The vending industry is growing. 11% of the coffee produced worldwide is now served from a machine, with some 150 billion drinks dispensed.
And the most interesting market is that of “smart” machines. According to a survey carried out by Persistence Market Research entitled ‘Intelligent Vending Machines Market: Global Industry Analysis 2012–2016 and Forecast 2017–2025’ the global market for so-called “smart” vending machines should translate into a market value of over five billion USD in 2017, and exceed 15 billion USD by 2025. A CAGR of 15.3% is forecast for the period considered.
The Japan Vending Machine Manufacturers Association estimates that there is one vending machine for every 23 inhabitants (or 4.9 million), with annual sales in excess of 45 billion dollars.
Italy, which has the biggest fleet of machines in Europe, recorded takings of 3.5 billion euros in 2017, up 0.65%. It has over 810,000 vending machines, making it the top-ranking country in Europe, followed by France with 590,000 vending machines and Germany with 550,000.
The machines are found mainly in industry (35%), followed by private offices (15%), commercial locations (13%), schools and universities (13%), hospitals (11%), public offices (6%), transit areas (4%) and places of recreation (3%), according to Confida.
According to ANIMA, makers of vending machines are part of the “made in Italy” phenomenon on international markets with an export percentage of 70%.
Latest data from UCIMAC for the division that represents Manufacturers of Professional Espresso Coffee Machines, which is part of ANIMA-Assofoodtec suggest a growth of 4.5% in production in 2017, largely due to the foreign market. 2018 will see continued, if slightly slower growth (+2.2%).
Exports were up (+4.6%) in 2017 and further growth (+1.8%) is expected for 2018. Europe remains the main export market, but there has been a rise in exports to the Far East, especially to South Korea and China.
Employment rose slightly in 2017 (+2%) and the same level of growth is forecast for 2018. Investments rose substantially in 2017 (+12.1%), driven in particular by measures adopted to update to “Industry 4.0”, and it is expected that an even higher growth, of 13.5%, will be seen in 2018.
