The European Vending Machine Manufacturers Association (EVMMA) plans to re-configure hot drinks machines to reduce unintentional sugar intake.

EVMMA is a group within the European Vending Association (EVA) that comprises 20 machine manufacturers. Its members made a unanimous decision on the matter at its meeting in June 2018.

Manufacturers typically set up machines in the factory to ensure that the highest quality coffee can be dispensed. As part of this process, sugar is often added to coffee-based beverages to reflect consumers’ taste demands.

“The latest move aims to help lower unintentional sugar intake by configuring hot drinks vending machines to only add sugar on request.”

The latest move aims to help lower unintentional sugar intake by configuring hot drinks vending machines to only add sugar on request. This is also expected to make ordering easier for customers, who currently need to specify if they want sugar removing.

The move is part of a larger EVA commitment to encourage users to reduce the levels of sugar in their diets by providing more nutritious offerings at vending machines.

As a founding member of the EU Platform for Diet, Physical Activity and Health, EVA has been engaged in promoting more diverse offering in snack vending machines.

The latest move follows a recent voluntary initiative to promote healthier eating through collaboration between the Spanish Vending Association (ANEDA) and the Spanish Government, which aim to provide balanced options in vending machines.

However, EVA noted that vending machine operators could still amend this setup after purchasing the machine.