NEW YEAR, NEW TRENDS


THE RISE OF SMART STORES IN THE UK As we step into 2025, one trend is redefining vending and automated retail in the UK: Smart Stores. These innovative, fully enclosed retail cabinets are more than just vending machines— they’re a gateway to modern, secure, and flexible retail solutions. Cantaloupe’s chief marketing officer Elyssa Steiner explains


WHY SMART STORES MATTER NOW Smart Stores address two critical challenges in vending: theft and consumer convenience. With weighted shelf technology that detects items as light as 15 grams and built-in surveillance, these stores ensure security without compromising the customer experience. This innovation empowers operators to offer diverse products, from snacks to fitness gear, all while reducing shrinkage and boosting sales.


ADVANCING RETAIL SPACES The UK’s adoption of Smart Stores mirrors their success across the Atlantic. High-footfall locations like university campuses, residential estates, and railway stations are the perfect venues to replace outdated vending machines with these versatile solutions. At the core of this shift is a consumer-first approach: Smart Stores modernise the retail experience while offering the operational ease that businesses need.


Taking energy drinks to the next level


One company that is taking innovation in soft drinks to the next level is Carabao Energy. When the company made its entrance into the UK Energy Drinks market in 2015, it


quickly identified a desire among energy drink enthusiasts for beverages that not only deliver great taste but also feature reduced sugar content. In response to this growing trend, Carabao undertook the reformulation of its product range to better serve these health-conscious consumers, resulting in a diverse selection of delicious drinks with significantly lower sugar levels. A year ago, Carabao’s fruity Energy drinks already boasted


less than half the sugar content of the leading brand in the market, positioning them as a favourable alternative for those looking to reduce their sugar intake. Looking ahead to next year, Carabao is committed to further enhancing its health profile by launching new and improved formulations that will contain as little as 2.8g of sugar per 100ml, a notable reduction compared to the 11g found in the current market leader. These innovative new formulations will also contain a mere


41 calories per can, be free from Aspartame, and utilise 100% natural colors and flavors. Additionally, they will cater to a variety of dietary preferences, being suitable for vegetarian, vegan, and Halal consumers alike. Carabao is also dedicated to meeting health regulations, ensuring compliance with HFSS and CQUIN standards, further reinforcing its commitment to promoting healthier choices in the beverage market.


OPPORTUNITIES AHEAD With demand for self-service retail solutions growing, Smart Stores are primed to lead in 2025. Operators in the UK can now leverage this proven technology to unlock new revenue streams and build trust with customers through secure, seamless, and cutting-edge experiences.


For UK businesses, the rise of Smart Stores isn’t just a trend—it’s an evolution. And the future of vending has never looked smarter.


Healthier candies for health-


conscious vending


As consumer demand for healthier options grows, the vending and automated retail industry has the opportunity to embrace key trends, with sugar-free products leading the way. One product that is being suggested as an ideal choice for vending machines is Werther’s Original Sugar Free, described as a trusted, instantly recognised and well-known brand with a healthier twist. Werther’s is enjoyed in 1 in 6 UK households (IRI data, 24.2.24) and is said to be the No1 brand in traditional sugar confectionery. The Original Sugar Free candies combine a guilt-free indulgence with premium taste, appealing to health- conscious consumers and those with dietary needs. Their compact size in both bags and boxes, long shelf life, and broad demographic appeal make them perfect for vending machines. These candies align with the growing trend of healthier


vending options and can be highlighted through smart vending technology, offering a premium sugar-free choice on interactive screens. Their inclusion boosts vending operators’ ability to serve diverse locations like travel locations, gyms, healthcare facilities, and corporate offices—spaces where health-focused snacks are in demand. The candies are said to appeal to both loyal fans and new,


younger audiences looking for trusted, low-sugar options. As health and wellness continue to shape shopping habits


and the vending industry, incorporating Werther’s Original Sugar Free meets growing consumer expectations while offering a sought-after product that stands out in the sugar-free category.


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