Keurig Dr Pepper to acquire JDE Peet's, split into 2 independent companies

August 26, 2025

Keurig Dr Pepper will acquire JDE Peet's in an all-cash transaction valued at $16.8 billion, according to a press release.

The future of campus dining? PizzaForno thinks it’s a 24/7 pizza vending machine

On this episode of the Automation and Self Service Podcast, we're diving into one of the hottest trends in food tech: 24/7 pizza vending. My guest is Travis…

Celebrating the future of self-service: Nominations for the 2025 ARKI awards closing soon

by Sandra Carpenter — Editor, Networld Media Group

Nominations are closing soon for the Automated Retail & Kiosk Innovation (ARKI) Awards, a celebration of the companies, technologies and visionary innovators…

Hyphen secures $25M in series B funding to scale automated makelines

August 13, 2025

Hyphen, a foodservice technology company, has secured $25 million in Series B funding to scale its Automated Makeline, a platform for automated meal production.

Pizza vending machine market set for significant growth

July 30, 2025

The pizza vending machine market is projected to experience substantial growth, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.40% from 2025 to 2032, according to a…

Refresco appoints Steve Presley as CEO

July 23, 2025

Refresco, a global independent beverage solutions provider, has appointed Steve Presley as its next CEO, effective August 4, 2025, according to a press…

Industry veteran Glenn Butler named CTO of GlobalConnect

July 22, 2025

GlobalConnect has appointed Glenn Butler as the company's next chief technology officer, according to a press release. Butler, a seasoned professional in the…

Fusian sushi rolls out success with strategic automation and a human touch

by Sandra Carpenter — Editor, Networld Media Group

Fusian's approach to automation is distinctive in its focus on enhancing, rather than replacing, the human element of the dining experience.

Hershey Company appoints Kirk Tanner as CEO

July 9, 2025

The Hershey Company's Board of Directors has appointed Kirk Tanner as president and chief executive officer, effective August 18, 2025. Tanner will succeed…

VaaS revolution reshaping unattended retail

by Sandra Carpenter — Editor, Networld Media Group

As industries increasingly embrace unattended retail and seek lower-risk formats, VaaS will become crucial for deploying and managing self-service solutions.

Chai GPTea launches vending machine for workplaces

July 8, 2025

A London-based startup, Chai GPTea, is introducing a chai vending machine aimed at diversifying hot drink options in workplaces. The machine offers seven…

NCA disputes food dye study findings

June 26, 2025

The National Confectioners Association has challenged claims made in a recent report on food dyes published in the "Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and…

PepsiCo leverages Salesforce Agentforce for AI agenda

June 24, 2025

PepsiCo is collaborating with Salesforce to deploy Agentforce, Salesforce's digital labor platform for autonomous AI agents, according to a press release. This…

Kraft Heinz to phase out artificial dyes by 2027

June 17, 2025

On Tuesday, Kraft Heinz announced its commitment to remove all food, drug and cosmetic artificial dyes from its U.S. products by the end of 2027. The company…

What’s new in candy? Celebrate National Candy Month with these 2025 releases

by Sandra Carpenter — Editor, Networld Media Group

These 10 new candies are among the most buzzworthy (and potentially bestselling) products to watch.

Digi targets retail waste with bulk shopping innovation

June 12, 2025

Retail solutions provider DIGI featured its zero-waste bulk shopping system, "Combo," at the NRF APAC. The showcase was part of the company's "Grow with Green…

Arca Continental acquires US vending firm Imperial

June 9, 2025

Arca Continental, the Mexico-based Coca-Cola bottler and snack producer, will acquire Imperial, a vending business based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, according to a…

Coca-Cola United opens sales center in Auburn

June 6, 2025

Coca-Cola Bottling Company United held a grand opening Wednesday for its sales center and warehouse in Auburn. The company invested $18 million in the…

J.M. Smucker Co. to close Indianapolis Hostess plant by early 2026

June 5, 2025

The J.M. Smucker Co. plans to close its manufacturing facility in Indianapolis, Indiana, which produces items for the company's Hostess brand, according to a…

Dr Pepper re-releases Creamy Coconut flavor for summer

June 5, 2025

Dr Pepper's Creamy Coconut flavor has returned to store shelves for the summer season, according to an MSN report. First introduced last spring, the beverage…