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.

VenHub debuts AI-powered smart store at LAX/Metro Transit Center

June 13, 2025

VenHub Global, Inc. has launched a 24/7, fully autonomous retail store at the LAX/Metro Transit Center. The AI-powered "Smart Store" aims to provide travelers…

U.S. convenience services industry generates $40B in economic impact, report finds

June 10, 2025

The U.S. convenience services industry, encompassing vending, micro-markets, office coffee and pantry services, produces a $40.04 billion annual economic…

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…

Judge dismisses Flamin' Hot Cheetos invention lawsuit, cites lack of factual support

June 3, 2025

A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by Richard Montañez, who claimed to be the inventor of Flamin' Hot Cheetos, against Frito-Lay and its parent…

Kraft Heinz pledges energy efficiency focus despite $170M federal funding cut

June 3, 2025

Kraft Heinz has affirmed its ongoing commitment to energy efficiency projects despite the U.S. Department of Energy rescinding up to $170 million in potential…

Global chocolate market to reach $172.89B by 2030, fueled by AI personalization

June 2, 2025

The global chocolate market is projected to grow from approximately $130.72 billion in 2024 to $172.89 billion by 2030, expanding at a compound annual growth…

Breyers launches s'mores frozen treats

June 2, 2025

Breyers has unveiled its Campfire Collection of S'mores frozen treats, featuring Hershey's Milk Chocolate, and introduced the "Breyers S'mores Freezerpit," a…

O's Bubble launches Mochi Boba: Ready-to-eat, no-heat boba

June 2, 2025

O's Bubble, under Orbitel International Group, has launched O's Bubble Mochi Boba (Boba 3.0), which it claims is the industry's first ready-to-eat…

Urban Value to roll out AI-powered Smart Store Coolers

May 30, 2025

Urban Value Corner Store is set to roll out its Smart Store Coolers this summer, introducing an AI-powered, self-service retail experience to residential…

Five Star Breaktime Solutions acquires Heart of Georgia Vending

May 28, 2025

Five Star Breaktime Solutions has acquired Heart of Georgia Vending, a Georgia-based vending services company. The transaction marks the third acquisition for…

Donatos Pizza to launch fully autonomous restaurant at Columbus Airport

May 27, 2025

Donatos Pizza will launch its first fully autonomous pizza restaurant this June at the John Glenn Columbus International Airport.

365 Retail Markets intros modular smart store additions

May 23, 2025

365 Retail Markets, a provider of unattended retail technology, has launched modular smart store options designed to enhance its PicoCooler Vision product…

Expanding unattended retail with Byte Technology

Explore how Byte Technology is revolutionizing unattended retail, opening new markets beyond traditional vending with smart kiosk solutions.

Forging loyalty in a no-staff world

by Sandra Carpenter — Editor, Networld Media Group

Learn how unattended retail can forge lasting customer loyalty by using personalized, value-driven programs continually improved by data and innovation.

Five Star Breaktime Solutions acquires key markets from Premium Solutions

May 19, 2025

Five Star Breaktime Solutions has acquired key operating markets from Premium Solutions.

Pritzker Hageman investigates Listeria outbreak linked to Fresh & Ready Foods

May 15, 2025

The food safety law firm Pritzker Hageman, P.A., is investigating a Listeria monocytogenes outbreak linked to ready-to-eat sandwiches and snacks distributed by…

Five Star Breaktime Solutions acquires PB&J Vending, expanding Atlanta presence

May 15, 2025

Five Star Breaktime Solutions has acquired PB&J Vending, a Metro Atlanta-based refreshment services provider, according to a press release. The move aims…