MACHINE INNOVATION “The social power of this project is extraordinary, and we hope


that the experience of Bear Paw Café and Seed of Inspiration will pave the way for new job opportunities for visually impaired people around the world,” commented Andrea Pozzolini, chief executive of Rhea, concluding, “inclusivity, innovation and sustainability constitute the value framework behind this project that uses vending machines as a mean to battle social issues, making us deeply proud.” David Wang, lifelong volunteer and founder of HINICHIJOU, (Bear


Paw Café) said: “The amount of support we have received from Rhea is phenomenal. To be able to make possible a mission impossible with Rhea by our side as an ally is a blessing for Bear Paw Café. We deeply appreciate Rhea’s early involvement as a co-spear header in this social cause to innovate new career choices for the vision impaired community. We are definitely looking forward to a long- term strategic relationship with Rhea.”. Tian Bao, a coffee barista, now partial owner of Seed of Inspiration


Café, HINICHIJOU, said: “Thank you Rhea for donating and customising a wonderful coffee machine for my café. While my community doesn’t have many job choices, my goal is to set an example for others like me to stand up and operate as autonomous small business owners. With your machine my dream could be realized. I hope to see more blind folks like myself become baristas.” Tian Bao and the Seed of Inspiration project are an example of how visual impairment does not have to be seen as an impediment to becoming a barista and how vending machines can be the key to taking a step forward in social sustainability. Machines that can be easily used by blind or visually impaired people can be a concrete example of inclusivity, also for visually impaired employees in the catering areas of companies.


New path forms out of adversity


The pandemic presented countless challenges to the global community, but out of the adversity it also exposed an opportunity for the vending industry to grow, adapt and develop. That’s according to unattended retail specialist Selecta. Group communication & engagement leader and associate owner for Selecta Group, Sarina Künzli, explains that the challenging period enabled the innovation and development of new products and technology which ultimately led to more streamlined and high-end refreshment solutions. Security, hygiene, speed, contactless, simplicity, and flexible scalability are just a few of the attributes that have become more desirable since the pandemic. “Whilst the vending industry was hit hard by the pandemic


as a result of reduced public footfall, it allowed room for new innovations like smart technology, distance selection and micro- markets to hit the headlines.” Micro-markets in particular are a cashless payment refreshment


provision giving a new lease of life to office catering and commercial/workplace vending. The micro-market is a revolutionary workplace ‘grab and go’ refreshment solution, where staff and consumers can refuel and recharge. With its self-serve format, using the latest and fastest technology, you can select what you’d like from the wide range of 150+ fresh and ambient products, scan items at the rapid pay kiosk, and pay with fingerprint, contactless payment, or solutions such as the 365 Beacon App available 24/7. The system is based on precise tracking sensors, recognising which products are taken, monitoring consumer movements and using advanced tracking software whilst fully protecting privacy and data security at the same time. It surveys all product information accurately while the tracking sensor detects visitors to differentiate and allocate the selected products to the right people. This ensures that every consumer is only charged for what he or she takes and allows them to enjoy a fast and convenient shopping experience. Distance selection coffee machines have seen growth in several industries too. These contactless machines eliminate unnecessary touchpoints, contributing to user safety. Sarina said: “Prioritising safety and efficiency, micro-


markets and distance selection technology, are the epitome of convenience in the new flexible working world. As a result of increased efficiency and convenience for both consumers and operators, the micro-market channel will continue to grow exponentially. This will lead to the removal and replacement of banks of vending machines.”


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