US café chain Reborn Coffee has signed a $1.7 million master licensing agreement with the Arjomand Group to expand its retail presence across the Middle East, Europe, Eastern Europe and MENA regions. Under the deal, Arjomand Group will develop Reborn Coffee-branded stores and product lines in key international markets. The agreement is part of Reborn’s global expansion strategy and includes a milestone-based payment structure, with an initial licensing fee due at signing. Jay Kim, CEO of Reborn Coffee, said: "This agreement with the Arjomand Group is more than a financial milestone – it is a strategic inflection point for our brand. With their operational reach and regional expertise, we're entering new markets with a powerful partner that shares our vision of building a lifestyle-driven, premium coffee brand." Reborn is also preparing to open a flagship drive-thru store at the Abu Dhabi Group’s headquarters. The launch will include distribution to 17 hotels and thousands of corporate employees, establishing the brand’s presence in the UAE.

Kent, UK-based speciality coffee brand Lost Sheep Coffee has secured a major supply partnership with Meta UK, becoming the official iced coffee supplier to its London headquarters. The deal marks a significant milestone for the independent brand, with its Iced Latte Coffee Cans now served to over 5,000 employees across Meta’s platforms – including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Messenger – replacing Jimmy’s Iced Coffee within Meta offices. The new supply deal will be managed via The To Go Group – a premium food and drink supplier for some of the world’s most recognised companies. Each can of Lost Sheep Coffee is brewed using the brand’s signature ‘Get To The Hopper’ blend, crafted from 100% traceable Colombian and Brazilian Arabica beans, roasted in small batches at the company’s Whitstable site. Unlike many RTD offerings, Lost Sheep’s iced coffee is brewed using freshly ground beans, with no instant coffee used. Speaking about the deal, Stuart Wilson, founder of Lost Sheep Coffee, said: “This partnership with The To Go Group and Meta is a huge moment for us”. “As a small independent brand, we’ve worked hard to compete at the highest level. Our cans are brewed to deliver a genuine barista-quality experience, accessible, unpretentious and made with total traceability from farm to can.” He added. Lost Sheep Iced Latte Coffee Cans are available online, retailing at £2.30 per 250ml can. Lost Sheep took home 'Best Ready-to-Drink Product' at the World Coffee Innovation Awards 2024 – do you have a product that could rival it? Why not enter this year's edition? Find out more here . Top image: © Lost Sheep Coffee

Arla Protein has introduced a new ready-to-drink milkshake designed for busy consumers seeking convenient and indulgent snack options. This launch marks the brand's first foray into the ready-to-drink protein category, offering a product that combines taste and nutrition in a portable format. Arla Protein Milkshake, available in 200ml cups, features a creamy texture and delivers 20g of protein per serving. It is lactose-free, contains no added sugars and is under 182 calories, making it an appealing choice for health-conscious consumers. The milkshake comes in two flavours: Vanilla Fudge and Chocolate Brownie, which are positioned as satisfying treats for afternoon breaks or evening enjoyment. Notably, this product is the first protein shake to use a cup-and-straw format, enhancing its convenience for on-the-go consumption. The packaging allows consumers to easily extend the straw and enjoy the milkshake anywhere, meeting increasing demand for portable meal solutions for fast-paced lifestyle. Amy Punchard, brand manager for Arla Protein UK, highlighted the product's alignment with consumer preferences for indulgent yet health-oriented snacks. “This indulgent milkshake offers active consumers a permissible treat that fits seamlessly into their health goals,” she said. The product is currently available at Asda and is set to launch at Sainsbury's on 3 September.

