Commentary

Cold drink machines: The year-round workplace solution!

From quenching thirst in summer to providing warmth in winter, these machines remain unsung heroes, contributing not just to employee satisfaction but also to their overall well-being and productivity.

Image provided by Adobe Stock

January 15, 2024 by Sam Roberts — Digital Marketing Manager, Connect Vending

What comes to mind when you think of a cold drinks vending machine? Cans of Red Bull, bottles of Coca Cola and the odd row of bottled water? Everyone knows the classics that a cold drinks machine can offer, but did you know that the products in these machines offer something perfect for every season?

From scorching summer days to chilly winter afternoons, these vending machines remain a constant companion, providing a wide array of beverages that satisfy every taste and seasonal demand. Cold drinks machines truly are the silent saviour of workplace productivity.

A burst of spring energy

Given we're in the thick of the winter chill as we write this, we thought we'd start with the upcoming spring season. As spring rolls around, cold drinks vending machines undergo a renewal in their offerings.

Crisp and invigorating, protein shakes with fruity flavors or light vitamin-infused drinks become popular choices. These beverages provide a refreshing burst that aligns perfectly with the rejuvenation that spring brings, helping employees shake off the winter lethargy and embrace the season of growth.

Drinks with fewer calories and less sugar are also extremely popular going into spring, with many employees feeling the effects of an indulgent Christmas period and looking to rein in the consumption and reach their health goals in the first half of the year.

Coca Cola Zero, low sugar juice drinks and bottled spring water are big sellers in the spring months for this reason.

Deliver a chilled summer

During summer months, keeping oneself hydrated becomes a top priority as the temperatures rise and the sun beats down. Cold drinks vending machines come to the rescue by providing a refreshing oasis for parched throats.

Apart from cold, crisp water that ensures employees stay hydrated and focused during the heat, these machines offer a range of soft drinks and fizzy beverages that offer a delightful break from monotony and lift spirits, keeping everyone energized.

Citrusy drinks like Fanta Lemon, Rio and fresh fruit juices are particularly popular during the warmest months of the year, and can often lead to extra rows being stocked in workplace vending machines, alongside more bottled water.

Let's be real, there's nothing better than the fruity sharpness when it's warm outside.

Embrace the autumn bliss

As autumn sets in, preferences for beverages change with the leaves, and the air becomes crisp. Cold drinks vending machines can adapt seamlessly to the diverse tastes of employees during the autumn season.

Depending on how good the autumn months are, you can expect to see the summer drinks range extended out as workers try and eek out as much enjoyment as possible from the residual summer warmth.

However, in many regions we're accustomed to the plummeting temperatures and sweeping rainstorms once autumn arrives, and cold drinks machines have to adapt to this for consumers to stay engaged.

Each year around October and November, the drinks demands of consumers move towards the warming embrace of hot chocolates and seasonal coffee drinks. So how does your cold drink machine stay with the times?

Cold brew coffee is here, and in a big way. Brands like Costa, Starbucks and even supermarket brands have jumped on this trend and offer an extensive range of flavored cold brew coffee, from cappuccinos to lattes, dairy milk to oat milk and standard to seasonal syrup flavors.

More than just a cold winter

In the winter months you might think that the cold drinks machine becomes redundant, but this couldn't be further from the truth. Many employees who like to stay in shape change their fitness regimes to visit gyms or other indoor settings, and are more likely to nip to the warm gym before, during or after work.

Having a range of energy drinks, protein shakes and other cold drinks to suit the needs of those fitness enthusiasts helps keep the drinks range relevant and helps your drink vending machine stay well utilized during the colder months.

Not only this, but hot drinks won't appeal to all of your customrs, so having cold water available in your cold drinks machine throughout the year is a great way to engage the full workplace demographic.

It's also nice to have the option of some sweet treats during the Christmas period, because the many boxes of chocolates and biscuits might not be enough!

In the ever-changing work environment, cold drinks vending machines have become indispensable. Their ability to cater to the changing seasons, diverse tastes and nutritional preferences makes them a valuable asset all year round.

Let's raise a bottle to the versatile and invaluable cold drinks vending machines that keep us refreshed, motivated and ready to tackle whatever challenges the seasons bring!