MICRO MARKETS
Micro markets fit right in with modern-day consumers
Industry experts have their say on the benefits of micro markets as businesses increasingly look to evolve their canteen facilities.
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n recent years, consumer behaviours have changed considerably as they have become increasingly comfortable with the use of smart and cashless technologies.
This has not only opened the door for more cashless payments, but it has also enabled the introduction of more automated retail opportunities – such as micro market vending – a custom designed vending market or mart with a self-checkout kiosk.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE VENDING & AUTOMATED RETAIL ASSOCIATION, DAVID LLEWELLYN Following the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a clear transition away from traditional catering or 24-hour canteen services. The rise of flexible and hybrid working has changed the requirements of workers and needs to work around employees. As a result, we are seeing micro markets play a much greater role in the workplace to ensure that employees have access to refreshments when needed, without the need to pay for a fully staffed kitchen. Many businesses are looking to adopt micro-markets into the workplace, in order to make the workplace a more attractive place to be and to encourage the return to office-based working. Micro markets allow this, while also enabling businesses to continue the flexibility that so many employees want, which will also aid employee retention in the long term.
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vendinginternational-online.com According to the 2021 AVA census, micro markets continue to
grow quickly with around 25% growth from 2020 to 2021 and around 410 now installed across the UK. This reflects the ever- changing nature of the working world and increased hybrid working is likely to lead to further reduction in the use of traditional workplace canteens and increased demand for Micro markets and ‘smart fridges’.
All industries have needed to adapt and evolve in order to meet new demands and routes of access, and the vending industry is no exception to this. The vending sector is future-proofing and is prepared to be able to meet changing consumer behaviour surrounding contactless and human-free interaction, which will also help businesses to reduce overall costs while still ensuring their employees have refreshments on the go.
ASHLEY WELLER, UK MARKET DIRECTOR FOR LAVAZZA PROFESSIONAL The latest AVA report predicts that ongoing hybrid working will see a decrease in on-site fresh meal prep and barista served coffee offerings, making micro-markets, with smart fridges and premium self-serve coffee, an increasingly attractive and economically viable solution.
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