MACHINE INNOVATION


remotely, and push software updates in real time. This improves uptime, optimises route planning, and reduces operational costs.


• Enhanced user experience: Sleek aesthetics and intuitive touchscreens make machines blend into any environment, from corporate offices to hospitality spaces. Touchless payment and mobile wallet integration add speed and safety, while modern UI design elevates the overall experience.


• Personalisation and variety: Consumers expect more than basic coffee or tea. Machines now offer dairy alternatives, specialty beverages, and customizable recipes, creating a café-like experience on demand. This variety caters to health-conscious and lifestyle-driven choices.


• Digital engagement: Loyalty programs, gamification, and e-commerce tools are transforming vending into an interactive retail ecosystem. These features encourage repeat purchases and strengthen brand relationships, making vending a dynamic part of the consumer journey.


Machine Innovation:


how vending and OCS are evolving to meet consumer demand


T


he vending and office coffee service (OCS) sectors are redefining convenience through technology and design. Machines are no longer a “last resort”; they are becoming


destinations that deliver premium experiences and align with modern lifestyles. Ariadni Skliri, product manager – convenience services, Crane


Payment Innovations outlines some of the key trends driving change: • Advanced connectivity: Modern machines feature IoT-enabled connectivity, allowing operators to monitor inventory, troubleshoot


Smart technology transforms the vending experience


Machine innovation is redefining the future of vending as the industry adapts to modern consumer expectations for speed, convenience and connectivity. According to Chris Ives, Business Development Manager at VMC, today’s customers expect the same seamless experience from a vending machine as they do in any retail environment — quick, cashless and personalised. “The rise of mobile and contactless payments has changed everything,” said Ives. “Consumers take their phones everywhere, so the ability to pay instantly, even on impulse, has become essential. For vending operators, this shift isn’t just about convenience — it’s about unlocking new opportunities to engage customers and grow sales.”


16 | vendinginternational-online.com


• Sustainability: Energy efficiency, recyclability and retrofittable components in legacy equipment help operators meet ESG goals while prolonging the machines’ lifetime. Sustainability is now a key differentiator for procurement and brand reputation.


• Design flexibility: Machines are engineered to fit diverse environments, from compact office setups to high-traffic public spaces, ensuring both functionality and visual appeal.


Ariadni says: “These innovations benefit operators through data-


driven efficiency, end users by delivering convenience and quality, and the industry by elevating vending from a transactional service to an experiential one. The surge in coffee-to-go solutions, highlighted by EVA and leading coffee associations, underscores the sector’s growth trajectory. “CPI is proud to lead this transformation and will showcase its


latest coffee innovation at Vendex North in Doncaster, UK, on November 12 — a clear example of how unattended retail is shaping the future of vending.”


VMC’s Flex technology reflects this evolution, transforming


traditional vending into a smarter, more interactive service. Beyond rapid, reliable transactions, it enables operators to offer promotions, loyalty schemes, and rewards that enhance the user experience and encourage repeat business. Machines are no longer just dispensing products; they’re building relationships. For operators, these innovations also deliver valuable insight. Advanced data reporting and analytics reveal information that can drive smarter decisions and more targeted promotions. This improves efficiency, reduces waste, and boosts profitability.


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