The number of traditional vending machines in operation in the UK continues to grow, reports the latest edition of the annual AVA Census. This growth of some 4,000 units (1.7%) at the end of 2006 has come from table top machines, dominated by fresh brew.
Glass fronted merchandisers did not fare as well. This sector has felt the effect of stringent requirements for school lunches, snacks and drinks on offer to secondary school pupils and the number of machines has declined by 3.8%.
Demand for confectionery and savoury snacks holds firm with sales volume through machines in workplace and leisure showing an increase. The vending industry has been showing its green credentials with an increase in the number of reconditioned machines in the market place.
In the 14 years the AVA Census has been conducted this is the first time that there has been a downturn. Overall the population of refreshment vending machines in use in the UK has grown by more than 50,000 units since 2000.
The detailed Census, which contains the UK’s definitive vending statistics, is available free of charge to AVA members and can be purchased by others for £350 by contacting the AVA on 020 8661 1112 or www.ava-vending.org
