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) NMWE joins industry opposition to Slovakia’s proposed state-run EPR scheme Natural Mineral Waters Europe (NMWE) has joined more than 40 organisations in opposing a Slovak government proposal that would allow the state-run Environmental Fund to operate as a Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) within the country’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system. The amendment to the Environmental Fund Act has prompted concern across the packaging value chain, with industry groups warning that a state-controlled PRO could compromise the efficiency and transparency of Slovakia’s packaging waste management system. NMWE has co-signed a joint statement with EUROPEN and other industry bodies urging Slovak authorities and EU policymakers to reject the proposal. The statement argues that Slovakia’s EPR framework should meet EU minimum requirements under the Waste Framework Directive, support recyclability goals set out in the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, and follow established international producer-responsibility principles. The organisations call instead for producer-led EPR schemes, which they say are better suited to delivering circular and effective packaging waste management. International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) Bottled water recycling gains ground on America Recycles Day On America Recycles Day, the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) highlighted the impact of recycling empty bottled water containers. According to the National Association of PET Container Resources (NAPCOR), PET plastic bottles have an 89% success rate of being fully recycled when placed in curbside bins. Recycled PET plastic is increasingly used to make new bottles, with bottle-to-bottle recycling averaging 16.4% across all PET containers in 2023. IBWA emphasises that keeping caps on bottles helps ensure they are recycled, as loose caps often fail to pass through material recovery facilities. Bottled water containers now make up 51% of all PET bottles in curbside bins, the data shows. All bottled water bottles – plastic, glass or aluminum – are 100% recyclable, with PET #1 and HDPE #2 containers among the most commonly recycled plastics. Large 3- and 5-gallon bottles are returned to bottlers for cleaning and refilling up to 40 times before being recycled. IBWA partners with Keep America Beautiful’s America Recycles Day initiative, as well as national programmes such as the Put It In The Bin campaign and The Recycling Partnership, to educate consumers on recycling and reduce landfill waste. Watercoolers Europe Watercoolers Europe Holds 2025 Conference & Trade Fair in Milan Watercoolers Europe (WE) hosted its 2025 Conference & Trade Fair on 6-7 November in Milan, gathering industry leaders, manufacturers, suppliers and experts from across Europe. The event featured presentations on market trends, HORECA opportunities, AI-driven marketing, cybersecurity and customer engagement strategies. Workshops on technical compliance, legislation, and marketing offered practical insights for attendees. The Trade Fair showcased new products, technologies and sustainable solutions, reflecting the sector’s focus on quality, efficiency and environmental responsibility. At the Aqua Awards Gala Dinner, WE recognised achievements in innovation, sustainability, marketing, and social impact. The event also marked the retirement of Gustav Felix, WE’s long-serving Director General. Refreshment magazine also attended the event and published a review, which can be read here . WE is already planning next year’s conference to continue promoting collaboration and best practices in the European watercooler industry. 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) German vending industry gathers for VendCon 2025 in Hamburg Hamburg hosted VendCon 2025 on 6-7 November, the annual meeting of the German vending sector, attracting 278 participants and 16 exhibitors. At the event, the German Vending Association (BDV) reported record membership, now totaling 444 members, including 39 new members over the past year. The BDV also announced plans to launch a women’s network in 2026 to promote mentoring, leadership diversity and professional exchange. The European Vending Association (EVA), represented by director general Erwin Wetzel, praised the BDV’s growth and emphasised the importance of collaboration on key industry challenges. Next year’s event, 'BDV AGM meets VendCon,' will take place in Cologne on 19-20 November 2026, promising new topics, networking opportunities and industry insights. The Vending & Automated Retail Association (AVA) Paul Fitzjohn named AVA communications and events manager The Vending & Automated Retail Association (AVA) has appointed Paul Fitzjohn as its new communications and events manager. Fitzjohn brings over 17 years of experience in retail, FMCG, financial services and corporate communications. He joins from Awaze, where he led multi-brand communications and introduced AI initiatives across Europe. Previous roles include senior communications positions at Asda, McCain Foods, Evri and Morrisons, focusing on internal communications, ESG strategies, crisis management and employee engagement. At AVA, Fitzjohn will oversee all communications, digital content, member engagement and events, including webinars, regional meetings and the annual Christmas Luncheon. David Llewellyn, chief executive of the AVA, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Paul to the AVA team. His energy and communications expertise will help us raise the profile of our industry and bring real value to our members as we continue to grow and innovate.”