Refresco has named Steve Presley as its new chief executive officer, starting 4 August 2025. He will also join the company’s executive board. Steve Presley The appointment follows last month’s announcement that current CEO Hans Roelofs will retire on 1 August 2025 , after 18 years leading the global beverage solutions company. Presley brings nearly 30 years of experience from Nestlé, where he held leadership roles across operations, strategy and finance. Most recently, he served as executive vice president and CEO of Zone Americas, overseeing operations in North and Latin America from Nestlé’s headquarters in Switzerland. In that role, he managed more than 100,000 employees across 24 countries and over 120 facilities. James Cunningham, chairman of the Refresco's supervisory board, stated: “I am excited to welcome Steve as Refresco’s new CEO and as a member of the executive board. Steve’s wealth of experience, strong relationships with retailers and brands, and leadership of large-scale international operations for a global beverage and food company will be tremendous assets to the company." "Steve’s entrepreneurial spirit, together with his deep operational and financial expertise and ability to understand our customers’ needs, will greatly benefit Refresco as it continues to deliver best-in-class beverage solutions around the world.” Presley added: “Refresco has built a strong reputation as a global leader in the beverage solutions industry, with a clear focus on delivering value and quality for its customers. I look forward to building on this solid foundation and contributing to the next phase of growth." "By focusing on innovation and adapting to the evolving needs of customers and market demands, I am confident we can further strengthen Refresco’s value proposition and create new opportunities for success. I look forward to working closely alongside the talented team at Refresco across the world.”

Refreshment brings you monthly updates on the latest news and insights from some of our member associations in the vending, coffee and water sectors. Featuring insights from industry leaders, this round-up highlights key developments, events and initiatives shaping the future of these industries, providing essential information on emerging trends and regulatory changes. Vending and coffee updates The vending, automated retail and coffee sectors are rapidly evolving, with new initiatives, industry events and regulatory developments shaping its future. Here’s what’s happening in this sector this month: National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) Patrick Moran named chair of NAMA board for 2025–2026 term NAMA has appointed Patrick Moran, owner of Moran Refreshments, as chair of its board of directors for the 2025-2026 term. With over 30 years in the convenience services industry, Moran brings a wealth of experience to the role. He co-founded Moran Refreshments in 1989 with his father, growing it from a single-truck operation into a regional business serving East Texas. Over the years, Moran has also been a prominent voice in legislative advocacy, representing the industry at both state and national levels. Moran said: “This industry has been good to our family. We started this business working out of the garage, and I am honoured to continue our journey through service as the chair of NAMA’s board. It is a unique, full-circle moment. I’m looking forward to working alongside an impressive group of officers and directors to support NAMA members and strengthen the value of the convenience services industry in communities across the country.” A long-time NAMA board member, Moran previously served as president of the Texas Merchandise Vending Association and was named NAMA’s Operator of the Year in 2023. Carla Balakgie, president and CEO of NAMA, highlighted: “The strength of NAMA lies in its governance. With Patrick Moran as chair and this exceptional slate of directors, the association is guided by leaders who bring deep experience, proven judgment, and a shared commitment to the industry’s future." NAMA opens nominations for 2025 Coffee Legend of the Year award NAMA is now accepting nominations for its 2025 Coffee Legend of the Year award, which honours individuals who have made a significant and lasting impact on the coffee industry over the span of a decade or more. The award will be presented at this year’s Coffee Tea & Water (CTW) event, taking place 4-5 November in Miami, Florida. Eligible nominees can come from all corners of the coffee industry, including coffee service operators, roasters, manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, brokers and educators. NAMA president and CEO, Carla Balakgie, said: “NAMA’s Coffee Legend of the Year award is more than recognition. It signifies core values that drive the industry forward: quality, commitment and community. By celebrating a Coffee Legend, we spotlight the individuals whose leadership leaves a lasting impact.” Nominations should highlight the nominee’s specific contributions and achievements that have helped advance coffee service and strengthen the broader convenience services sector. Submissions are open until 4 September 2025. The Vending & Automated Retail Association (AVA) AVA CEO criticises Defra's EPR fee changes as 'retrograde step' David Llewellyn, chief executive of AVA, has issued a strong response to the government’s recent adjustments to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) base fees, calling the move to increase charges for fibre-based materials while reducing them for plastics “a retrograde step”. The UK government’s latest changes to EPR base fees involve a revised fee structure that increases costs for producers using fibre-based packaging – such as paper and card – while reducing fees for certain plastic materials. The move has sparked concern