In previous decades, vending machines were on the cutting edge of convenience for on-the-go lifestyles. However, in recent years, the advent of ubiquitous on-demand food delivery services and other trends have outpaced the innovation of the vending industry. Vending machines are also sometimes dogged by their stereotype of housing predominantly unhealthy, sugar-packed candies and snack foods.
To stay ahead of the curve, vending machines are being utilized in new and innovative ways that are in line with emerging healthy living values. Some of the trends vending machines are embracing, or may move toward in the near future, include the following.
- More Health-Conscious Options. With obesity levels among adults and children alike continuing to rise, the call for convenient and healthy eating choices grows louder. While it is challenging to stock healthier, perishable items like fruits and vegetables in a vending machine, such offerings appeal to the growing number of individuals who are looking to improve their eating habits.
- Convenient Non-Food Offerings. How many times have you gotten to the gym only to realize you forgot some essential item–headphones, a hair tie, a towel? A vending machine can stock such goods for individual sale, along with other convenient offerings, such as pre- or post-workout shakes and supplements. Possibilities for frequently forgotten but essential items in a variety of settings could be an elusive trend as the vending industry continues to evolve.
- Machines that Decide for You. Instead of selecting your choice, imagine being able to tell the machine what you are looking for–sweet or salty? A particular calorie range? A set price point?–and then the machine telling you what your best option is. Now THAT is the future!
To stay abreast of current and developing trends in the vending industry, stay in touch with VendNet at our blog and on our social media sites. We are here to meet your vending machine repair and acquisition needs.