The Trieste Coffee Experts is a summit conceived and promoted by Bazzara, a historic family-run roastery in Trieste, Italy, with the aim of fostering connections, sharing knowledge and spreading the culture of quality coffee. Launched in 2014, the event has quickly established itself as a reference point for dialogue among the key players in the Italian and international coffee scene. Every two years, Trieste – one of the capitals of Italian espresso – hosts two full days of meetings, speeches and panels, held in the elegant halls of the Savoia Excelsior Palace, Starhotels Collezione. Here, opinion leaders, roasters, academics and professionals from across the coffee supply chain discuss crucial topics for the future of the industry, from innovation to sustainability, from raw material quality to the integration of automation and artificial intelligence in production processes. The summit stems from the vision of brothers Franco and Mauro Bazzara, respectively president and CEO of the company, who are aware that the coffee world needs concrete opportunities for discussion. This philosophy, built on collaboration and the creation of a shared vision, reflects the spirit with which the Bazzara family has been promoting Made in Italy and the espresso ritual as a symbol of excellence and conviviality for over fifty years. Coffee Megatrends: Innovation and sustainability at the forefront The theme of the 2025 edition, 'Coffee Megatrends,' explores the trends reshaping the coffee world: from Industry 5.0 to blockchain in the supply chain, from the circular economy to tackling climate change. At a time when sustainability and innovation are strategic levers, the summit provides roasters, producers and industry professionals with practical tools to face future challenges and create shared growth opportunities. Two days of insight and inspiration The event will span two complementary days, featuring talks and panels by sector experts delving into innovation, sustainability and digital strategies to enhance the supply chain. This year, the summit introduces two new initiatives: the 'Coffee General Assembly,' to discuss the future trajectories of Made in Italy with the presidents of major industry associations and the “Roasters’ Think Tank,” a dedicated idea lab bringing together roasters from north to south Italy. Prestigious partners and sponsors The strength of Trieste Coffee Experts also lies in strategic collaborations with leading partners such as Alkaff, ClubHouse, Caffè Kimbo, Brita and Caffè Borbone, and industry leaders like Simonelli Group, IMF, PulyCaff Asachimici and Ima Coffee Petroncini. The event has also worked with distinguished guests including Father Benanti, AI expert for the UN, the Vatican and Italian government; and Michele Cannone, global brand director at Lavazza. This network underscores the global reach of the initiative and its ability to attract an international professional audience, supported by live streaming with simultaneous translation in English. Building the future together Trieste Coffee Experts is more than an event: it is a laboratory of ideas, a networking opportunity and a chance to view the coffee world from fresh perspectives. As Andrea Bazzara, event director of the Trieste summit, emphasises: “Events like Trieste Coffee Experts provide essential spaces for culture and teamwork: places where, through debate, it is possible to share common challenges and identify joint solutions, especially in sensitive moments like the one our sector is experiencing.” Discover more and follow the live broadcast here .

Krispy Kreme has launched three new limited-edition doughnuts as part of its first US collaboration with Peanuts. Available from 29 November, the Krispy Kreme x Peanuts Collection introduces: Snoopy Cookies & Kreme Doughnut – a Snoopy-shaped doughnut filled with Cookies & Kreme and dipped in vanilla icing. Charlie Brown Ornament Doughnut – a shell doughnut with brownie batter–flavoured filling and yellow vanilla icing, finished with a chocolate buttercreme zig-zag and ornament hook. Christmas Wreath Doughnut – an Original Glazed topped with green buttercreme swirl, yellow nonpareils and a Snoopy-and-Woodstock sugar piece. Two seasonal items also return: the Santa Belly Doughnut and the Holiday Sprinkle Doughnut. The range is sold in a themed dozen box at participating US stores for a limited time, and select items will also be available in six-packs at certain retailers. Scott Shillet, VP of global licensing for Peanuts, said: “Peanuts has brought joy to fans during the holiday season for decades. As we celebrate Peanuts’ 75th anniversary this year, we look to collaborate with partners like Krispy Kreme to continue that tradition for fans of all ages.”

