MicroMarkets “With this in mind, it is important to implement workplace catering


solutions that can keep up and a micromarket is an accessible and progressive option for workplaces of the future. He believes that with an increase in consumer acceptance of cashless


purchasing and the desire for a greater range offer, micromarkets will continue to grow, despite the pandemic. “Workplaces have become more reliant on trusted operators to provide a


supply of safe packaged foods and we expect that this will only increase as more businesses return post pandemic,” he concludes. It’s a view shared by one of Europe’s leading unattended self-service


retailers, Selecta, which has won awards for its micromarkets – branded FOODIE’S in Europe and Express HUB in the UK and Ireland. Selecta Group chief executive Christian Schmitz explains that the


pandemic has forced businesses to respond to a fundamental change in workplace dynamics which he expects to remain in place for the long-term. “Over recent months, the entire landscape of office catering has shifted at


tremendous speed as businesses increasingly seek more flexible solutions for their organisations and employees. As a result, we’ve seen increased demand for our micromarkets.” The grab and go stores’ scalable design is said to offer a convenient and


cost-effective alternative for companies that are opening offices at a reduced capacity. Meanwhile the contactless, self-serve system supports social distancing


measures and has the added advantage of being hygienic and easy to clean. Meanwhile, individually packaged fresh food gives employees peace of mind that they are not compromising their health. Further measures, including floor stickers and barriers to create one-way


flow of traffic, antibacterial stations, distance selection technology on coffee machines, further support hygiene and social distancing efforts.


HealtHy option


An accelerated desire for healthier, fresher options is going to further bolster the success of micromarkets going forwards according to UK micromarket specialist Nebrak. Managing director Paul Howard says: “We think (the pandemic) has just


brought forward and highlighted the opportunities available to operators when they adopt this catering format. “Healthier, fresh options and choice are what consumers are looking for


right now. That’s deliverable with a micromarket, so is convenience and safety. With contactless payment as a pre-requisite too, it’s difficult not to see micromarkets as the solution going forward.


Design


Micromarkets are designed and manufactured to meet the individual specifications of the site and operator. These can be modular to optimise space and product lines, in addition to allowing operators to react to customer demand. They are also not just confined to offices – there’s a growing trend in


hotels for unattended catering and retail in lobbies and critically these locations can sell distress and travel items providing added income. In fact, many environments welcoming the concept include health and


production environments, sectors high in keyworkers that need to remain operational. Mr Howard says: “Bringing the ‘high-street’ to the workplace through


meticulous design, the introduction of innovative antimicrobial materials and touchless technologies makes the micromarket a formidable concept. “If you plan the type, volume and layout of equipment, design furniture,


signage and graphics, customer flow and dwell times can be easily managed to create a convenient, fast, socially distant and enjoyable experience. Include sanitising bays in your design and you’re providing users with total peace of mind.”


in conclusion


It’s clear that before the pandemic, the micromarket sector was growing at a significant rate but as we look forward to what comes after the pandemic, they might just be the catering option of the future. Those businesses that are able to invest in a micromarket will be able to


offer staff and visitors a multitude of healthy food options in a hygienic, socially-distanced format using contactless payment methods in an unattended setting. In today’s new normal, it’s just what the doctor ordered.


22 | vendinginternational-online.com


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