Azkoyen's new complete range of hot drink (espresso and instant coffee) vending machines introduces a state-of-the-art innovative system featuring distributed electronics technology from the automotive industry. This technology offers numerous advantages, including low maintenance costs, increased machine reliability and easier product upgrading.

The new range offers compact Tabletop TEMPO machines, ideally suited to small- and medium-sized work environments and larger-capacity Freestanding CITY machines for use when greater volume is required. Both series boast a unique design and style with vandal-proof keypads and ease of use for consumers. With the new hot drink range, Azkoyen now offers industry professionals a complete set of hot drink, cold drink and snack vending products.

The launching of the new products has been accompanied by comprehensive sales activities in Europe, Australia and South Africa during the month of October and it will soon be launched in other markets.

The TEMPO and CITY series are part of the diversification plans included in Azkoyen's Strategic Plan 2003-2006 and the Company expects to boost sales in the vending market by 35%.

Azkoyen's commitment to diversification has been the driving force behind its R&D efforts during the last few years.

The world vending market has grown by 26% during the period 1997-2001, which represents an average annual rate of 6.4%. This growth has benefited from the installation of a greater number of machines in a wider diversity of locations and by a wider range of available products.