Refreshment focuses on the water dispenser/cooler, office coffee service and vending sectors, while also taking an in-depth look into products for vending from bottled water and drinks, to snacks and confectionery. It also focuses on hydration, health and wellness, new technologies and environmental and social responsibility issues.
Research
Coffee & tea

Vending
SandStar launches AI-powered VRK vending kiosk
SandStar has unveiled a new AI-powered vending kiosk, the VRK, aimed at enhancing the unattended retail experience through computer vision technology and remote management capabilities.
Lifedrink to acquire vending machine and bottling businesses
Japan’s Lifedrink Company has announced plans to acquire two beverage-related businesses as part of a strategy to expand its sales channels.
Exchange for Change appoints senior leadership team ahead of UK DRS launch
Exchange for Change has appointed five senior leaders to its executive team as it prepares for the launch of the UK’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland in October 2027.
White Castle installs automated Slider kiosk at Southwest Florida International Airport
White Castle has installed a new automated kiosk at Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), expanding its on-the-go offering for travellers in the Fort Myers area.
Illy launches self-service ‘on-the-go’ coffee bars in the UK
Italy’s premium coffee brand, Illy, is rolling out its new self-service concept – Illy On The Go – targeting retail, foodservice, leisure, education and convenience sectors amid rising demand for automated coffee formats.
Five Star acquires Krodel Vending Operations in Southern Indiana
Five Star Breaktime Solutions has completed the acquisition of the vending and coffee operations of Krodel Vending, headquartered in Jasper, Indiana.
AVA welcomes ‘Exchange for Change’ launch as DRS consultation continues
The Vending & Automated Retail Association (AVA) has welcomed the UK government’s announcement of the deposit return scheme’s official name, Exchange for Change, as consultation on the scheme continues.
Five Star acquires US vending operator Jordan Distributing
Five Star Breaktime Solutions has acquired a Chattanooga, Tennessee-based vending and micro market business, Jordan Distributing, expanding its footprint across Southeast Tennessee and North Georgia.
Sweet Robo launches ChocoPrint 3D chocolate printing system for automated retail
Sweet Robo has launched ChocoPrint, its first 3D chocolate printing system, extending its automated retail platform into on-demand, personalised confectionery.
Five Star Breaktime Solutions Acquires Savannah Healthy Vending
Five Star Breaktime Solutions has completed the acquisition of Savannah Healthy Vending, expanding its operations and customer base in Georgia, US.
Payment preferences: How vending operators can stay ahead in a fast-changing market
Today’s consumers expect speed, convenience and flexibility in every transaction. But with bricks-and-mortar retail stepping up its game, can progressive payment technology help vending operators to stay competitive? Refreshment's Bryony Andrews explores.
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