Vending in France

2020 IMPACT

Collapse in demand for vending in captive channels negatively impacts retail vending

Vending registered one of the most negative sales performances of any retail channel in France during 2020. There were numerous reasons for this unfavourable performance, not least the address economic environment that unfolded of the course of the year and the strict approach taken to the principles of social distancing and home seclusion.

Shutdown of the travel industry and restrictions on movement harm vending sales

As mentioned above, one of the most important influences on the negative performance recorded in vending during 2020 was the almost complete shutdown of France’s travel and tourism industry over the course of 2020. In addition, with restrictions placed on the ability of French people to travel around the country, there were far fewer people travelling by train, coach and aeroplane during the year.

The leading player Selecta bears the brunt of falling demand

2020 store Selecta France, the leading player in vending, register a very negative performance as second-placed Daltys gained considerable ground. Although Selecta manged to register something of a recovery over the second half of the year, the strong drop in sales recorded by the company during the quarantine lockdown can be seen as emblematic of the extremely unfavourable scenario that the operators of vending machines in France faced during the second quarter of the year.

RECOVERY AND OPPORTUNITIES

Return to pre-COVID-19 levels of social activity to underpin the recovery of vending

Over the forecast period, vending is expected to recover fairly quickly from the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic during 2020. Indeed, as soon daily life begins to return to some semblance of normality for huge numbers of French consumers as the positive impact of the French government’s vaccination programme begins to take hold, the far higher numbers of people congregating in public and semi-public spaces can be expected to result in a dramatic increase being seen in demand for vending.

The emergence of automated foodservice has the potential to boost vending sales

One factor which is expected to become highly influential on growth in vending during the forecast period is the anticipated emergence of automated shops in France. This concept is already well-established and popular in some Asian countries and in France it is likely to take the form of foodservice vending machines that for example offer pizza.

The spread of self-service grocery retailers could present competition to vending

As mentioned above, the emergence of automated foodservice operations has the potential to boost sales in vending during the forecast period. However, the development of autonomous and automated commercial enterprises could also pose a threat to vending sales by presenting competition and attracting the attention of consumers away from vending.