HOT BEVERAGES


Automated Retail Association is the increasing popularity of the coffee-to-go segment, which has seen a notable rise in demand. Initially popularised in the UK by Costa Coffee, this trend has


Coffee-to-go is a key growth area A


s we head towards 2025, the vended hot beverages market continues to evolve, with key trends and shifts shaping its growth. One standout trend noticed by the Vending &


since expanded, with various brands launching their own coffee- to-go solutions through automated machines. This segment now generates over £25,000 per year per machine, with around 175 units consumed weekly at an average price of £2.84. Its convenience and premium positioning resonate with consumers, making it a key growth driver in the industry. Traditional vending options, such as free-standing and tabletop machines, continue to have a stable presence in the market. Free- standing units, offering more affordable hot beverages, average 281


units consumed per week with a typical price point of 45p, generating around £6,535 annually. Meanwhile, tabletop machines, with a slightly higher average unit price of 50p, see around 122 units consumed weekly, leading to annual revenues of £3,141. While these machines cater to a more cost-conscious audience, their profitability remains steady, providing a solid foundation for operators. Looking ahead, the coffee-to-go trend is expected to remain a


key area of growth, particularly as consumers increasingly seek out convenience without sacrificing quality. Operators who can blend the accessibility of traditional vending with the premium appeal of coffee- to-go will be well-positioned to capture the shifting preferences of consumers in 2025 and beyond. Furthermore, technological advancements in machine design and digital payment options will likely further enhance customer experiences, making vended hot beverages a dynamic market to watch as we move into the new year.


Do you know what’s inside your tea?


A new YouGov survey commissioned by Birchall Tea reveals that Brits may not know as much about their daily brew as they think. While 51% of UK adults drink tea daily, 55% are unaware that many mass- market tea bags contain dust and stalks instead of real tea leaves. Additionally, 1 in 5 Brits admit they’ve never actually looked inside their tea bags. The YouGov survey, conducted with over 2,000 UK adults, also uncovered widespread confusion about where tea comes from - 87% of people don’t realise Africa is the largest exporter of black tea, with some even believing it comes from Yorkshire. This lack of knowledge has prompted Birchall Tea, known for its


award-winning blends, to launch the #CheckYourBag campaign (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qS2K29kBnic ). The initiative urges tea lovers to rip open their tea bags and take a closer look at what’s inside. According to Birchall, it’s time for the UK to wake up to the difference in quality between premium tea leaves and the lower- grade offerings that dominate the market. With tea as Britain’s favourite beverage, the #CheckYourBag campaign could make people rethink their daily brew.


20 | vendinginternational-online.com


Key survey findings: • 87% don’t know that Africa is the world’s largest exporter of black tea (10% thought it might even come from Yorkshire or elsewhere in the UK…)


• 55% are unaware their tea may contain tea dust and stalks, rather than real tea leaves.


• 1 in 5 adults (20%) have never looked inside a tea bag. • 30% of those surveyed mistakenly identified mass market tea as wood chippings instead of actual tea leaves.


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