HOT FOOD & HEALTHY VENDING


market whilst ensuring that we meet consumers’ demands and products of the highest quality.


- In your opinion, what has been the most exciting development in vending over the last 12 months? Last year we launched our Hot Food Kiosk, which has been a game-changer for the sector. This revolutionary innovative technology,


Operators must invest to stay competitive C


arl Hunter, Kepak’s account controller, automated retail &


new business, foods division, recently took part in a mini Q&A in which he address the current state of the vending and hot food vending market.


- What is driving innovation in the vending market currently? (Sustainability, convenience, payment, hybrid working, etc?)


Innovation is driving the opportunity within the channel, due to time pressures of daily life, being able to grab and go is a key element. We’ve seen an increased demand from a variety of sectors for a hot food offering, this is a key driver accounting for over 50% of food to go occasions


- How do you ensure that you meet your customers’ needs with regards to the above trends? (any NPD/innovation you’d like to share with our readers?) At Kepak, we have a strong NPD pipeline, with a focus on the latest trends in the


Healthy options still popular despite cost of living crisis


The trend toward healthier snacking remains relevant in the vending industry, but inflation and the cost of living crisis are reshaping consumer behaviours according to the latest advice from the Vending & Automated Retail Association. Rising costs—including those for products,


fuel, energy, and labour—pose significant concerns for operators, many of whom are increasing prices to maintain margins. However, these price hikes carry the risk of reducing consumption, especially as economic uncertainty makes both consumers and businesses more cautious with their spending. Higher global prices for essentials like robusta and cocoa beans further compound the pressure on the market, pushing operators to seek creative ways to balance affordability and quality. Hybrid working patterns, which became widespread during the pandemic, have also contributed to reduced vending consumption, particularly in large white- collar companies. Despite some employees


22 | vendinginternational-online.com


returning to the office more regularly, the persistence of hybrid work arrangements has permanently shifted demand patterns, making it challenging for operators to regain pre-pandemic sales levels. Additionally, competition from convenience stores and discount retailers, which offer competitively priced cold drinks and snacks, continues to pressure the vending industry to maintain competitive prices. Yet, the focus on healthier options has


proven resilient. Many operators have found that offering vending machines with healthier products—such as those meeting CQUIN standards—can sustain or even boost sales. These healthier offerings now account for 81% of cold drinks, 78% of confectionery, 36% of savoury snacks, and 31% of sandwiches in the market. With consumers still seeking nutritious options, operators are introducing high- quality, lesser-known brands that are harder to compare directly with high-street alternatives.


further allows hot food on the go for customers. The machine is exclusive to Kepak and will dispense one of its Cook- in-Box range burgers within 80 seconds of the user making their choice. The machine will have the capacity to hold up to 52 of Kepak’s Cook-In-Box range which comprises Cheese Melt, Breakfast Muffin and Peri Peri Chicken burgers. The industry is also seeing the increased integration of AI into smart fridges.


- Looking ahead, what do you predict are the main challenges facing the unattended retail industry? How will you address these? The biggest challenge is route to market of products, whilst in established food markets like the US they have existing networks to plug into whereas the UK is not up to speed yet, operators MUST invest in the correct equipment to ensure they stay ahead in this rapidly developing space.


Meanwhile, veganism remains on an


upward trajectory, even in the face of economic pressures. As more plant-based options become mainstream, the demand for vegan snacks continues to grow, particularly among younger consumers. Moving forward, the key to success in the vending market lies in balancing the demand for healthier, sustainable options with the need to remain competitively priced amid economic uncertainties.


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28