Vending: the most convenient retail channel

Vending machines are everywhere: at work, in the metro station, in schools and universities, on the motorway, and in leisure centres.

A majority of machines perform a social function in the workplace, by providing workers and employees with a wide range of food and drinks. In public areas, vending machines provide round the clock refreshments to the consumer.

The vending industry breaks down into three main segments:

Equipment manufacturers: this category comprises all equipment producers, machines as such, payment systems, and parts.
Product manufacturers: mainly food and drink producers, as well as disposables' producers (e.g. cups).
Operators: this is the activity that directly interfaces with the consumer, by placing the machines, filling them and servicing them.

The first two sectors are dominated by medium and large enterprises, most of them with an international activity. The third sector, operators, is very heterogeneous: there are a few international players and many thousands of small companies, typically employing 5 persons and rarely over 100. The operating activity is local and highly competitive.

Making the Vending World a Better Place

Vending: the most convenient retail channel

Vending machines are everywhere: at work, in the metro station, in schools and universities, on the motorway, and in leisure centres.

Vending business structure