across multiple industries that have invested in transitioning away from single-use plastics. In a statement responding to the revised fee structure from Defra, Llewellyn said: "The government’s decision to hike EPR base fees for fibre while reducing them for plastic is, frankly, a retrograde step. From both an environmental and industrial perspective, this move completely undermines the extraordinary progress our sector has made in moving away from single-use plastics." Highlighting significant changes within the vending and coffee-to-go markets, he noted the industry’s shift towards more sustainable packaging solutions: "Across the UK’s vending and coffee-to-go sector, we’ve seen a huge transition to paper-based cups: around 93% of all drinks we serve are now in paper cups – a shift the AVA Census reveals is driven not just by environmental credentials and ease of recycling, but also by consumer preference for higher quality and more sustainable packaging." The AVA is a founding member of the Alliance for Fibre-Based Packaging, which advocates for the role of fibre and fibre-based composites in delivering safe, hygienic and efficient packaging solutions. Llewellyn argued the new policy risks derailing UK leadership in sustainable packaging innovation, pointing out that fibre is recycled at scale in the UK, unlike many plastics. "If this policy is left unchanged, it threatens to undo years of hard-won progress: retailers could be forced back towards plastic because it’s cheaper, and British fibre packaging manufacturers, the real leaders in sustainable innovation, will be hamstrung. How does that fit with any definition of a ‘circular economy’ or a plan to reduce plastic waste?," he said. Calling on the government to urgently reconsider the fee structure, Llewellyn added: “We should be supporting materials that are actually recycled at scale in the UK, reducing plastic dependency and championing British industry. The current approach does the exact opposite." Water updates The water sector continues to evolve with innovative technologies, sustainability initiatives and industry events driving progress. From watercoolers to hydration solutions, here’s what’s happening in this space: Natural Mineral Waters Europe (NMWE) Cyprus Water Bottlers Association and Nałęczów Zdrój join NMWE NMWE has welcomed two new members to its association: the Cyprus Water Bottlers Association and Polish bottled water company Nałęczów Zdrój. The Cyprus Water Bottlers Association represents companies accounting for over 65% of the bottled water market in Cyprus, many of which are located near natural springs. Nałęczów Zdrój, founded in 1979, is a Polish producer of natural mineral water and the owner of the Cisowianka and Perlage brands. The company is based in Nałęczów, a town known for its thermal water heritage. Both members join NMWE’s efforts to promote sustainability, quality and responsible water resource management across Europe. Their participation is expected to support the association’s work in areas such as biodiversity, circular packaging, and the socio-economic development of rural regions. NMWE said: "We warmly welcome our new colleagues from Cyprus and Poland to the NMWE family. We look forward to working together on our shared priorities, including water and biodiversity preservation, packaging circularity, contribution to the socio-economic vitality of rural areas. Their commitment and expertise will help us to continue strengthening our sector’s role in ensuring long-term environmental sustainability and delivering value to local communities across Europe." Watercoolers Europe (WE) Registration opens for WE 2025 conference in Milan © WE Online registration is now open for the 2025 Watercoolers Europe (WE) Conference and Trade Fair, scheduled for 6-7 November at the Meliá Milano Hotel in Milan, Italy. The two-day event will include conference sessions, workshops, an international trade fair and the Aqua Awards Gala Dinner. Early Bird registration is available, offering discounted entry for those who sign up in advance. More information and registration details are available at via WE's website.

Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) has acquired full ownership of Dyla Brands, a player in the powdered drink mix and liquid water enhancer market. This acquisition follows KDP's minority stake in Dyla, which it has held since 2017, and underscores the growing consumer demand for innovative hydration solutions. Recent data from KDP's 2025 State of Beverage report indicates a notable shift in consumer preferences, with 59% of Americans expressing interest in new flavours and 60% keen on trying flavoured water enriched with antioxidants and vitamins. This trend aligns with Dyla’s product portfolio, which includes the leading natural water enhancer brand, STUR, known for its absence of artificial flavours and sweeteners. Nate Champagne, vice president and general manager of juice, snacks and mixes at KDP, said: “This acquisition provides KDP with a turn-key platform to immediately capitalise on the growing demand for functional, trend-forward and on-the-go beverage enhancers and drink mixes – leveraging Dyla-owned brands, KDP’s existing portfolio and licensed third-party brands”. The integration of Dyla's brands with KDP's existing line-up, including licensed products from well-known trademarks such as Crush and Snapple, positions the company to better serve a market increasingly focused on health and wellness. Dyla Brands reportedly sells over 1.5 billion servings of drink mixes annually, and its partnerships with major brands like Dole and Ocean Spray will continue under KDP's ownership. This acquisition not only complements KDP’s existing Ghost functional powders but also broadens its capabilities in delivering customisable hydration options to consumers.

