NEWS | Industry Updates
Matt Volinsky, general manager of Crane Convenience
and performance customers depend on every day. The range also reflects our belief that innovation should be practical. While we’ve introduced meaningful advancements in design, connectivity, and user experience, we’ve done so while continuing to build upon the reliability, serviceability, and proven technology foundations that our customers have trusted for years. Ultimately, the goal is to help operators deliver exceptional coffee experiences while creating stronger, more efficient businesses.
Q: Innovation is often associated with launching new products. How do you define innovation at Crane Convenience? For us, innovation is about solving real customer challenges based on a rigorous understanding of how our products are used in the field. Sometimes that means introducing entirely new capabilities. Other
times, it means refining and improving existing solutions based on customer feedback and operational experience. We believe the best innovations are often the ones that make life
Q: How does the new Coffee range help customers respond to those evolving expectations? Our focus with the new coffee range was to improve the complete experience for both consumers and operators. Across the portfolio, we’ve invested in contemporary design, enhanced usability, improved serviceability, and a stronger emphasis on the overall coffee experience. We want the machines to deliver the quality, and consistency operators expect while creating a more inviting and engaging experience for the consumer. Significant attention was given to how the coffee is presented.
We introduced a more premium aesthetic, enhanced lighting within the serving area, and design elements that place the beverage experience front and center. The objective was to help operators create destinations that elevate the perception of their location and encourage repeat visits. Within the COTI 2 platform, we have also expanded opportunities for operators to engage directly with consumers through connected capabilities. Features such as digital promotions, loyalty initiatives, customer feedback tools, and targeted content can help operators build stronger customer relationships and create more personalized experiences. At the same time, these capabilities provide valuable operational insights and greater visibility across an estate. Importantly, these advancements are built upon proven and trusted technology platforms. Innovation is most valuable when it delivers meaningful improvements while maintaining the reliability
easier for operators while improving consumer experience. That could be simplifying maintenance, improving machine accessibility, enhancing beverage quality, providing greater visibility into performance, or creating new ways to engage consumers through digital tools. We also do not view innovation as a one-time event. It is a continuous process of listening, learning, and evolving. Many of the developments within our latest portfolio are the result of customer conversations and feedback gathered over many years, helping ensure that we remain aligned with how the market is changing and where our customers are looking to grow.
Q: Looking ahead, what opportunities excite you most? As we think about our cold drink and snack machine solutions, I believe there is tremendous opportunity at the intersection of premium experiences, connected technology, and operational intelligence. Consumers continue to seek higher-quality experiences, while
operators increasingly need solutions that help them make more informed business decisions. Advances in connectivity, engagement tools, data visibility, and remote management are creating new opportunities to deliver both. We’re also seeing growing demand for solutions that offer
flexibility and long-term value. Operators want the freedom to adapt to changing customer needs while protecting their investment and maximizing performance over time. Our role is to continue listening, innovating, and helping our customers navigate those opportunities. The industry will continue to evolve, but one thing remains constant: businesses that create exceptional experiences and remain closely connected to their customers will be best positioned for long-term success.
Tobacco and vaping product vending machine ban
The UK government has announced new restrictions on vending machines selling tobacco, herbal smoking products and cigarette papers, and vaping and nicotine products from 29 October 2026. From that date it will become an offence for a person with management or control of premises in the UK to have a vending machine on the premises from which customers can buy any tobacco products, herbal smoking products, cigarette papers,
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vendinginternational-online.com
vaping products and nicotine products. These also may not be dispensed to customers as part of a sale event if payment does not take place at the machine. In England and Wales, vending machines for vaping products will continue to be allowed within an area of a mental health hospital that is intended for inpatient use. Vending machines can be used as secure
storage, as long as they are not used to sell or dispense products to customers.
For example, a vending machine would be allowed if it is used to dispense products to a staff member only (not directly to the customer) where they are handling a sale to a customer (not for the staff member’s personal use).
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