Here’s a look back at the news that defined the year.

PayRange, a mobile-first commerce platform for unattended retail, has acquired KioSoft Technologies, a global provider of cashless payment and IoT solutions, for an undisclosed sum.

Nestlé is reportedly exploring the sale of its premium coffee chain, Blue Bottle Coffee, as part of a broader strategic review initiated by new CEO Philipp Navratil.

Joe & The Juice has expanded into Latin America with the opening of its first store in Mexico City.

Pret A Manger will withdraw its Pret Express self-service coffee machines from the retail sector as the company ends its trial and shifts focus back to expanding its UK shop estate.

Krispy Kreme has opened its first store in Madrid, Spain.

Zebra Technologies has agreed to acquire Elo Touch Solutions for $1.3 billion in cash, in a move that is said to expand its presence in self-service and consumer-facing technologies across multiple industries.

Swiss coffee equipment manufacturer Thermoplan has acquired Mikafi, a start-up developing compact tabletop coffee roasters for on-site use in cafés.

The National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) has named Frank Gleeson as its next president and CEO, effective 1 January 2026.

VenHub Global, a company specialising in AI-powered autonomous retail, has announced the installation of a new smart store in California, US.

Boost has secured €16 million in Series B funding to support its international expansion and product development in the unattended retail sector.

Michael Ault, UK country manager at myPOS, explores how payment technologies are reshaping the industry and why embracing these tools is now essential for staying competitive in a rapidly evolving market.