UK coffee company 200 Degrees has launched its first premium automated coffee machine, the Coffee 2GO unit. With 21 shops across the UK and over 500 wholesale clients, 200 Degrees aims to combat poor-quality coffee. The Coffee 2GO unit, described as a 'barista in a box,' provides quality coffee at the touch of a button. Will Kenney, commercial director for 200 Degrees, said: “The quality of our offering is what drives us to reach more people. There are so many scenarios where a cup of 200 Degrees coffee can make your day that little bit better – whether you’re working, studying, on the move or relaxing. By providing even more opportunities for people to enjoy our coffee, we’re one step closer to eradicating bad coffee from all walks of life. The machine looks pretty slick, too.” The first Coffee 2GO unit was recently installed at a Student Roost accommodation block in Nottingham. Upcoming locations for the next Coffee 2GO machines include hotels, hospitality venues, university campuses and more. #200Degrees #UK

Sodexo's subsidiary InReach has announced the acquisition of US vending and office coffee business Capitol Vending and Coffee. Founded in 1994, Capitol Vending and Coffee operates in Austin, San Antonio and adjacent areas. Capitol Vending and Coffee is known for its fair trade and organic coffee offerings, as well as its commitment to sustainability, using biodegradable disposables 'whenever possible,' as explained by the company. The acquisition aims to expand InReach's presence in Texas, adding around 250 new clients. Ken Sullivan, president of InReach, said: “We are delighted to announce the addition of Capitol Vending and Coffee to our InReach family in Texas. Their focus on high-quality coffee and pantry services, along with their commitment to customer service, perfectly aligns with our values, enhances our service offerings in the region and boosts our expansion efforts in this dynamic market." Sodexo North America’s CEO of food transformation, Husein Kitabwalla, added: “The acquisition of Capitol Vending and Coffee continues to propel Sodexo’s Food transformation strategy. Capitol Vending and Coffee aligns perfectly with our food strategy, complementing our multi-channel offerings, including micro markets, pantry services, office coffee and vending. We are enthusiastic about the synergies and the enhanced value that our combined business will deliver to our clients.”

US fried chicken chain Popeyes is bringing AI to its drive-thru operations in the UK, becoming the first quick-service restaurant brand in the country to do so. The company has rolled out an AI-powered voice ordering system, dubbed 'Al' after Popeyes' founder Al Copeland, at its drive-thru location in Northampton. Following a successful trial, Popeyes plans to expand the technology to two more sites in Cardiff (Wales) and Rotherham this month, to equip all of its UK drive-thrus by July. David Carey, chief technology officer at Popeyes, said: "We believe this technology has the power to revolutionise the drive-thru experience for the better, and we're particularly proud to be the first quick-service restaurant in the UK to offer a Voice AI solution in this way". The AI system is designed to handle orders seamlessly, responding to customer questions about the menu, making recommendations and even adapting to changes in the order. During the Northampton trial, Popeyes reported 97% order accuracy and zero customer complaints. The launch of the AI drive-thrus comes as Popeyes looks to rapidly expand its footprint in the UK market. The brand plans to double its current estate by the end of 2024, opening more than 30 new locations and generating 2,000 new jobs. "The team have embraced the technology and are excited by the new freedom of not needing to stand at the order window," Carey added. "We're also currently looking at other ways AI can help the Popeyes team in the future, such as order forecasting." Popeyes entered the UK in November 2021, bringing its New Orleans-inspired fried chicken and biscuits to British consumers. The brand has sought to differentiate itself in the crowded quick-service sector by leveraging technology and innovation.

