues related to stress and productivity. Adapt's products will be available through select boutique independent stores and direct-to-consumer channels, with plans to expand the range further in early 2025. As the demand for functional beverages continues to grow, Adapt's focus on scientifically validated ingredients may resonate with health-conscious consumers looking for effective solutions to modern-day challenges. #Adapt