EVEX 2025 highlights European industry’s push towards AI and connectivity
The European Vending Experience (EVEX) 2025 convened successfully from 9 to 12 September in the picturesque coastal city of Split, Croatia, hosted at the luxurious Le Méridien Lav Hotel. Since its inception in 2015, EVEX has grown into a pivotal annual gathering for the vending industry across Europe, becoming a nexus for innovation, thought leadership, and networking. The 2025 edition was particularly notable for its setting on the Adriatic, tapping into Croatia’s burgeoning vending market alongside the recent establishment of the Croatian Vending Association (CROVENA), highlighting new opportunities within the region.
The event attracted around 300 participants representing 34 countries, with approximately 100 vending operators and 35 sponsors, underscoring its appeal to a broad spectrum of the vending ecosystem across Europe and beyond. The programme was rich and varied, combining a conference with keynote speeches, technical workshops, a trade exhibition, and networking experiences that included a scenic boat cruise on the Adriatic Sea, fostering deeper industry connections in a relaxed, Mediterranean atmosphere.
Central to EVEX 2025 was the theme of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its transformative potential within vending operations. Industry experts Matthew Blakemore and Arnaud Llamas Bravo delivered keynote addresses exploring how AI can revolutionise automation, enhance operational efficiency, and adapt vending services to fast-evolving consumer demands. Complementing this forward-looking focus, success stories from pioneering vending operators illustrated practical applications of AI and innovative business strategies, demonstrating tangible shifts in how the sector is evolving to meet modern challenges.
The EVEX trade show featured the latest advances in vending, coffee, and unattended retail technologies. Exhibitors such as Vendon and Coges showcased integrated payment and telemetry systems that highlight the shift from reactive problem-solving to proactive management, using real-time data to optimise route planning, reduce costs, and improve customer service. This integration of payment systems with IoT is emblematic of the growing push for more connected and efficient vending operations.
A significant highlight was the presentation of updated market data, offering fresh insights into sector trends and Europe-wide industry dynamics. The event also served as the platform for the European Vending and Coffee Service Association's (EVA) Annual General Assembly, where elections for the Executive Committee took place. Paolo Ghidotti of Bianchi Industry was elected EVA President, marking his return to the board after a period away, supported by a diverse committee representing a broad range of industry players.
Another key development shared at EVEX 2025 concerned the forthcoming industry communication standard, dubbed ‘SmartLink’. This new protocol aims to supersede existing machine communication methods with a more advanced, interconnected framework poised to future-proof vending technologies. A draft is expected by the end of the year, with a working demonstration planned for the next Venditalia exhibition, highlighting EVA’s commitment to driving technical innovation in the sector.
Awards recognising innovation and product excellence were also part of the event’s agenda. The EVEX Highlight Jury Award was presented to Vendlive by Boost Inc, while the attendees’ favourite was the Necta Barista 600 Pro Touch from Evoca Group. These honours reflect the event’s role in spotlighting cutting-edge developments that shape the industry’s future.
EVEX 2025 also marked significant anniversaries for two longstanding national vending associations: the UK Vending Association (AVA), celebrating 95 years, and the French Vending Association (NAVSA), marking its 70th year. NAVSA, which also sponsored the event, chose EVEX as the venue for commemorating its milestone, underscoring the event’s symbolic and practical importance for the European vending community.
In essence, EVEX 2025 reinforced its reputation as a dynamic, forward-thinking forum where the European vending industry gathers not only to reflect on current achievements but also to forge pathways toward a more connected, intelligent, and responsive future.