Planet Vending & Automated Retail

27/11/2025

The AVA Welcomes Scott Sherlock as Public Affairs Manager

The AVA has announced the appointment of Scott Sherlock as its new Public Affairs Manager. Scott will bring extensive experience from Westminster and major corporate environments to the organisation. Scott joins the AVA following a time with Japan To***co International (JTI), where he played a key role in shaping the company’s public affairs strategy. Working at the heart of JTI’s Corporate Affairs Department, he led stakeholder engagement on priority issues including taxation, public health, product regulation and legislation....

Scott will bring extensive experience from Westminster and major corporate environments to the organisation.

27/11/2025

Radnor Hills designates 2026 as ‘the year of NPD’.

Radnor Hills, the Soft drinks manufacturer, has unveiled its second new product in a month with Radnor Hydrate. Radnor Hydrate is clean and simple, a refreshing 60% tropical juice and 40% natural spring water. It follows last week’s launch of Radnor Spring, a low-calorie sparkling spring water in four refreshing and fruity flavours. The Radnor Hydrate 250ml Tetra Pak juice drink is a celebration of simplicity for healthy hydration....

Radnor Hills, the Soft drinks manufacturer, has unveiled Radnor Hydrate.

21/11/2025

Vendex North 25 Review: NOMO: Creamy, Dreamy Chocolate – Without the Allergens

Vendex North 25 review: By Ian Maguire, Planet Vending’s Roving Reporter (and Technical Director) I’ll be honest – when I see “free-from” on a chocolate bar, I often brace myself for a compromise. You know the sort: a bit grainy, not quite sweet enough, or just missing that indulgent edge. But NOMO? That’s a different story altogether. I tried their chocolate for the first time at…...

Vendex North 25 review: By Ian Maguire, Planet Vending’s Roving Reporter (and Technical Director) I’ll be honest – when I see “free-from” on a chocolate

21/11/2025

Vendex North 25 – A must attend event

Vendex North 25: By Yvonne Reynolds-Young, Managing Director and Publisher. Planet Vending. Another November Vendex is over and I have to say, it was a cracker again. Despite there being an underlying feeling of unease for a number of businesses due to in house changes, mergers and acquisitions the overriding opinion is one of business as usual. There was a feeling of, ok, it's a bit tough but deep breaths and let's get on with it....

Vendex North 25: By Yvonne Reynolds-Young, Managing Director and Publisher. Planet Vending. Another November Vendex is over and I have to say, it was a

21/11/2025

The AVA Welcomes Paul Fitzjohn as its new Communications & Events Manager

The AVA has announced the appointment of Paul Fitzjohn as its new Communications Lead. Paul is bringing more than 15 years of high-level experience across retail, FMCG, financial services and global corporate environments to the organisation Paul joins the AVA following a successful contract with Awaze, where he overhauled the company’s multi-brand communications strategy, introduced AI Champions and strengthened leadership visibility across its Pan-European operation....

The AVA has announced the appointment of Paul Fitzjohn as its new Communications Lead. Paul is bringing more than 15 years of high-level experience across

21/11/2025

ARN Introduces Ghost Energy and Barista Granulated Hot Chocolate

ARN : All the goss from Gordon Hello again There’s nothing like the introduction of something new to shake things up a bit and this month, I’ve got a couple of new products to tell you about and they’ll have you shakin’ all over. Let’s start with GHOST® ENERGY, new to the UK, but already a juggernaut in the States. Launched just four years ago, the brand has exploded to become one of the fastest-growing energy drinks in the US, pulling in $586m in its second year alone and quadrupling sales between 2021 and 2024....

ARN : All the goss from Gordon Hello again There’s nothing like the introduction of something new to shake things up a bit and this month, I’ve got a

21/11/2025

Shaken Udder at Vendex North 25: A Silky-Smooth Shake That’s Seriously Sippable

A Vendex North 25 Review by Ian Maguire, Planet Vending’s Roving Reporter (and Technical Director) After a long day walking the aisles at Vendex, chatting to exhibitors and sampling snacks, I found myself in need of a proper pick-me-up. That’s when I spotted the familiar cow-print branding of Shaken Udder – and let me tell you, those milkshakes were…...

A Vendex North 25 Review by Ian Maguire, Planet Vending’s Roving Reporter (and Technical Director) After a long day walking the aisles at Vendex, chatting

19/11/2025

Televend Brought Their Winning Formula to Vendex North: Smarter Machines. Smarter Cloud. Smarter Charging.

It was a new location for Televend and to mark the occasion a new exhibition stand, which showcased the company’s full range of products and solutions, was brought into play. From smart machines that boost engagement, to an AI-powered cloud platform and integrated EV chargers, Televend had brought their impressive armoury of solutions to Vendex – and they were delighted by footfall of delegates to their stand....

It was a new location for Televend and to mark the occasion a new exhibition stand, which showcased the company’s full range of products and solutions,

12/11/2025

NIVO are all set for Vendex North tomorrow!

Make sure to come say and discover our services at Stand No.47, and keep an eye out for NIVO Approved Supply Members exhibiting across the event. 👀👀👀

Vendex

12/11/2025

Vendex North is officially open. Come on down and join us for a coffee and a chat!

12/11/2025

Just a few pix from this morning at Vendex North

10/11/2025

In Japan, metro stations have begun installing coin-free hot soup dispensers, offering warm nourishment to those who need it most during cold nights. These sleek machines sit quietly beside ticket counters or on dim platforms, accessible without payment or identification. They are programmed to dispense nutritious miso or broth-based soups — steaming, comforting, and prepared with low-sodium recipes to suit diverse dietary needs.

Initially introduced to support late-shift workers like janitors, delivery riders, and station staff, the initiative has naturally extended to benefit unhoused individuals who find temporary shelter in train stations. With minimal signage and no surveillance, the system prioritizes dignity and ease — allowing anyone to simply press a button and receive a biodegradable cup of soup.

The project was developed through partnerships between local governments and food-tech companies, using surplus produce from nearby markets to restock the machines daily. Volunteers refill the broth tanks in the evening, ensuring availability through the coldest hours.

What makes these soup dispensers special isn’t just their function, but their philosophy. They reject the stigma and paperwork of traditional aid. Instead, they quietly offer something essential — a moment of warmth, nourishment, and inclusion, without fanfare or filters. In Japan, even the smallest public space becomes a vessel of quiet outreach.