Versuni North America has announced a new portfolio of semi- and full-automatic espresso and coffee machines. Among the new products are the Philips Barista Brew semi-automatic espresso machine and the Philips Espresso 4400 and 5500 LatteGo full-automatic machines. The Philips Barista Brew semi-automatic espresso machine is designed to enable users to make barista-style coffee in their own homes. The machine allows consumers to experiment with different beans and achieve "perfectly frothed milk". With Philips Barista Brew, users receive feedback from the machine's pressure gauge to ensure the right settings are being used for their preferred cup of coffee. The machine boasts 'state-of-the-art' technology combined with intuitive design elements, including adjustable settings for grind size and brew strength. Additionally, it features a powerful steam wand for creating expertly frothed milk. Key features of the Philips Barista Brew include a dual bean container, allowing users to experiment with different types of beans for personalised flavour profiles; a 58mm stainless steel portafilter, which ensures superior coffee extraction and crema; and the Temperature Perfection Milk Jug. Other notable features include a premium calibrated tamper for precise tamping pressure, a user-friendly interface, and a sleek, compact design. In addition, the Philips 4400 and 5500 LatteGo full-automatic machines are said to provide the tools necessary for creating café-quality beverages with ease. Both models come equipped with a built-in ceramic grinder, ensuring optimal grind size for rich and consistent espresso. The enhanced SilentBrew Technology reduces brewing noise by 40%, offering a quieter experience for users. The 5500 model offers 20 hot and iced coffee and latte recipes at the touch of a button, while the 4400 model provides 12 such recipes. Both machines feature a larger, full-colour touch display and the LatteGo system, which is easy to clean, facilitating the one-touch preparation of lattes and cappuccinos. Additionally, the machines boast QuickStart Technology for faster coffee preparation and an intuitive display for easy navigation and selection of coffee options. Pieter Musters, consumer coffee innovation lead at Versuni, said: "The Philips Barista Brew Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine and the 4400 and 5500 LatteGo full-automatic machines are designed to cater to the evolving preferences of today's consumers". "We are witnessing a significant shift towards home coffee creations, driven by the desire for high-quality, customised coffee experiences without the hassle. Our new machines address this trend by offering both advanced features and user-friendly interfaces, making it easier than ever for consumers to enjoy barista-quality coffee at home whether they want to curate the perfect coffee creation for their guests or enjoy a perfect convenient latte on the go." #Versuni #Philips

Brazilian restaurant group Zamp has agreed to purchase the rights to operate the Starbucks brand and some stores in the South American country. In a filing, Zamp said that the deal is worth BRL 120 million (approx. $22.7 million) and was signed with SouthRock, which owns the rights and assets of Starbucks in Brazil and has been under bankruptcy protection since last year. The news caused Zamp's shares to soar, with a peak increase of 19.4% before closing with a nearly 10.2% gain, according to Reuters. Zamp has not specified how many of Brazil's more than 100 Starbucks stores it will acquire. The transaction will be conducted through a competitive process as part of SouthRock's bankruptcy proceedings, allowing Zamp the right to match any higher bids. The deal requires approval from Brazil's antitrust authority, CADE, and the court overseeing SouthRock's bankruptcy. Zamp said that the completion of the transaction depends on several conditions, such as obtaining judicial approval within the framework of SouthRock's bankruptcy proceedings. Additionally, the operation needs to be approved by Brazil's antitrust authority, CADE, and definitive contracts with Starbucks Corporation must be finalised. These conditions are typical for transactions of this kind. #Starbucks #Zamp #Brazil

Independent tea brand Birchall Tea has taken a step in reducing its environmental impact, operating what the company claims is the UK's first fully solar-powered tea factory. The facility in Amesbury, Wiltshire, features more than 460 solar panels on its rooftop, generating all the clean renewable electricity needed for Birchall's on-site operations. In fact, the factory produces twice the electricity it requires, allowing the company to put surplus power back into the national grid. "We want to make the UK as passionate as we are about good quality, great tasting tea as we are, whilst also having a positive impact on the planet," said Daniel Graham, managing director of Birchall Tea. The company's commitment to sustainability extends beyond its solar-powered factory. In May 2020, Birchall achieved the Carbon Neutral International Standard, meaning all of its tea products are now 100% carbon neutral. Birchall has also equipped its website with an automated energy counter, allowing consumers to view in real-time how much electricity is being generated by the factory's solar panels. "Our solar-powered tea factory has already generated over 500,000kWhs, and this is just the beginning of Birchall Tea's journey," Graham added. The family-run tea brand's focus on environmental responsibility reflects a growing trend in the industry, as consumers increasingly demand sustainable practices from the companies they support. "We have always taken our responsibilities to the environment very seriously and are committed to continually reducing the impact of our company's trading activities upon it," Graham commented. #BirchallTea #Tea #Solarpowered #UK

