Convenience
August 17, 2023
Photo 12405513 © Kavring | Dreamstime.com Vending and micro market operators confirm that clients are requesting healthier choices and selections that satisfy dietary requirements. Jon Holden, vice president of sales and marketing at Michigan-based All Star Services, has seen the interest in healthy snacks go full circle. “We are seeing the same trends re-emerge that we saw in 2019 and early 2020,” said Holden. “During COVID, there was a switch to getting whatever we could possibly provide due to supply chain issues and making sure that everything was individually wrapped.” Today, Holden sees a clear interest in healthy snacks as a top priority among his customers. Holden’s experience is in line with the 2022 Automatic Merchandiser State of the Vending and Micro Market Industry report, which points to robust growth in the healthy snacks category. Combined vending machine and micro market revenue gains for healthy items were up 40% in 2022, to $2 billion.
Popular in Convenience
More in Convenience
Fast Track Snacks: Shareable Grab-and-Go Foods Feed Market Need
October 17, 2023
As snacking continues to replace full meals, small bites and shareables grow in popularity. Explore the small plates trend at restaurants and c-stores.
Grab-and-Go Breakfast Inspiration
September 26, 2023
Grab-and-go breakfast items can satisfy customer cravings for convenience—but to make sales soar, operators need to include the right elements.
OCS Report Shows Some Recovery and New Revenue Sources
September 11, 2023
The OCS industry shows recovery and new revenue sources.
A Top Priority for Customers Today – Healthy Snacks
August 17, 2023
Healthy snacks are now a high priority.
Capitalize on the Surge in Snacking With These 3 Insights
July 19, 2023
Snacking insights are key to driving sales in vending and micro markets.
A Matter of Convenience: C-Stores Go All In for Dine-In and Takeout
July 18, 2023
Convenience stores are more foodservice-focused, with many integrating restaurants into their locations. Learn about the restaurants-in-c-store trend.
3 Tech Trends Driving Micro Market Growth
April 12, 2023
Tech trends are driving micro market growth.
The Breakroom: A Social and Business Destination
March 16, 2023
Employers look to operators to promote social connection and business engagement.
Consumer Snacking Is Mindful, Not One-Size-Fits-All
February 23, 2023
Consumers are taking a more mindful approach to determine their snacking preferences. Our State of Snacking report studied consumer preferences from around the world.
For Love of Loyalty: Restaurants Rustle Up Loyalty Programs to Feed Growing Demand
December 27, 2022
The appetite for loyalty apps continues to grow. Learn how restaurants are meeting demand and driving revenue with loyalty programs across segments.
A Hunger for Convenience: Digital Innovation, From Fast Casual to C-Store Segments
August 30, 2022
Shake Shack is a beacon of digital innovation in the fast-casual segment. Now QuikTrip raises the bar for c-stores with frictionless cashier-free shopping.
Care Package: What Sustainable Packaging Means for the Vending and Micro Market Sector
May 5, 2022
Consumers want sustainable options—which micro market and vending service providers can supply via recycled, compostable and other types of packaging.
In for a Treat: Find Out What Elements Will Help Produce a Winning Dessert Menu
January 27, 2022
Desserts designed to be eaten on the go can help restaurants meet the consumer demand for convenient sweet snacks—after meals and at other times.
How Noncommercial Operators Can Maximize Sales With Prepackaged Snacks
November 18, 2021
The demand for prepackaged snacks rose during the pandemic. Offering them after it will potentially increase healthcare and hotel operators’ sales.
Time-Tested: Which Pandemic Practices Could Become Permanent?
August 26, 2021
Find out what adjustments operators across the country made during the pandemic—and how those moves are now helping them increase business.
Power Breakfast: What Consumers Want (Now) from This All-Important Meal
July 29, 2021
Discover which flavor, format and other breakfast trends today’s consumers want commercial and noncommercial foodservice, micro market and vending operators to provide.
The Rise of Ghost Kitchens: What to Know
April 29, 2021
Find out how ghost kitchens are helping both established restaurants and new dining concepts make delivery a cost-effective option.
All in Good Time: What Makes for a Winning LTO in 2021?
March 25, 2021
The pandemic has altered operators’ approach to limited time offers. Find out why—and what consumers want from LTOs now.