Pret A Manger will withdraw its Pret Express self-service coffee machines from the retail sector as the company ends its trial and shifts focus back to expanding its UK shop estate. A Pret spokesperson said the business had “taken the decision to end our Pret Express trial so that we can focus investment on continuing to grow our UK shop estate”, adding that it is working with partner JDE Peet’s “to ensure a smooth transition”. Pret first partnered with JDE Peet’s in 2021 to trial the machines. There are currently 110 Pret Express units in the UK, all of which will be removed by the end of February. The company continues to grow its physical store network, having reached 500 UK shops over the summer. New sites have recently opened in Edinburgh, Redditch, Seaham, St Albans and Leamington Spa. Pret now operates more than 735 shops globally.

The UK government has today (25 November 2025) announced an extension of the soft drinks industry levy to include high-sugar milk-based drinks. While the tax currently applies to traditional soft drinks such as fizzy drinks and fruit squash, the extension will mean pre-packaged milk-based and milk alternative drinks with added sugar are now covered. This includes flavoured milks and milkshakes, sweetened yogurt drinks and ready-to-drink coffees. Many of these can contain as much added sugar as fizzy drinks, where much of that sugar is added separately to the milk, but were previously exempt from the levy. Plain and unsweetened milk and milk alternatives will not be included, the government confirmed. The levy has seen the average sugar content of drinks in scope fall almost 50% since its introduction in 2018. It is a levy on manufacturers and importers, which has resulted in companies halving sugar content in popular drinks to avoid the tax. The government expects to see further reductions in response to this new extension, which will see the threshold lowered from 5g to 4.5g per 100ml. This means more high-sugar drinks will fall under the levy unless manufacturers cut sugar content. They will be given until 1 January 2028 to reduce sugar in their drinks. Extending the sugar levy is part of a package of measures taken by the government with the aim of tackling obesity and preventing heart disease, stroke and cancer. Other measures include banning ‘junk food’ adverts before the 9pm watershed, and banning the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to children under 16. The government expects the new plans to reduce daily calorie intake by around 4 million in children and 13 million in adults across England. It is also projected to deliver almost £1 billion in health and economic benefits, including saving the NHS £36 million. Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting, said that children from low-income households are held back by an unhealthy start to life, adding that the existing levy has shown children’s health improves when industry cuts sugar levels. “A healthier nation will mean less pressure on our NHS, a healthier economy and a happier society,” he continued. Responding to the news, a spokesperson for the Food and Drink Federation welcomed the changes to the tax. They commented: “The new proposals take into account the costly and technically complex work that companies have to do to bring healthier products to market, and go some way to protecting the investment companies are making to help people follow healthier diets.” “Drinks manufacturers will continue conversations with government to ensure we have the right conditions to keep investing in healthier product innovation in the UK, even while the rate of food inflation continues to run so high. Government support and partnership to ensure industry has the R&D investment it needs for healthier product development would help food and drink companies move further and faster.” Meanwhile, James Watson, UK partner at global operations strategy and transformation consultancy Argon & Co, said that the move “highlights the absence of a coherent food and health strategy”. He commented: “Manufacturers are being penalised without any roadmap of what ‘good’ looks like, nor where funds raised will be directed.” “Even minor tweaks force manufacturers into costly reformulation, relabelling and compliance changes. Milkshakes represent a tiny fraction of total sugar consumption. If the aim is healthier diets, this feels like fettling rather than grasping the nettle – another missed opportunity to give clarity on a long-term nutrition and reformulation strategy with one-off tweaks that send mixed signals.”

Keurig Dr Pepper has announced the appointment of Anthony DiSilvestro as its new chief financial officer, effective immediately. DiSilvestro succeeds former CFO Sudhanshu Priyadarshi, who will serve as a strategic advisor for the company until 7 April 2026. Priyadarshi has been with the company since 2022. In his new role, DiSilvestro will report to CEO Tim Cofer and lead the company’s finance and technology businesses. He brings more than 40 years of industry experience, including a track record of strategic leadership, cost structure optimisation and large-scale transactions. Most recently, DiSilvestro served as CFO at toy manufacturing giant Mattel. Prior to this, he worked at Campell Soup Company for nearly 24 years, rising through a series of financial leadership roles and serving as CFO from 2014–2019. During this time, he led a transformation of the company’s cost structure and oversaw major transactions, including multiple acquisitions and divestitures. Keurig Dr Pepper’s CEO Cofer commented: “As a seasoned and forward-thinking CFO with deep expertise across food and beverage and consumer goods, Anthony is a natural fit for KDP”. “He will play a crucial role in sustaining our company’s strong base business momentum, while drawing on his significant M&A experience to facilitate the successful integration of JDE Peet’s and ultimate creation of two winning companies. Anthony will be a valuable partner in launching our next chapter.” Cofer also thanked Priyadarshi for being “an integral part of KDP’s strategic evolution, accretive international contribution and strong financial performance”. Commenting on his new role, DiSilvestro said: “KDP is a world-class company with a compelling growth strategy, iconic brands and a unique opportunity to transform the beverage industry and unlock shareholder value. I’m excited to work with Tim and the Board, the management team and a strong bench of finance leaders to drive attractive results and help navigate this pivotal period for our company.”

