School campuses invest in more sophisticated vending machines
Trend - As unattended retail becomes more advanced, and fresh food options become more popular--school campuses are investing in specialty vending machines. These options include everything from vending machines that contain fresh salad offerings, to ones that offer healthy, sustainable meals.
Insight - The stereotypical student-living environment is one that includes late nights, busy schedules and unhealthy but convenient foods. Now, this is changing as more students prioritize wellness--and brands are accommodating them with healthy food options that still prioritize convenience.
Insight - The stereotypical student-living environment is one that includes late nights, busy schedules and unhealthy but convenient foods. Now, this is changing as more students prioritize wellness--and brands are accommodating them with healthy food options that still prioritize convenience.
Workshop Question - How is your brand prioritizing convenience without sacrificing quality?
Trend Themes
1. Unattended Retail and Fresh Food Options - School campuses are investing in specialty vending machines with fresh food options, accommodating students prioritizing wellness while still prioritizing convenience.
2. Robotics and Customization - Chowbotics and Kellogg's Bowl Bot are examples of innovative vending machines with robotics and customization, disrupting the food options in buffet-style restaurants, grocery stores, hospitals, and college campuses.
3. Micro-markets and Refreshments Service Rooms - Canteen's micro-market breakroom concept is reimagining public spaces like retirement homes, offices, schools, healthcare facilities, and businesses to offer quality refreshment services, offering advanced vending technology, grab-and-go options, and app-connected payment and tracking.
Industry Implications
1. Education - Unattended retail and fresh food options, and student meal vending machines are becoming a trend in schools and universities, offering healthy, sustainable, and affordable options for students.
2. Food and Beverage - Robotics and customization concepts, and micro-market breakroom concepts are disrupting the traditional food and beverage industry, offering new ways to provide quality refreshment services.
3. Public Spaces - Micro-markets and refreshment service rooms from Canteen are providing innovative options for public spaces like retirement homes, offices, schools, healthcare facilities, and businesses.