Kenco has introduced a new flavour to its Millicano coffee range: Kenco Cadbury Caramel Latte. This launch comes as part of the company's ongoing strategy to capitalise on the growing demand for in-home frothy coffee options, which has seen an 8% year-on-year increase in sales. The Cadbury Caramel Latte is now available in select Morrisons stores and will be introduced to Asda locations starting September 6, with a recommended retail price of £5.75. This addition follows the success of the Kenco Millicano range, which has generated substantial sales since its launch in May 2024, including the award-winning Kenco Millicano Cadbury Mocha. The in-home frothy coffee category, which Kenco's speciality range significantly contributes to, has experienced notable growth. Recent data indicates that Kenco’s speciality products account for 27.4% of this category, reflecting a 15.6% increase in value over the past year, largely attributed to the popularity of Kenco Millicano Tins. Consumer behaviour is shifting, with an increasing number of individuals enjoying coffee beyond traditional morning consumption. This trend is particularly pronounced in the frothy coffee segment, which is seeing more afternoon and evening consumption occasions. The introduction of new flavours like the Cadbury Caramel Latte allows retailers to cater to these changing preferences, potentially driving further growth in the category. Kenco's partnership with Cadbury, the leading chocolate brand in the UK, aims to attract younger consumers who are inclined toward trying innovative coffee flavours. Flavoured coffee now represents 39% of the speciality coffee market, underscoring the demand for indulgent options. The new latte offers consumers the flexibility to customise their coffee experience, enhancing its appeal as a convenient, barista-style beverage for home preparation. Maria Kabalyk, head of categoryand shopper at parent company Jacobs Douwe Egberts Peet’s, highlighted the importance of delivering novel products to the market: "This launch builds on our strategy to deliver excitement and category firsts to in-home frothy coffees. Our new Cadbury Caramel Latte continues our successful partnership with Cadbury, to deliver a highly sought-after flavour in a customisable format, making it perfect for a moment of indulgence at any time of day.” As Kenco continues to expand its Millicano range, the introduction of the Cadbury Caramel Latte reflects broader trends in the coffee industry, where innovation and consumer preferences for indulgent, customisable beverages are driving growth.

Coffee is one of the world’s most traded commodities, and for millions of people in the US, it is also part of their daily routine. However, that routine may soon become more expensive. US president Donald Trump has recently put forward a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports, planned to take effect on 1 August – a move that could have significant consequences for coffee prices across the country. Given Brazil’s dominant role in global coffee production, this policy could affect everyone from small independent cafés to major chains like Starbucks. Brazil is the world’s largest coffee producer, accounting for approximately 35% of all coffee produced in the world , and the US is one of its primary buyers. In 2024, the US imported nearly $9 billion worth of coffee, a significant share of which came from Brazil. A tariff of this magnitude could sharply increase import costs, which would likely cascade through the supply chain – from importers and roasters to retailers – placing pressure on margins across the industry. Shifting market dynamics According to GlobalData, the tariff could prompt Brazilian coffee exporters to pivot toward alternative markets such as China and the Philippines. "Brazilian coffee exporters should seek alternative markets to the US in the event that the US acts on its threats," said Rory Gopsill, senior consumer analyst at GlobalData. "They need to target the alternative markets that combine high absolute forecast growth with a high compound annual growth rate (CAGR) to reflect a large, fast-growing coffee market. The Philippines and China offer both." GlobalData’s Segment Insights Database highlights that: The Philippines was the world’s fifth-largest hot coffee market in 2024, projected to grow by $1.8 billion between 2024 and 2029 at a 5% CAGR. Its ready-to-drink coffee sector is also expected to grow by $264.8 million, with a CAGR of 11%.  China, currently the seventh-largest hot coffee market, is forecast to grow by $1.6 billion during the same period, with its ready-to-drink coffee segment expanding by $1.9 billion globally, the second highest absolute growth worldwide.  Brazil is well-positioned to benefit from these markets, already supplying 32.4% of China’s total coffee imports in 2023, according to The Observatory of Economic Complexity. Implications for the US supply chain For the US coffee industry, a 50% tariff would mean significantly higher input costs. Small and mid-sized roasters, many of which rely on Brazilian arabica, may face challenges in maintaining competitive pricing without squeezing margins. Although alternative sourcing from Colombia or Vietnam is possible, these producers cannot match Brazil’s combination of volume and cost efficiency. The result could be a broad price increase across the US market, affecting both retail and foodservice operators. At the same time, Brazil could benefit by selling more coffee to China and the Philippines, markets that are growing fast and may offer better opportunities in the future.

