Today’s Hottest Vending Machine Trends
With its conception dating back to 215 BC, the vending machine has seen its fair share of evolution over the years. From commercial coin-operated machines – to out of the box, interactive, quirky machines, we’ve gathered the hottest vending machine trends happening right now – so you can take advantage as a business and enhance the customer experience!
Interactive Vending Technology
Perhaps one of the hottest vending machine trends, and biggest changes over recent years has been in interactive vending machine technology. Vending machines were initially introduced to provide the ultimate in practicality and “on-the-go” comfort, while at the same time being fun and flashy.
Whether you were a child who just wanted the experience of putting a coin in the machine and watching your selected item fall into the dispenser with glee – or a busy worker who just needed a quick snack – there’s no question why vending machines have become such a staple in our busy day-to-day lives.
However, vending machines have had to adapt to the rapid changes in technology, particularly with the advent of smartphones and a variety of apps that provide alternative options for automated food-convenience.
One of the ways vending machines have done this is through a serious upgrade in technology – including making payments available through smart phones and providing interactive touch screen technology.
Why touch screens you may ask?
From the introduction of the smartphone, more and more companies are embracing the ease and practicality of the touch screen. Social-media savvy employees and customers can now order food and beverages as easy as they could write a message on Facebook.
Gecko Vending’s touch screen vending machines also have additional features – such as a shopping cart that allows you to select multiple items and purchase them all at once. How’s that for convenience!
Customisable Dessert Options
Today’s vending machine trends are seeing an increasing variety in the types of items available, and more importantly, the ability to customise food options on the spot.
It is predicted that vending machines will make their way into more locations – even grocery stores and supermarkets to provide an automated sales experience – particularly in the dessert aisles. Frozen desserts and ice cream are all the rage right now, and an automated vending machine allows customers to choose and select from a wider selection of flavours and even select toppings and ingredients without the need for a service staff member.
Plus, a vending machine is a great way to provide portion control. Too much of a good thing is… well, not a good thing. Gecko Vending’s ice cream and frozen food vending machines allow customers to indulge with just the right amount of sweet goodness!
Healthy Salads & Fresh Fruit
There’s no denying that eating a healthy, well-balanced diet mixed with fresh fruit and veggies is one of the hottest global trends right now. Coming off the back of an obesity epidemic, many companies and schools are advocating health programs that incorporate healthy diet with exercise and wellness.
And the vending machine industry has taken notice. More and more you’ll see vending machine trends that embrace healthy eating, such as the Youfoodz vending machines provided by Gecko vending. Our healthy and fresh vending machines also include vegetarian and gluten free items, frozen and fresh “ready-to-go” meals, packaged salads and fresh fruit.
It’s never been easier to eat on-the-go and stay healthy!
Convenience Items
Another big vending machine trend right now is the introduction of other “convenience” items aside from food and beverages.
No longer do staff members need to duck out on their lunch break to run to the convenience store and grab the essentials. More vending machines are embracing the dispensing of essential toiletry and self-care items, feminine hygiene products, basic electronics, and more… all in the name of practicality!
“Out-of-the-box” Vending Machines
More companies are embracing the powerful marketing opportunities vending machines can offer, by creating and selecting vending machines that offer quirky “out-of-the-box” products.
From mystery book selection, to bottled beer, to pizza vending machines that cook and create your pizza on the spot, the possibilities with today’s vending machine trends are endless.
Gecko Vending is at your service to help your business take advantage of today’s hottest vending machine trends that will engage your customers and keep your employees satisfied.
Contact us today by phone, email or via our website. We look forward to assisting your business in keeping up with today’s Australian vending machine trends!
