Judging for The Vendies 2025 has concluded and the final countdown is on to the event which will take place at the iconic Grand Connaught Rooms, in Covent Garden on 4 June.
This year’s The Vendies will be hosted by stand-up supremo Jimmy McGhie who is back by popular demand after wowing The Vendies guests in 2023.
Jimmy has performed stand up all over the world and appeared on numerous television and radio programmes including the BBC, Channel 4, Channel 5, Comedy Central, ABC Australia, THREE New Zealand, Absolute Radio and many more. He has performed 10 solo shows at festivals around the world including the Edinburgh Fringe, Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Adelaide Fringe, Sydney Comedy Festival, Perth Comedy Festival and New Zealand International Comedy festival. He is now a top circuit act in the UK, as well as a highly sought after corporate awards host and TV warm up artist.
Vending International editor Heather Ramsden said: “There has been so much interest in The Vendies this year and we are looking forward to another fantastic event on June 4. Make sure you book your tickets as this is one you don’t want to miss.”
This year judging has been done in three sections – suppliers, operators and operators & suppliers – and will culminate in trophies being presented to the best products in the sector and also the most talented individuals and teams.
The scale of innovation and pool of top talent have given this year’s Vendies judges a difficult job, but they have expertly risen to the task. This year the following experts joined the panel:
Phillipa Atkinson-Clow,
General Manager – Water Dispenser & Hydration Association (WHA)
Phillipa is General Manager of the WHA (Water-Dispenser & Hydration Association). She is a founder Member of the Society of Association Management having provided organisational and management services to numerous trade associations over the last 30 years. Phillipa also worked for Watercoolers Europe for 30 years and was awarded Watercoolers Europe honorary life membership.
Erwin Wetzel,
Director General – European Vending & Coffee Service Association (EVA)
Erwin Wetzel joined the European Vending & Coffee Service Association in 2011 and became the Director General in 2014. In his role he coordinates several committees and working groups inside the organisation and has acquired over the last years a thorough knowledge about the vending industry across Europe. He knows very well the industry trends and the specificities of the different markets, which allows him to promote efficiently the interests of his members vis-à-vis stakeholders and authorities.
Nicola Knight,
Head of Away From Home Insight, IGD
Nicola Knight specialises in providing insight on global strategic developments in the away from home and food-to-go sectors for clients such as Sysco, Kraft Heinz, Coca-Cola, Compass and Greggs. With over 20 years’ experience, she is one of the creators of IGD’s away from home market forecast and unique total consumption view of the UK food and drink market.
Michelle Hefferon,
NIVO General Manager
Michelle Hefferon has worked in the vending industry for over 15 years. For the last nine she has managed NIVO’s day-to-day activities in which time she has gained true insight into the intricacies of the sector. Recently promoted to General Manager at NIVO, Michelle believes customer always comes first, which includes pointing out where NIVO can help – key to any successful business.
Gillian White,
Vending & Unattended Retail Consultant
Gillian White has been a key player in the vending industry for more than 25 years. Her career has spanned commercial leadership for several global players in FMCG and Equipment Manufacturing. She has served on the Boards of both the AVA and the EVA and from 2018 to 2023 was Chair of the AVA as well as serving on several technical and specialist area committees. In 2023, Gillian was recognised for her contribution to the industry as the first winner of the “Women of the Year” Vendies award.
Tracy Corroll,
Technical Manager, WHA
Tracy Corroll is the Technical Manager at the Water Dispenser and Hydration Association (WHA). She has worked in the hydration industry for over 20 years and has a wealth of experience in both vending and water dispense. Tracy won an Outstanding Contribution Award at The Vendies in 2018.
You can find a list of all of our finalists at https://thevendies.co.uk/2025-finalists/
Book tickets
Join us and secure your seats at the 2025 Vendies Awards
Tickets for this must-attend industry event are now on sale, so don’t hesitate, go to https://thevendies.co.uk/tickets-2/
SPONSORSHIP
We are delighted to announce a number of confirmed sponsors for The Vendies 2025 including Automatic Retailing, Boost Inc, Siemens, Cantaloupe + SB Software, Selfly Store, Walkers, 365 Retail Markets, and our sustainability partner Coffetek.
If you would like to get involved in sponsoring the event, please contact:
Natalie Harman
NHarman@datateam.co.uk