Lavazza has unveiled its new line of ready-to-drink iced coffee. The range features four Italian-inspired varieties: espresso and milk, caffè latte, cappuccino, and a limited-edition cappuccino protein can. Each is crafted with 100% Arabica beans and semi-skimmed milk. The espresso and milk variant offers a double shot of 100% Arabica and semi-skimmed milk. The caffè latte drink also features 100% Arabica and silky semi-skimmed milk, providing a velvety texture and balanced sweetness, which is described to be 'a cold version of a classic Italian coffee' said Lavazza. Meanwhile, the cappuccino combines Arabica, semi-skimmed milk and cocoa for a balanced blend of chocolate and coffee notes. Additionally, the limited-edition cappuccino protein can offer 25g of protein, combining Arabica coffee with semi-skimmed milk. The ready-to-drink range will be available through Lavazza's website, priced between £1.88 and £2.06 per can. #Lavazza #UK #RTD #coffee

Retail technology company 365 Retail Markets has announced the launch of a new self-service kiosk, the MM6 Mini, for dining and micro market applications. In a statement announcing the launch, 365 Retail Markets said that two types of kiosk technology have existed in the market for Food Service Operators (FSOs) until now – cheap tablet-sized solutions targeted to smaller spaces, and full-sized kiosks that address premium, high-touch and high-traffic locations. With the launch of the MM6 Mini, the company aims to balance flexibility and consumer experience to provide FSOs with a “middle ground” and enable them to better serve a broader range of location types without compromising customer satisfaction. The MM6 Mini is a compact point-of-sale with a 15.6 inch display, suited for midsize locations and as part of a ‘cluster’ of additional Minis to improve throughput in larger spaces. According to 365 Retail Markets, the MM6 Mini can help operators to cut down service time and drive additional income through digital advertising services powered by Advana. The 365-user interface for dining was enhanced to offer new capabilities including nutritional insight, upsell recommendations, order ahead and custom orders. For micro markets, the interface has easy item look-up for items without barcodes, highlights transaction detail and guides consumers through transactions. Operators with the two concepts adjacent can use a single kiosk for both market and café purchases. Boris Amegadjie, chief product officer for 365 described the MM6 Mini as the ideal solution for catering to workplace refreshment services in an evolving work environment. He commented: “Equipped with a flexible size that accommodates any setting and a remarkable combination of affordability and performance, operators are poised for successful outcomes wherever they take their business”. #365RetailMarkets

365 Retail Markets has acquired Impulsify, a US-based provider of self-service retail solutions for hotels and multifamily communities. Founded in 2013 by Janine Williams, Impulsify serves well-known hotel chains and boutique properties, with plans to expand into other high-traffic areas 'that would benefit from the convenience of grab-and-go retail,' said 365. Impulsify provides self-service retail outlets that enhance property and guest experiences while increasing revenue, aligning well with 365's growth plans. The acquisition of Impulsify will enhance 365 Retail Markets’ presence in the hospitality industry. The collaboration between the two companies is said to enhance value for existing customers by easing entry into the hospitality sector and offering more advanced solutions than traditional vending products. Joe Hessling, founder and CEO of 365 Retail Markets, said: "At 365, we believe in empowering the most convenient and enjoyable self-service retail experiences on the planet. The team at Impulsify shares that passion, and together, we are poised to offer solutions across even more touchpoints of consumers' daily lives. Our world is constantly on the move, and we want to be with them every step of the way," he said. Williams added: "The team at 365 immediately impressed me with their drive for innovation and focus on putting the consumer experience at the heart of what they do. We see this opportunity as a way to take what we have proudly built at Impulsify and lean on 365's experience and earned trust within the self-service industry to address the increasing demand for these types of solutions in even more places." Top image: ©Impulsify #365RetailMarkets #Impulsify #US

