MICRO MARKETS M
icro-markets and smart fridges are becoming increasingly popular in the UK, with 480 micro-markets
and over 1,200 smart fridges now in operation. Here the Vending & Automated Vending Association (AVA) makes some observations about this growing sector These innovative, self-serve retail solutions are transforming food and hotels, and even residential settings. By offering fresh meals, snacks, and drinks with minimal overheads, micro-markets are and consumers. For caterers, retailers, and food manufacturers, micro-markets represent place in modern business, driving demand for convenient, high-quality meal solutions without requiring full-service kitchens. Partnering with vending operators, food suppliers can seamlessly integrate their offerings into micro-markets, creating new distribution channels and unlocking additional revenue streams. The rise of smart markets, an evolution
of micro-markets, is further enhancing this trend. These advanced setups incorporate AI, telemetry, and real-time inventory management, making operations even more product recommendations and insights into consumer preferences, helping operators
The rise of micro markets: a growing trend reshaping the vending landscape
Another area of growth is in premium self- serve coffee solutions. Coffee-to-Go setups are increasingly sought after by businesses aiming to offer barista-quality beverages in a hassle-free, cost-effective format. By caterers, vending operators and coffee suppliers can deliver high-value services
that cater to evolving workplace needs. As micro-markets and smart markets the vending industry’s future. This trend technology-driven solutions that prioritise convenience, quality, and innovation, setting the stage for sustained growth in the sector.
Touchscreen kiosk answers self-service demand
Hybrid working patterns are changing the requirements of traditional on-site catering operations and this is driving an increased interest in micro-markets and other self- service vending solutions according to cashless systems specialist VMC Laura Barwell, business development
interest in automated and self-service retail solutions, and our touchscreen kiosk was developed to answer this need. It works well as a stand-alone ordering and payment point, or as a bolt-on to enable the addition of cooked food items in a micro-market setting.”
versatile point of sale. It’s a rapid scan and go solution for barcoded items and it has customisable menu ordering screens ideal for grab and go or pre-orders. It’s available in a range of screen sizes that can
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environment, and our clients get to choose their preferred payment service provider and options.” In-house software can also work well alongside a micro-market setup, enabling the operator to create and customise their own loyalty scheme, meal deals and promotions and easily manage staff subsidies – all features that help to keep staff spending their money on-site. automated self-service kiosks and micro- markets are all versatile and cost-effective solutions for managing varying customer grow your vending operation or integrate ‘food to go’ into your wider catering function, these options could help you to achieve that.”
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