Keurig has launched its first branded coffee line, Keurig Coffee Collective, marking the company’s move into the premium coffee market. The launch expands Keurig’s role beyond brewing systems into producing its own coffee, a move the company says responds to growing consumer demand for higher-quality single-serve options. The range has been developed by Keurig’s in-house coffee team and is positioned as the most premium coffee the brand has offered for its brewers. Keurig Coffee Collective features five roasts. The initial blends include a medium-dark roast, a dark roast, a medium roast, a light roast and a caramel spice option, each developed by a different member of Keurig’s coffee team with backgrounds in roasting, sourcing, sensory science and sustainability. Each roast the company’s new Refined Grind technique, which increases the density of coffee grounds to fit 30% more coffee into each K-Cup pod. Keurig says the beans are selected and roasted by its internal experts, with pod design tailored to reinforce the line’s premium positioning. Becky Opdyke, senior vice president of coffee marketing at Keurig Dr Pepper, said: "Today is a big step in Keurig’s brand history as we debut our first-ever line of coffee made by our own in-house experts. Millions of loyal Keurig fans already know and love us, so introducing a Keurig-branded coffee line is a natural evolution that our fans can expect us to deliver with excellence." "The Keurig Coffee Collective is a product we know will meet consumer demand for delicious, premium quality coffee while reinforcing our leadership in the space.” The line is available via the brand's website and will roll out to national retailers in early 2026.

Re:Water has agreed a five-year, eight-figure supply deal with Ball Corporation to support rising demand for its aluminium bottled water. Under the agreement, Ball will supply tens of millions of aluminium bottles to Re:Water as the brand expands across retail, catering and hospitality. The company reports double-digit growth this year. The deal extends the pair’s existing partnership and supports Re:Water’s focus on using 100% recycled aluminium sourced in the UK and Europe. The brand says this approach is intended to reduce carbon footprint and avoid emissions linked to long-distance imports. Re:Water, owned by Berrington Pure Spring Water, launched in 2021 and has sold more than 12 million bottles. Its products are now available through outlets including the National Trust, M&S, Pret, Cornish Bakery, LW Theatres, the Eden Project, David Lloyd Leisure, Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, Buckingham Palace and over 5,000 independents. Victoria Marletta, commercial VP of personal and Home care at Ball Corporation, said: “Our purpose is clear: to unlock the infinite potential of aluminium to advance a world free from waste". She continued: "What customers seek in today’s world is enduring value – solutions that are not only effective, but responsible. By listening to our customers and co-creating scalable solutions, we’re delivering aluminium innovations that reduce waste, lower emissions, and preserve product integrity. “Re:Water... commitment to true sustainability sets them apart – and when they were honoured with a King’s Award this year, it only confirmed what we already knew: they’re leaders in the UK market. Matt Crocker, director at Re:Water, added: “This is one of our biggest ever deals and a milestone moment for our business. Ball is a trusted partner, and this agreement secures the next stage of our growth. We’re continuing to see strong, high double-digit demand – clear proof that consumers want better choices and are actively moving away from plastic." “For us, it’s essential to use 100% recycled aluminium that’s locally sourced from the UK and Europe – otherwise it’s just another greenwashing product. Our goal is to remain the most sustainable bottled water on the market, with one of the lowest carbon footprints in the industry.”