The right equipment can make all the difference. Ask any vending operator, and they’ll give you a list of their preferred machines. Give them additional information on location type, size and preferences, and chances are the perfect machine for that account will jump straight into their head. When it comes to micro markets, equipment is just as essential. While vending operators just need to pick a machine, micro markets require much more. You need to pick the right kiosk, shelving, coolers, freezers, and even auxiliary equipment like coffee machines and microwaves. There is no one-size-fits-all approach with micro markets. However, there are tons of great suppliers and equipment out there. We’re here to help you ask the right questions to get the best equipment for a successful micro market setup. The kiosk The kiosk is the engine of your micro market. Without the right solution, your micro market won’t be successful. So, it’s important to get it right. Here are a few things to consider when choosing your kiosk: Ease of use: How easy is it for customers to use the kiosk? Make sure the kiosk has features like accessibility options, an engaging interface and seamless checkout. For large accounts, rapid checkout is essential to accommodate busy breakrooms. Payment options: Everyone likes to pay in different ways. Look for a kiosk that appeals to your customers by maximising payment options. Cash, cards, virtual wallets, mobile apps – a good kiosk offers your customers flexibility. Reliability: The worst-case scenario for your micro market is a kiosk experiencing issues during a lunch break. Consider kiosks that have offline checkout, battery backup and durable components. Sales and management tools: Different kiosk providers have different levels of management tools. Look for inventory, routing and servicing features. Ideally, you also want custom promotions, rewards and loyalty programs. Any system that can let you manage your micro markets alongside vending or office coffee business lines is a bonus. A range of options: Different locations have different needs. Your kiosk provider should have a large option optimized for bigger locations and a smaller option for smaller locations – plus everything in between to help you maximise your return on investment. Racking, coolers and freezers Your snack racks should be modular – meaning you can get different sizes for different locations. Make sure they are flexible with their displays – you’ll want some mixture of pegs and racks to display products. Additional features like product pushers, custom branding and an attractive display will help attract and engage customers. And don’t forget ease of setup: some racking systems come pre-assembled, while others can require detailed installation. With coolers and freezers, reliability and safety are essential. Features like a health lock will lock the cooler if it loses power – ensuring your customers don’t buy spoiled products. Gravity trays do an exceptional job with sliding beverages down to your customer for easy purchase. Keep an eye on energy-efficiency as well to show your location you’ll go the extra mile. Signage, security and more Other items to consider in your physical micro market setup include contact information, kiosk how-to guides and custom branding. Some locations will ask you for coffee machines, microwaves or utensils, so be prepared to offer those if necessary. Good kiosks come with security options built-in, but some accounts will want you to take additional steps to deter potential theft: consider adding detailed signage or external cameras to provide peace of mind. To run a successful micro market business, you need the right equipment. With the right equipment, you can engage customers, maximise sales and provide excellent service to your accounts. 365 Retail Markets is a turn-key solution for successful micro market setups. We have everything you need to establish and operate a great micro market business.