PepsiCo has launched Pepsi Prebiotic Cola, a significant innovation in the cola category that combines traditional flavours with functional benefits. Pepsi Prebiotic Cola features 5g of cane sugar, 30 calories and 3g of prebiotic fibre, positioning it as a healthier alternative within the traditional soda market. Available in Original Cola and Cherry Vanilla variants, this product aims to deliver the classic Pepsi taste while meeting the increasing demand for functional ingredients. The cola will be available in 12oz single cans and 8-packs of 12oz cans, with distribution expected to begin online this fall and in retail outlets by early 2026. The timing of the Prebiotic Cola launch is significant, particularly in light of PepsiCo's recent acquisition of Poppi , which specialises in prebiotic sodas made with fruit juice and apple cider vinegar. This acquisition, finalised in May 2025, enhances PepsiCo's portfolio of functional beverages and aligns with its commitment to meet evolving consumer demands for healthier options. The integration of Poppi’s innovative approach and strong market presence positions PepsiCo to leverage emerging trends in the beverage industry. Ram Krishnan, CEO of PepsiCo Beverages US, noted that Poppi’s rapid growth and consumer engagement make it a valuable addition to PepsiCo’s offerings. The expertise gained from Poppi is expected to inform the development and marketing of Pepsi Prebiotic Cola, enabling the company to scale its functional beverage segment effectively. "From the iconic blue can, to the consumer-preferred Pepsi Zero Sugar, our portfolio has always adapted to the needs and flavour preferences of the consumer," added Krishnan. "Pepsi Prebiotic Cola represents the next leap forward in giving consumers choice, optionality and functional ingredients in their cola experience, without sacrificing the iconic Pepsi taste we're known for delivering." The introduction of Pepsi Prebiotic Cola comes at a time when the beverage industry is witnessing a shift towards health-oriented products. Consumers are increasingly favouring beverages that offer nutritional benefits alongside traditional flavours.

Pret A Manger has announced the appointment of Felipe Athayde as president of North America, as the company continues to expand its presence in what it describes as the 'largest food-to-go market' in the world. Athayde joins Pret from Authentic Restaurant Brands (ARB), a platform of regional restaurant brands, where he served as CEO and helped grow the company from concept to more than $1 billion in sales and $150 million in EBITDA. He also brings extensive experience in the quick-service restaurant industry, having spent nearly a decade at Restaurant Brands International. During this time, he held senior leadership roles, including president of Popeyes Americas, where he oversaw the launch of the Popeyes Chicken Sandwich. He has also served as president of Burger King Latin America and president of Tim Hortons USA. Pano Christou, Pret's CEO, said: "We are proud to announce that we have appointed Felipe Athayde as president of North America to take the business forward on the next stage of its growth, in what is the largest food-to-go market in the world." "We are excited to have Felipe's experience, passion and knowledge of our industry to help drive our North American team to continued success." Athayde added: "I'm thrilled to be joining Pret and bringing my passion and industry experience to help drive the next chapter of growth in the North American market. I've known and loved Pret for many years, and with its freshly made food and organic coffee, the brand has a tremendous opportunity in North America. I'm excited to be part of it and look forward to working with Pret's talented team to share the brand experience with even more customers."

