In 2021, sales through vending machines were still affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the related lockdowns and reduction in foot traffic. Although in 2021 the channel saw a significant rebound from the double-digit decline in current value terms in 2020, sales did not return to the level seen pre-pandemic, in 2019.
Vending seems to be a stable channel, and no further significant decreases in its overall size is expected, as it has hit the bottom in terms of number of vending machines in operation. Some operators further cut their networks, withdrawing their constantly underperforming machines from the market during late 2020/early 2021 when they realised that the pandemic was likely to last longer than was originally expected.
Hot drinks vending remained the largest category within vending in 2021. The quality of hot drinks from vending machines has always been a critical issue, and in the past generated the biggest number of complaints.
The sales patterns over the first two years of the pandemic suggest that vending sales in public and semi-captive environments will recover first, followed by locations in captive areas. However, foot traffic has seen constant change due to the pandemic, and once lucrative locations have lost their appeal, whilst others have gained relevance.
None of the largest operators have quit or are expected to quit vending, and no new sizeable new entrants have been seen or are expected to emerge. Given the saturation of the channel, potential new entrants will be discouraged by the limited number of potentially profitable locations.
Similar to consumer foodservice outlets, vending operators also have the challenge of reducing or eliminating plastic waste. Therefore, recyclable paper cups are gradually being introduced in hot drinks vending machines, thus saving tonnes of plastic.
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Vending
Vending means automatic retailing. It covers the sale of products and services at an unattended point of sale through a machine operated by introducing coins, bank notes, payment cards, tokens or other means of cashless payment. Sales figures cover vended products only, ie food, drink and other consumable goods such as vended tobacco, sanitary products and condoms. Services such as the public telephone, laundrette facilities, travel tickets, stamps, passport photographs, domestic energy supplies and business card creation are excluded. Coverage includes vending systems installed in public and semi-captive environments only. Hotels, transport networks, recreational centres, shopping centres/malls are included. Factories, offices, hospitals, prisons, schools and other captive environments are excluded.
See All of Our DefinitionsThis report originates from Passport, our Vending research and analysis database.
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