There’s still time to enter The Vendies 2026, with the deadline now extended to 25 March to give companies additional time to submit their entries. But don’t leave it too late — make sure you’re in the running.
This year we’ve introduced a number of new categories, meaning there are more opportunities than ever for both operators and suppliers to showcase their achievements.
The Vendies will take place on 3 June 2026 at the Grand Connaught Rooms, Covent Garden, London, continuing a proud tradition of recognising and celebrating the companies and individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the vending industry over the past year.
Here is a list of opportunities for you to enter…
SUPPLIER CATEGORIES
BEST ANCILLARY PRODUCT OR SERVICE
BEST BETTER-FOR-YOU PRODUCT
BEST MACHINE INNOVATION
BEST NEW PRODUCT
BEST PAYMENT SYSTEM
BEST SUSTAINABLE PRODUCT
BEST SNACK/CONFECTIONERY PRODUCT
BEST HOT BEVERAGE BRAND
BEST SOFT DRINK BRAND
BEST AUTOMATED RETAIL SOLUTION
BEST FOOD-TO-GO PRODUCT
VENDING PAPER CUP OF THE YEAR
VENDING SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR
NEW! BEST WATER BRAND
Open to water and flavoured water brands performing strongly in automated retail and vending.
SUPPLIER & OPERATOR CATEGORIES
CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD
BEST VENDING PROJECT
EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNICATION AWARD
COMMUNITY CHAMPION AWARD
VENDING HERO
WOMAN OF THE YEAR (SUPPLIER)
WOMAN OF THE YEAR (OPERATOR)
NEW! SALES CHAMPION AWARD – For individuals achieving outstanding sales success, for either operators or suppliers.
NEW! BEST VENDING DOUBLE ACT – Celebrates two individuals or whose teamwork delivers exceptional results.
NEW! DESIGN EXCELLENCE AWARD – Recognises outstanding design in vending, micromarkets, autonomous retail units, or automated retail environments — where aesthetics, user experience and functionality come together to create a standout solution.
OPERATOR CATEGORIES
BEST SERVICE ENGINEER
BEST FAMILY BUSINESS
BEST OPERATOR (SMALL)
BEST OPERATOR (MEDIUM)
BEST OPERATOR (LARGE)
BEST OVERALL OPERATOR
NEW! TRAINING & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AWARD – Recognises operators that invest in the growth and skills of their people.
For more details and criteria go to https://thevendies.co.uk/categories/
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
This award will be presented on the day to an individual whose long-standing dedication, innovation and influence have made a lasting, positive impact on the vending and automated retail sector.
HOW TO ENTER
To enter or nominate it couldn’t be any easier just follow our three simple steps:
1) Pick your category.
2) Put together a short statement explaining why you or the company/individual you are nominating deserve to win.
3) Submit your entry using our easy online portal.
So, don’t waste time GO TO https://thevendies.co.uk/enter/ TO ENTER.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Coffetek has already confirmed it is sponsoring The Vendies again for 2026 as our Sustainability Partner. Boost Inc has confirmed as Entertainment Sponsor. Category sponsors include Siemens, 365 Retail and Walkers.
If you would like to sponsor the event, please contact:
Natalie Harman
NHarman@datateam.co.uk
OUR HOST
This year’s host for The Vendies, and back by popular demand, will be stand up supremo Jimmy Mcghie.
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.