Active wellness brand Virtue is expanding its hydration range with a new limited-edition flavour: Pink Candy Floss. Each 5g sachet, mixed with 500ml of water, provides 2,540mg of electrolytes from six essential minerals and Vitamin C. The formula is sugar- and calorie-free. Each 5g sachet, designed to be mixed with 500ml of water, delivers 2,540mg of electrolytes from six essential minerals – sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, chloride and phosphorus – alongside Vitamin C to support immunity. The formula contains zero sugar and zero calories, with a clean, everyday hydration profile. Virtue's founder, Rahi Daneshmand, said: “We have received a lot of positive feedback on our existing range and were looking to create a new flavour that makes hydration even more enjoyable – a flavour that felt playful and nostalgic while still delivering a high impact level of electrolytes." "Pink Candy Floss is a limited edition made to bring more people into the category and to make staying hydrated something you genuinely look forward to.” The product will initially be available online and on Amazon, with a wider rollout to selected retailers planned for early 2026.

Sunday, the payment platform built by restaurateurs, has raised $21 million in a Series B funding round led by DST Global Partners to accelerate its US expansion. Founded in 2021 by Christine de Wendel (US CEO), Victor Lugger and Tigrane Seydoux, Sunday aims to simplify restaurant payments and enhance guest experiences. The platform goes beyond payments, connecting ordering, loyalty and customer relationship management into a single system. Sunday plans to use the new funding to solidify its position as the leading guest engagement platform in the US and continue redefining the restaurant payment experience. Sunday is currently used by more than 3,000 restaurants globally, including Michelin-starred and fast-casual establishments such as Au Cheval, Dishoom, TAO and Parker Hospitality. Its adoption has helped restaurants increase table turnover, boost revenue, and drive higher tips and customer engagement, including a fivefold increase in Google reviews on average. The company has tripled in size over the past year, processing over $4 billion annually and serving more than 80 million diners. With US adoption as its primary focus, Sunday is expanding to Los Angeles, Austin, DC, Philadelphia, Dallas, Denver, Las Vegas and Boston. The platform will cater to both high-volume fast casuals and fine-dining establishments. De Wendel said: “We’re building the category-defining platform for hospitality, one that connects every touchpoint into a single, frictionless experience The appetite from the industry is huge, and we’re here to lead the charge.”

Radnor Hills has introduced Radnor Hydrate, following last week’s launch of its carbonated drink range, Radnor Spring . The 250ml drink combines 60% tropical juice with 40% natural spring water and is positioned as a simple, clean option for healthy hydration. The range will be available in three flavours – Summer Berries, Apple & Raspberry and Tropical – sold in packs of 24, with an RSP of 75p per drink for foodservice. Chris Sanders, sales and marketing director of Radnor Hills, said: ".. we’re introducing the market to Radnor Hydrate, which is perfect for a wide range of markets including education, the workplace, leisure, healthcare and retail, including convenience and grab-and-go". "We’ve made our beautiful spring water and delicious fruit juices the hero ingredients for simple, healthy hydration... 2026 is definitely the year of NPD for Radnor Hills and we’re looking forward to more exciting product innovations throughout the year.” Both Radnor Hydrate and Radnor Spring will be available from January 2026, with free trade samples now in stock.

