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.
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AI, automation and sustainability take centre stage at Venditalia 2026
Automation, frictionless retail and sustainability emerged as defining themes at Venditalia 2026, as the vending and unattended retail sectors gathered in Rimini, Italy, to showcase the technologies shaping the future of consumer convenience.
HeroVend launches AI-powered vending management platform
HeroVend has launched a cloud-based vending intelligence platform designed to give operators real-time visibility over sales, inventory and performance across their machines.
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.
GrubMarket secures $50m Series H investment
GrubMarket, an AI technology and digital platform company in the US food supply chain field, has raised approximately $50 million in Series H financing, valuing the company at a pre-money valuation of $4.5 billion.
Coca-Cola reshapes leadership, creates chief digital role to speed tech adoption
Coca-Cola has revealed a sweeping overhaul of its operational leadership, including the creation of a new chief digital officer role, as the soft drinks giant moves to accelerate technology adoption and sharpen execution across fast-growing emerging markets.
2026 outlook: How the vending and water sectors are shaping a smarter, more sustainable future
Representatives from the Automatic Vending Association (AVA), the European Vending & Coffee Service Association (EVA), the Water Dispenser & Hydration Association (WHA) and Zenith Global offer their insights into how technology, consumer behaviour and legislation will shape the future of automated retail and hydration.
Vox AI secures $8.7m seed funding to expand autonomous voice tech for QSRs
Vox AI, a conversational voice AI platform designed for drive-thru and operational automation in quick-service restaurants (QSRs), has raised $8.7 million in seed funding.
HelloFresh to invest $70m in AI-driven menu expansion – Bloomberg
HelloFresh is investing $70 million in a major overhaul of its meal kit offerings, aiming to harness AI to drive customer retention and boost in-home dining, according to a report by Bloomberg.
Admiral Vending Systems introduces AI-powered tool for office coffee machine leasing
Admiral Vending Systems has introduced a new artificial intelligence-powered instant quoting tool designed to simplify and modernise the procurement process for office coffee equipment.
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