Micro Markets News & Media

Pennsylvania dairy brings artisanal cheese to vending machine

August 5, 2026

Perrystead Dairy has turned a small garden in Philadelphia's East Kensington neighborhood into a 24-hour destination for cheese lovers, according to an Atlas…

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An operations guide to shrink mitigation in unattended retail

by Ben Wheeler — Dir. of Business Dev. - Automated Retail, T-ROC

Unattended retail offers customers speed, convenience, and around-the-clock access. For operators, it can open new revenue channels while reducing the need for…

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Balanced Vending builds on growth with First Choice deal

by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media

New York-based Balanced Vending expanded its operational footprint by acquiring First Choice Vending earlier this year, adding established routes and micro…

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Robotic food kiosk market projected to top $1.75B by 2036

July 28, 2026

The global market for robotic food kiosks and vending systems is projected to grow from $188 million in 2026 to $1.75 billion by 2036, representing a compound…

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Aramark opens employee micro market at Kentucky jail

July 24, 2026

The Barren County Detention Center in Kentucky has opened an employee micro market supplied by Aramark Correctional Services, the jail's food-service provider…

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Ford reviews self-checkout kiosks after more workers fired over alleged snack thefts

July 23, 2026

At least four additional Ford employees have been fired recently over accusations that they took snacks without paying at self-checkout kiosks inside company…

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Modern vending: Factory-built, field-tested

by Dale Laszig — Founder, DSL Direct LLC

Behind great vending customer experiences lies a collaborative design process involving cabinet manufacturers, payment providers and software developers. In…

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Former Ford worker in kiosk fiasco considers legal action

July 22, 2026

A former Ford worker has retained an attorney after being fired for allegedly failing to pay for a $1.95 cookie at the Kentucky Truck Plant, according to a…

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XMAI targets U.S. automated retail market with new distributor program

July 16, 2026

XMAI Vending has launched a U.S. distributor program aimed at helping vending operators, entrepreneurs and distributors expand into the market for AI-powered…

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Nominations open for 2026 Automated Retail & Kiosk Innovation Awards

by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media

The organizers of the Automated Retail & Kiosk Innovation (ARKI) Show are accepting nominations for the 2026 ARKI Awards, recognizing the companies, products…

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Scandit debuts AI age verification for self-checkout

July 10, 2026

Smart data capture solutions provider Scandit has introduced Age Verified Self-Checkout, a vision AI-powered solution that automates age verification for…

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Vending machine market poised to double by 2032

July 8, 2026

The global vending machine market is projected to grow from $18.3 billion in 2021 to $37.2 billion by 2032, according to an Allied Market Research report…

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Financial disclosures trigger VenHub shareholder probe

July 2, 2026

A shareholder rights law firm has launched an investigation into VenHub Global to determine whether the company's officers and directors violated securities…

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Beyond route drivers: The growing need for vending technicians

by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media

As vending machines, micro markets, smart coolers and unattended retail systems become increasingly sophisticated, operators need workers who can do far more…

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Tord Olav Dønnum on the future of autonomous foodservice

by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media

Tord Olav Dønnum discusses how robotics, automation and artificial intelligence are reshaping foodservice operations and how autonomous kitchens can help…

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FTC greenlights 365 Retail Markets acquisition of Cantaloupe

June 18, 2026

The Federal Trade Commission has approved a final consent order allowing 365 Retail Markets to proceed with its $848 million acquisition of Cantaloupe Inc.…

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NAMA weighs in on Connecticut breakroom monitoring bill

June 5, 2026

The National Automatic Merchandising Association is welcoming the enactment of Connecticut Public Act 26-89, legislation that will allow camera-based security…

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MM Healthy Vending tops 30 locations

June 4, 2026

MM Healthy Vending has expanded to more than 30 locations across San Antonio, Texas, and surrounding communities less than two years after launching in 2024…

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VenHub adds to advisory board

May 29, 2026

Jay Heller, CEO of K Lab AI, has joined VenHub's advisory board, according to a press release. VenHub said Heller will provide capital markets and strategic…

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VenHub opens new production facility

May 28, 2026

VenHub has opened a second and larger production and assembly facility in Las Vegas as the company expands deployment of its AI-powered autonomous retail…

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