Watercoolers Europe (WE) 2025 Conference & Trade Fair made its Milan debut with a clear message: the watercooler sector isn’t just recovering from the pandemic years – it’s thriving, driven by renewed focus and innovation. Refreshment editor Rafaela Sousa takes us through her favourite moments from this year’s dynamic event. Held on 6-7 November at the Meliá Milano hotel, this year’s WE event brought together bottlers, dispenser manufacturers, filtration specialists, packaging suppliers and operators from across Europe for two days of talks, networking and product showcases.   Richard Hall’s market update FoodBev Media’s chairman Richard Hall opened the conference on the first day with a market overview, which provided a clear snapshot of where the European water dispenser sector stands today.  "We can feel confident about how we care for our bodies and lifestyles through the hydration that watercoolers provide – whether for employees, customers or ourselves," He told Refreshment.  Hall delivered a detailed market overview, outlining the latest trends and performance across Europe’s water dispenser sector. According to the most recent Zenith Global figures, the region reached 6.5 million dispensers in 2024, an increase of 2.2% compared with 2023. Revenue rose to €2.3 billion, representing an 11.1% year-on-year increase, and the average revenue per unit reached €360.  Hall broke down the performance of the main dispenser categories, confirming growth across all three. Bottled watercoolers reached 4.4 million units, up 1.2%, while point-of-use systems grew to 1.8 million units, up 4.3%. Integrated tap systems increased to 300,000 units, up 5.6%. These figures outlined how each segment performed in 2024 across the European market.  Richard Hall Although Hall’s figures shaped the morning session, the programme continued with a series of additional presentations and workshops throughout the day, covering communication, marketing and wider industry developments. Understanding tomorrow’s consumer  Consumer behaviour emerged as a central theme throughout the conference, highlighted in the headline keynote delivered by international communications consultant Bert Helbig.  His session explored the behaviours, values and expectations of Gen Z – the emerging consumer base set to drive future growth. He highlighted how the “Netflix generation” wants to be engaged differently in terms of professionalism, individuality and emotional appeal, and shared practical tools for attendees to future-proof their marketing, sales and brand strategies.  Bert Helbig Elsewhere, WE board member Derek Callaghan hosted a panel with conference speakers – including Richard Hall, Kamen Dimov, Lorenzo Sarvello, Paolo Vaona, Federico Lotta, Gianni Cuozzo and Bert Helbig – to discuss marketing, cybersecurity, consumer behaviour and the watercooler and HoReCa markets.   The panel explored the key trends shaping the industry’s future, sharing practical strategies for sustainable growth and offering actionable insights for business leaders aiming to stay ahead.   Aqua Awards  The Aqua Awards gala dinner took place at Galleria Meravigli in central Milan, bringing the community together for an evening of recognition and networking.   Each award recognised the standout achievements of the past year. Rheavendors Servomat took home the top prize for Most Innovative Product/Technology, with H2O and Kärcher named as runners-up.  In the Water for All category, Culligan Italy secured the win, followed by Blupura and H2On. The Sustainability Leadership prize was awarded to KTLC Europe, with Blupura and Culligan Austria recognised in second and third place. For Best Marketing Campaign, Culligan Austria received the top honour, with H2On and Oasis as the runners-up.   After the ceremony, we interviewed the winners to hear their immediate reactions and the stories behind their entries.     Trade fair  Lively discussions continued on day two as the WE Trade Fair opened, bringing together 34 exhibitors showcasing the technologies and solutions driving the next phase of the watercooler sector.  Among the exhibitors, several companies stood out for the range of equipment and technology they brought to Milan. Blupura drew attention with its Rebel countertop water dispenser, designed for domestic, office and hospitality environments. The Rebel unit is compact, highly functional and capable of dispensing cold, still, sparkling and hot water, with the ‘Super Hot’ version delivering temperatures up to 98°C.  Blupura also highlighted its Blutron filtration range, which the Rebel integrates: the system uses either the Blutron Micro 7K or Blutron Shield 7K for cold water, paired with Blutron Ionic 0.4K for hot water in the 'Super Hot’ model, or with a CO₂ cylinder in the Fizz version. The company also showcased its Ecochic countertop watercooler, developed for office and hospitality settings.  Blupura's Ecochic H2O Direct presented its IEN range of filtration systems, which can be used in a wide range of applications, including hot water boilers, hot liquid equipment, vending machines and espresso machines.  The filters offer a high level of scale reduction and come with variable bypass options from 0–70% (VH-IEN) or a fixed 30% (IEN), using specially blended resin to stabilise pH levels. They are designed to reduce chlorine, improve taste and remove odour issues, while delivering greater performance and efficiency compared with other leading brands, based on in-house testing. The IEN range also features an auto water shut-off and an optional support base.  Other exhibitors, such as YoungOne Corporation, showcased their carbonated water dispenser, while Petainer and Greif highlighted their solutions for navigating shifts in the packaging industry, where you will be able to watch our interview with them on our YouTube channel next week.  We also had the pleasure of visiting Sigma Home Products, Oasis, Cypet Technologies, Plastipak, Silgan Closures, Instagroup, RheaVendors, Blackhawk Molding, among others.    A new chapter begins This year’s Watercoolers Europe Conference & Trade Fair in Milan was also marked by an important moment: the retirement of long-standing director general Gustav Felix, whose contribution to the association has shaped much of its development over the years. His farewell was warmly received by the membership, and we had the opportunity to speak with him about his time at WE and his hopes for the future. “I never once regretted spending 20 years with Watercoolers Europe and over 25 years in the industry,” Felix enthused. “It has been a true pleasure to work here, and I’m very proud of everything we achieved together." As the event drew to a close, attention turned to what would come next. Watercoolers Europe confirmed that the 2026 Conference & Trade Fair will take place in Málaga, Spain, setting the stage for another gathering in a city known for its hospitality, accessibility and growing international appeal.   All interviews from Watercoolers Europe 2025 will be available to watch on our YouTube channel next week.