NAMA OneShow 2015 Better-For-You Snacks Fresh Food And Technology Drive Vending Trends

PRESS RELEASE

"Each year Americans consume 17 billion snacks and beverages from vending and refreshment services outlets," according to Roni Moore, NAMA vice-president. "We're seeing millennials and Gen X drive demand for fresh and functional foods and beverages, as well as ease of access."

Micromarkets Anticipate Rapid Growth

The Technomic report shows micromarkets -- retail locations offering fresh foods and better for you snacks and featuring self-checkout with scanners -- are leading the growth of the refreshment services channel. With 9,000 micromarkets in 2014 in workplaces, hospitals, hotels and universities, growth is expected to reach 35,000 locations by 2017, a 300% increase. [2]

Micromarkets fuse industry technology and trends -- offering fresh foods and better-for-you snacks in a convenient form for consumers and companies alike. These retail kiosks deliver higher productivity and fewer sick days to companies and consumers.

Better For You Snacks In Demand

At this year's OneShow, one in five new exhibitors is focused on nutrition as consumers demand healthier options. Recognizing the desire for healthier snack and beverage options, 61% of all vending and refreshment services operators now have a nutrition program in place and nearly 70% of vending operators offer healthier snack choices. [3]

To make it easy for consumers to make informed choices, Fit Pick, NAMA's signature nutrition program celebrating 10 years, uses eye-catching labeling to identify better for you snacks. Fit Pick's updated nutrition standards focus on fewer calories, limited fat, sugar and sodium, in line with nationally recognized nutrition standards for the workplace and USDA Smart Snacks in School standards for schools.

Snacks Overtaking Mealtime

Today half of all meal occasions are snacks, or mini meals, as consumers eat on the go and listen to their cravings, says Hartman research group. Almost half (47%) of all eating occasions happen when people are alone. [4]

Driving this snacking growth are millennials -- 44 million consumers aged 20-34 who possess $1.1 trillion in spending power -- and Gen X (35-54) -- 60 million consumers with even more spending at their disposal. To cater to these health-conscious groups, more manufacturers are introducing organic, natural and less processed snacks that can satisfy both taste and functional needs.

Technology In Vending And Refreshment Services

It's no surprise that with millennials and Gen X driving snack growth, technology is involved. Technology is shaping the industry of the future, whether it's cashless payments like Apple Pay or paying by thumbprint, tweeting for fan prizes or tapping solar power.

"Five years ago we could only dream about the innovation we're seeing today -- from solar-powered machines to Tweet-activated machines," Moore said. "But some of the most important advances are being used to make the vending and refreshment services experience overall better for Americans, including providing nutrition information so that consumers can make informed choices and cashless payment options for convenience."

Coffee As An Employee Benefit

More and more small companies are offering coffee to their employees as a benefit with single serve and premium coffees driving growth. The advantages are simple: it keeps employees on premise, it's seen as a value-add and now it may even help your overall health.

"The fact that USDA is recognizing that three to five cups of coffee a day can help reduce Type 2 diabetes is significant for the industry," according to Moore. "It's a double benefit that coffee can be seen as an office perk while also helping your health."

2015 OneShow

In the land of Las Vegas, NAMA's OneShow -- the world's largest vending and refreshment services trade show -- hits triple sevens --77 new exhibitors, 70 companies sampling and more than 70,000 square feet. NAMA's largest show floor ever. OneShow will feature more than 5,000 participants and 250 exhibitors from around the country showcasing all trends shaping the $42 billion vending and refreshment services industry, serving millions of Americans their snacks and beverages every day.

ABOUT: Founded in 1936, NAMA represents the $42 billion U.S. vending and refreshment service industry. With more than 1,800 member companies, including many of the world's most recognized brands, NAMA provides advocacy, education and research for its membership. Visit vending.org, and look for NAMA Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

1. Technomic industry report, 2015
2. Bachtelle and Associates, 2015
3. Technomic industry report, 2015
4. Hartman Research Group, "Modern Eating, Cultural Roots, Daily Behaviors" 2014