Market Trends of Connected Vending Machine Industry
Retail Sector is expected to grow at a higher pace
- The retail industry has undergone significant transformations in recent years, largely driven by technological advancements and increasing automation. Automation in retail has revolutionized various processes, from supply chain management and inventory tracking to personalized marketing and customer service. One major innovation in the retail sector is the adoption of smart vending machines. These technologically advanced machines offer a range of benefits for both retailers and consumers, driving their popularity and widespread implementation.
- Many companies offering vending machines have started reshaping their product by launching more innovative connected vending machines. For instance, in April 2023, Daalchini Technologies, a food tech startup firm in India, successfully placed IoT-enabled vending machines for retail business at various sites that include schools, colleges, hospitals, and railway stations to provide people with access to fresh, healthy meals.
- Moreover, Smart vending machines are integrated with data analytics capabilities, allowing retailers to collect valuable insights on customer behavior, product preferences, and buying patterns. By leveraging this data, retailers can personalize product offerings to better align with customer demands, optimize inventory management, and design targeted marketing campaigns. This data-driven approach enables retailers to make informed decisions, resulting in improved customer satisfaction and higher sales.
- Implementing connected vending machines has also been a cost-effective solution for retailers. While initial investments may be higher compared to traditional vending machines, the long-term benefits, such as reduced labor costs and increased sales through improved customer engagement, outweigh the upfront expenses. Additionally, these machines can be easily scaled and deployed in various locations, allowing retailers to test new markets and expand their presence efficiently.
- Looking at the growing opportunities. In February 2023, Pulmuone, a South Korean food company, planned to collaborate with US food-tech company Yokai Express in order to launch a connected vending machine that can cook instant meals. Also, the company will be providing a user interface through these interfaces. Customers can browse through product catalogs to view detailed information about the items. This level of interactivity elevates the overall customer experience, leading to increased satisfaction and loyalty.
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Asia-Pacific Region to Register High Growth
- Asia-Pacific was already on the rise due to various factors such as urbanization, increased consumer convenience expectations, technological advancements, and the growing popularity of cashless transactions. It is home to some of the world's most densely populated and technologically advanced countries, such as China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and others. With urbanization continuing to accelerate, people's lifestyles have become more fast-paced, leading to an increased demand for quick and convenient access to products on the go. Connected vending machines provide a solution by offering a wide range of products in various locations.
- With the growing demand for connected vending machines in the region, many companies have started launching such Products in the major countries in Asia-Pacific. For instance, in December 2022, Advanced Food Technology launched the Bites & Bytes Smart Vending Machine (SVM) in the Asia region. It offered a variety of menus that include Asian, Japanese, Korean, Taiwanese, Continental, and Middle Eastern.
- Similarly, in June 2023, Changi General Hospital (CGH) launched its first connected pharmaceutical vending machine in Singapore. The vending machine is also in-built with a teleconsultation feature where patients can connect with a CGH pharmacist. The machine offers a wide range of over-the-counter medicines.
- Moreover, the government of India is also promoting the adoption of connected vending machines by collaborating with private companies. The government is leveraging private sector expertise and resources to drive adoption and ensure the successful integration of these machines. For instance, in July 2023, the National Agricultural Cooperative for Marketing Federation (NAFED) collaborated with Wendor. Under this collaboration, Wendor has installed smart vending machines stocked with a variety of millet-based products in key government buildings like Shashtri Bhawan, NITI AYOG, ICAR, MOFPI, Udyog Bhawan, APEDA, and others.
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