Leading the charge in the new age of unattended retail, smart fridges offer convenience for customers and streamlined operations for owners. In this feature, Refreshment explores how this fast-growing technology is reshaping the way food and beverages are delivered in high-traffic, self-service environments – from office lobbies to university campuses and hospital corridors. What is a smart fridge? Also known as a ‘smart cooler,’ a smart fridge is, at its most basic level, a vending machine or refrigeration unit that uses technology to enhance operation and user experience. Stocked with a wide variety of healthy, fresh and convenient choices, from grab-and-go meals to snacks and beverages, smart fridges typically accept a range of contactless payments. Once the user has selected their desired product via a touchscreen and paid using their choice of card, phone or app, the fridge door is released, allowing them to take their purchase. Smart fridges have become the next step for vending operators and facilities managers who are aiming to provide a viable, unstaffed alternative to a restaurant or cafeteria service, but who still wish to offer more choice than a traditional vending machine. While smart fridges require a similar sized space to a traditional vending machine, they offer the additional benefit of a spacious, visually-pleasing, refrigerated storefront. This allows operators to drastically broaden their product offering, which is of particular advantage in busy or multi-use locations. Reaping the benefits Replacing a traditional vending machine with a smart fridge means operators do not have to choose between offering food and beverages, or between meals and snacks. Frictionless checkout, meanwhile, eliminates the need for the user to have cash on hand. Randy Skyba, vice president of sales and marketing at Due North, a provider of refrigerated retail merchandising solutions, told Refreshment that he believes smart fridges have “redefined convenience retail by transforming static, passive refrigeration units into intelligent points of sale”. The end user gains immediate access to curated, fresh and well-stocked products, with a seamless and fast checkout experience. “Consumers benefit from faster, frictionless transactions, often using contactless payment and mobile app access,” Skyba explained, “while operators can optimise product selection, reduce waste and increase revenue per square foot. In effect, smart coolers have become mini automated stores, opening up retail opportunities in places that were previously unfeasible due to staffing or space constraints.” “The convenience of cashless payment, product transparency and even personalised promotions through connected apps enhances customer satisfaction and loyalty,” he continued. Prioritising reliability and a partnership approach, Due North offers a flexible platform: its smart fridges integrate with a range of leading smart vending technologies, allowing customers to choose the software and payment ecosystem that best fits their needs. An evolving retail landscape According to Tanya Joustra, group marketing and communication director at vending industry stalwart Selecta, smart fridges have “significantly modernised” the landscape of automatic retail in recent years by “bridging the gap between convenience and experience”. Joustra highlighted features like real-time inventory tracking, dynamic pricing, remote monitoring and AI-powered product recommendations, all of which help operators of smart fridges offer a seamless, 24/7 shopping experience, without the need for staff. “This tech-forward solution meets the rising demand for fresh, premium and on-the-go products in locations previously underserved by traditional retail or vending,” Joustra explained. “Smart fridges have shifted the model from simple product dispensing to intelligent, data-driven micro-retail.” She also noted that the ability to access nutritious or premium items on demand – without queues or fixed opening hours – enhances the customer experience and makes them more likely to return. Ultimately, she concluded: “For the end user, smart fridges deliver convenience, speed and product quality. App integration and contactless payments give them a seamless, modern retail experience.” Enhancing the food and beverage provision in common areas, smart fridges allow operators to offer an end-to-end service, capturing a wider segment of customers by offering them a ‘onestop shop’ for all their food and beverage needs. Capitalising on high footfall Smart fridges see particular success in high-footfall, semi-captive environments. When consumers cannot easily access other options, smart fridges can offer convenience, quality and range on-site. “Smart fridges are ideally suited for high-traffic, unattended locations where traditional retail isn’t viable,” advised Due North’s Skyba. “This includes convenience stores, micro markets, airports, universities, corporate campuses, gyms, hotels, transit hubs, hospitals and residential lobbies. These units offer 24/7 access to fresh, ready-to-eat food, beverages and grab-and-go items – without the overhead of staffed operations. They also help brands expand into non-traditional retail settings and capitalise on impulse buys with minimal infrastructure investment.” To support this aim, Due North provides custom branding and design options for its smart fridges. “We’re not just selling a fridge – we’re helping our clients create a fully-functional and optimised retail experience,” said Skyba. For operators who do not have the time or budget for a more permanent cafeteria development, smart fridges offer a cost-effective, compact foodservice outlet. Selecta smart fridges, for