As we start a new decade, how is the mains-fed cooler sector now placed to meet the drinking water challenges of the future?
James Anderton: With regards to hydration, the mains-fed cooler sector of the multi-solution market is perfectly placed to continue to dominate new placements and to be the number one choice for businesses across the UK.
Whether or not the continual rise of the mains-fed sector is down to environmental perception, cost control or heightened quality, it’s uncertain. However, the growth of this sector has been fundamental in preserving the number of coolers in the market.
Whatever the challenges that face the industry as a whole, mains-fed coolers seem set to continue growth and be the primary choice for business in the present and future.
How important is innovation in water cooler technology?
Anderton: With new concerns being raised around the world, it’s difficult to anticipate what the next requirements will be. However, within the industry, manufacturers continue to invest huge amounts of time and effort into producing coolers with a lower total life carbon footprint, heightened hygiene defence and greater functionality.
With the EDWCA now working with the EVA, how important is the connection between the two industries (mains-fed coolers and vending)?
Anderton: The two associations have now been linked for a number of years and the original perceived benefits have come to fruition. By linking forces, we have direct EC interaction within EVA to help shape policy that would affect our industry. This enables our membership to have an influence in the policy shaping process to benefit the industry or a least have an early warning to changing policy to enable them to adapt quicker.
Do you think there will be more overlap between the vending and water cooler industries in the future?
Anderton: With both industries suffering from ruthless pricing decisions, it seems more likely that there will be a greater overlap in the future. There is a huge amount of synergy between the activities of a vending and water cooler company that perhaps can be overlooked in strong economic environments. However, when downwards market pressure is added to the equation, it would seem a more prevalent action to take to reassess business activity and make some operational changes.
What does the EDWCA have planned to help boost its members in 2011?
Anderton: The EDWCA has lots of planned activities to improve membership levels and offer more benefits to existing members. Our new website will be in place at the end of spring. We have been focusing on end users, highlighting the benefit of using suppliers belonging to the EDWCA.
Hannah Oakman is editor of Cooler Innovation magazine. Subscribe here.
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