# Branded Vending Brands turn to vending machines as marketing tools. By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published Feb 6, 2018 | Category: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/marketing-strategy) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/branded-vending ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.5/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Branded Vending trend? **Branded Vending:** Brands are increasingly using vending machines as means to market their products for their accessible format, and for the novelty factor they embody. This form of immersive marketing is less disruptive than its pop-up counterpart, and allows consumers to view or experience the items at hand without the pressure of being "sold" a product or idea. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Jun 4, 2016 to Feb 2, 2018 - Published: Feb 6, 2018 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - Megatrends: [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization), [Curation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/curation), [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Branded Vending trend ### Experiential marketing Using vending machines as immersive marketing allows consumers to view or experience products without the pressure of being sold a product or idea. ### Convenience Alternative vending machines allow consumers to try new products whilst travelling, without having to go out of their way. ### Personalization Adding a personalized touch to vending machines, such as printing images from smartphones to packaging, allows for unique and customized experiences. ## What the Branded Vending trend means for industry ### For Retail Retail industry professionals can take advantage of experiential marketing by experimenting with alternative vending machines and personalized experiences. ### For Hospitality The use of vending machines in hotels and other hospitality businesses can help guests feel more at ease and comfortable during their stay. ### For Marketing Professionals in the marketing industry can use vending machines as a novel way to promote brands and create memorable experiences for consumers. ## Workshop question How can your brand insert more immersive marketing experiences that offer limited disruptions to consumers' daily rituals? ## Trend signals for Branded Vending Trend score 5.5 out of 10, from popularity 81%, activity 75%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 81% - Activity: 75% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Branded Vending trend 5 featured examples from Jun 4, 2016 to Feb 2, 2018. - [Alcoholic Vending Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lonewolf-vending-machine): The LoneWolf Vending Machine is a Publicity Stunt That Calls to History (Category: Marketing) Implication: Potential for alcohol brands to explore innovative marketing tactics and engage with consumers through unique experiences like the LoneWolf vending machine. - [Snowball Vending Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/snowball-vending-machine): Minnesota is Treating Super Bowl Fans to Snowballs (Category: Unique) Implication: Opportunities to create unique, attention-grabbing vending machines that offer unconventional products. - [Kitchen Tool-Vending Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ikea-kitchen-tools): This Subway Station Machine Dispenses IKEA Kitchen Tools (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Retailers have the opportunity to incorporate interactive vending machines into their strategies to enhance customer experience and create additional touchpoints for sales. - [Icy Vending Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ice-sculpture-installation): This Starbucks Ice Sculpture Installation Celebrates a New Product (Category: Marketing) Implication: Innovative vending machines and interactive installations can help beverage companies increase brand awareness and boost sales. - [Custom Candy Vending Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/travel-memories-kit-kat): 'Travel Memories Kit Kat' Distributes Personalized Bars in Kyoto (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Disruptive Innovation Opportunity: Develop innovative vending machine technologies to enhance the customer experience and drive sales. ## Recent trend clusters - [Delegated Interfaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/delegated-interfaces) (Tech) - [Sneaker Theater](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sneaker-theater) (Fashion) - [Functional Indulgence](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/functional-indulgence1) (Lifestyle) - [Ritual Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ritual-systems) (Fashion) ## Trending in Marketing - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Athlete Beauty Ambassadorships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/athlete-beauty-ambassadorships) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) All articles: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing)