Vending

COVID charges vending revival in Japan

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December 29, 2021

Japan, known as the world leader in vending machines, has seen a revival of vending driven by the coronavirus pandemic, according to a report in The Guardian.

The number of vending machines in Japan peaked at 5.6 million in 2000, according to the Japan Vending System Manufacturers Association, one for every 23 people. That number fell to just above 4 million in 2020.

The coronavirus pandemic has stimulated a renewed interest in vending after many traditional retail establishments closed.

Kenmin Foods, a Kobe based rice noodle maker, installed a vending machine in front of its building in September and generated ¥23 million ($200,000), three times its target.

A Hokkaido seafood seller vended fresh mackerel and fresh salmon after many regular clients closed due to COVID.

Three companies in Nagoya joined forces to sell food items nearing expiration dates from vending machines at up to 50% discount.

Maruyama Seimen offers frozen dumplings and noodles in vending machines in 30 locations and will add 70 more by April 2023. The machines were being emptied of more than 10,000 packs monthly during the pandemic as traditional sales fell by a fifth.

For an update on how the coronavirus pandemic has affected convenience services, click here.