The 14th International Vending Technologies and Self-Service Systems Exhibition recently took place in Moscow where more than 100 brands demonstrated their innovations. In addition there was an extensive forum program and the results of the VASA award in the sphere of vending were revealed.

After a year’s break due the pandemic, the exhibition became the spring’s impetus to revive the business community. The exhibition was visited by more than 6,000 guests, the forum drew in full halls, and the business program inspired discussions.

As you would expect, a number of EVA Members exhibited at the fair including Unicum, Rheavendors Evoca Group, FAS, Lavazza and others.

During the “Vending in Russia: post-covid trends and near future realities” forum segment discussed telemetry and other innovations in payment systems, along with introduction of self-service systems in retail and services, and trends and innovations in mechanical vending. Moreover, participants of the forum summed up the results of lessons from covid, gave advice to those who have just started vending business, and awarded the winners of the Contest of Innovations in Vending and Self-Service Systems (VASA).

The Vendotek POS terminal from Terminal Technologies became the winner in the Technical Solution category. The Rhea fresh milk machine from Rheavendors won in the Technical Device category, and Talivenda stirrers in individual packages from Talivenda won in the Consumables category. All in all, 26 entries were submitted, and samples were evaluated by an international jury which included the EVA Director General Erwin Wetzel.

In general, VendExpo and WRS exhibitions demonstrated that vending industry is adopting to the current situation. 2020 was a significant challenge to manufacturers, suppliers and operators but most of the companies are managing to overcome it.