Tropicana has expanded its portfolio with the addition of a new line, Tropicana Special Start, as well as two new flavours in its Tropicana Multivit Boost range. Tropicana’s new line of juices, Special Start, boasts three 100% pure pressed fruit juices; Sanguinello Blood Orange; Pink Grapefruit; and Pineapple. The fruits are sourced from locations specially selected for their ‘unmatched’ taste and colour, including from the foothills of Mount Etna, where Tropicana Sanguinello Blood Orange is sourced. In its Multivit Boost range, Tropicana has unveiled two new varieties: Mixed Berries and Smooth Orange. Each serving offers 100% of daily Vitamin C requirements, along with essential vitamins B1, B2, B6, E. These added vitamins play a crucial role in supporting normal energy-yielding metabolism, maintaining healthy skin and vision and protecting cells from oxidative stress. Tropicana Brands Group’s marketing director Elizabeth Ashdown, said: “We understand that consumers are actively seeking healthier beverage choices to enhance their daily routines, placing a strong emphasis on prioritising their vitamin intake. Expanding upon the inherent health benefits associated with juice consumption, our newest additions to the Multivit Boost range will provide our customers with a juice option that tastes great and helps fulfil their daily nutritional requirements.” Last month Tropicana introduced two new juice ranges, Tropicana Rise & Shine and Tropicana Fruit Sensation, to its ambient portfolio. The new Special Start range and the additional Multivit Boost flavours are available to purchase in UK retailers now.

Oasis is proud to launch a new range of products: New bottle fillers with reimagined alcoves are characterised by elegance, precision and, most importantly, meet all hygiene requirements and facilitate contactless access to water. The Oasis bottle filler has a new sleek stainless-steel skin, that’s bigger and better than ever before! With enhanced alcoves to fit even the largest of bottles. Stainless steel bottle fillers are an essential component of modern beverage production, offering a blend of durability, hygiene and efficiency that makes them an industry standard. As the beverage industry continues to expand and innovate, stainless steel fillers play a critical role in ensuring production meets demand while maintaining high quality and safety standards. Key Features: Accuracy and consistency: our bottle fillers accurately measure and dispense liquid to ensure consistent bottle fill levels. This is crucial for product quality and customer satisfaction. Sanitation: cleanliness and hygiene are vital in the beverage industry. Oasis bottle fillers are designed to easily clean and sanitise to prevent contamination. Speed and efficiency: Oasis bottle fillers have strong flow rates, filling bottles quickly and efficiently without compromising quality. Sustainability tracker: featuring an integrated bottle counter to showcase sustainability credentials. Contactless: we have added a fully contactless range of products that fill bottles without physically touching them. These systems utilise an electronic sensor to measure and dispense water into bottles with remarkable accuracy. By eliminating direct contact between the filler and the bottle, the risk of contamination is significantly reduced. Contactless bottle fillers represent the future of beverage production, offering unmatched hygiene, Drinking fountains, once a simple and often overlooked amenity, have seen a resurgence in popularity as communities strive to promote sustainability and public health. As cities and organisations recognise the importance of accessible water sources, drinking fountains have transformed from their traditional roots into modern, user-friendly installations. Oasis offers a combination of bottle filler and drinking fountain; a combo that meets everybody’s needs. Our modern designs focus on sustainability, accessibility and health. Oasis combo units encourage the use of reusable bottles with the inclusion of bottle-filling stations. These stations allow users to refill their bottles quickly and efficiently, whilst reducing plastic waste. Oasis advanced filtration systems ensure that the water provided is clean and safe. Benefits of bottle fillers and drinking fountains: Environmental impact: providing accessible water sources, drinking fountains, and/or bottle fillers helps to reduce the demand for single-use bottles. Public health: ready access to clean water encourages hydration and promotes overall health. Community spaces: drinking fountains and/or bottle fillers contribute to creating a welcoming and inclusive public space where people can gather and socialize. As the world becomes more focused on sustainability and health, drinking fountains and bottle fillers will continue to play a key role in public spaces. They not only provide refreshing water but signify a step toward a more sustainable and healthy future. Innovative designs and technologies will likely drive further improvements. Wondering how to reach your sustainability goals and to improve the well-being of people in your facility or the local area? Then look no further, we are the Oasis you need. Browse our hydration dispenser here.