example, are “scalable, quick to deploy and require minimal footprint,” according to Joustra, making them adaptable across a range of sectors. What locations suit a smart fridge? Profitable in a wide range of locations, smart fridges come into their own in high-footfall, semi-captive environments. Office buildings and business parks For fresh lunches, healthy snacks or premium coffee on-site Hospitals and healthcare facilities Where 24/7 access to fresh meals and drinks is crucial University campuses and schools Offering nutritious options outside of canteen hours Transportation hubs Airports, train stations, petrol stations have customers arriving throughout the day and night Hotels and gyms Offering a self-service amenity to enhance guest or member experience Operational assistance In addition to an improved customer experience, smart fridges offer significant operational benefits. Harnessing new, automated technologies has enabled manufacturers of smart fridges to optimise their machines to the benefit of operator and user alike. Features such as real-time inventory tracking and automated restocking alerts lead to more efficient and profitable operations. In Skyba’s experience, the integration of features like these, along with collecting and analysing customer data, has enabled retailers to run more responsive, data-driven operations. “For operators, smart fridges reduce the burden of manual oversight,” he explained. “Remote monitoring enables real-time insights into stock levels, temperature compliance and sales data. This not only drives efficiency but supports sustainability by minimising food waste. These systems can also test new products or adjust pricing dynamically, which leads to smarter merchandising decisions and a higher return on investment.” Selecta’s Joustra has a similar opinion of the benefits of smart technology. “For the operator, smart fridges offer powerful data insights, enabling dynamic restocking, reduced food waste, optimised assortments and predictive maintenance,” she said. “Logistics are streamlined through telemetry and smart replenishment systems (pick-by-light), boosting operational efficiency and sustainability while increasing revenue potential.” Looking ahead So what’s next for smart fridges? Already at the forefront of unattended retail, we can expect to see the sector continue to adapt to current retail trends, such as artificial intelligence and greater sustainability accountability. Looking ahead, Selecta’s Joustra predicted that the next 12 months will likely bring, “more AI-driven assortment optimisation, with fridges adapting stock based on real-time patterns”. She also forecasted the expansion of biometric and mobile app access, enabling frictionless loyalty experiences for customers. Due North’s Skyba, meanwhile, is anticipating “even more convergence between retail tech and foodservice” in the year ahead. “We expect to see growth in AI-powered planogram optimisation, sustainability metrics and personalised user experiences – like nutritional guidance or loyalty programmes – delivered through smart fridges,” he said. “From a hardware perspective, we anticipate further improvements in energy efficiency, compact formats and modular designs that support more flexible installations.” As Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) goals become more central to business strategy, smart fridges also have a growing role to play in enabling waste reduction, energy tracking and carbon footprint reporting, Skyba noted. “This will make them not only smarter, but more accountable,” he said. “At Due North, we’re actively developing new technologies aligned with these trends.” Selecta’s Joustra also highlighted a greater focus on ESG as central to the future of the sector, identifying “smarter sustainability tracking, CO2 reporting and circular packaging initiatives” as likely measures. She also believes that growing demand for employer wellness programmes will fuel demand for smart fridges, particularly in offices and hospitals. Cost-effective and space-saving, the advent of the smart fridge brings a fresh take on selfservice to industries like hospitality, healthcare and higher education. Offering an effortless ‘grab-and-go’ experience for customers, smart fridges furthermore harness new technologies and data insights to enable better business decision-making for operators.

Seattle’s Best Coffee is entering the confectionery space for the first time with the launch of Coffee Roast Mallows, a limited-edition variety pack of coffee-flavoured marshmallows created in collaboration with gourmet marshmallow brand XO Marshmallow. The variety pack features four flavours inspired by the brand’s signature roasts – Light Roast, Medium Roast, Dark Roast and S’mores – designed to evoke the nostalgic taste of summer campfires. Each set also includes a full-size bag of Seattle’s Best Coffee Campfire S’mores-flavoured ground coffee, which blends notes of toasted marshmallow, milk chocolate and honey graham cracker. Courtney Backman, brand manager for Seattle's Best Coffee, said: “At Seattle’s Best Coffee, we know a thing or two about the perfect roast, which is why we collaborated with XO Marshmallow, known for its unmatched expertise in crafting gourmet marshmallows, to create the ultimate pairing for our new Campfire S’mores-flavoured coffee". "Each Seattle’s Best-inspired Coffee Roast Mallow is the perfect complement to our signature smooth roasted blends, transforming every moment – from misty mornings to campfire nights – into a sweeter, smoother and more indulgent coffee experience.” Coffee Roast Mallows will be sold exclusively online through the brand’s website, priced at $20 per pack.