Vending machines move beyond snacks to provide more convenient indulgences
Implications - While eateries offer consumers a fun and social dining experience, time-strapped individuals too busy for leisurely activities are looking to more creative ways to make meals more convenient. Moving away from the traditional pre-packaged snacks, vending machines are turning to meal-based food options to offer on-the-go consumers diversified eating opportunities. The expansion of vending items to hot meals and fast food reflects a move toward more instantaneous forms of consumption.
Trend Themes
1. On-the-go Meal Vending - There is a growing trend of vending machines offering hot meals and fast food to appeal to time-strapped individuals looking for a more convenient way to make meals.
2. Healthy Vending - Vending machines offering robust salads, fresh juice and loose leaf tea blends allow users to enjoy healthier food and drink options on-the-go.
3. Automated Shopping - Automated grocery stores and vending machines for basic necessities, such as The Speedy Store, are becoming more popular in order to make shopping more convenient.
Industry Implications
1. Food and Beverage Industry - The food and beverage industry can explore on-the-go vending options to provide consumers a more convenient way to purchase their products.
2. Retail Industry - The retail industry can use automated vending machines to expand their products and services to areas where a store location is not feasible.
3. Hospitality Industry - The hospitality industry can utilize vending machines to provide guests with convenient access to various types of products and services.
