BRUSSELS – The European Vending Association said it has updated its Covid-19 report, originally released a month ago. Updated findings reflect a marked improvement for vending and office coffee services businesses, but ongoing impact from Covid-19 restrictions remains severe. It shows how these restrictions continue to "cast a dark shadow" over the vending and office coffee service industry, but signals slight improvements to conditions. New findings include:
» 48% of operators saw a reduction in turnover in September of between 21% and 40%. A significant change compared with the April losses when the majority (58%) saw turnover losses of between 61% and 99%.
» People working from home was the main reason for a loss of turnover by operators during both reporting periods.
» During the autumn period, more operators (43%) plan investments based on sales performance, compared with the spring period (33%), which is cause for optimism.
» In April 2021, only 14% of suppliers expect similar turnover, compared with 2019.
The new report also identifies the biggest threats and opportunities for suppliers and operators, with more employees working from home considered a major threat. In terms of opportunities, EVA noted, some operators see good potential for the industry to replace larger canteens and cafeterias in companies.
Previewed at the EVA Annual General Meeting in December, the Covid-19 impact report is based on survey responses from both vending operators and suppliers, which include equipment manufacturers, ingredient suppliers and payment solution providers, in 15 European countries. The survey poses a range of business-related questions in relation to the latest restrictions in place from July to October, and contrasts this to experiences during the spring lockdowns. It is published as a combined European report of all the responses, along with seven specific country reports (Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Romania, Spain and the UK).
Information about acquiring the report can be had by emailing EVA at [email protected]. The report is free to EVA members.
