VMF 2021: Global Vending Industry News Flash

Vending Machines Are Replacing 24-Hour Convenience Stores in Hangzhou

Since the pandemic, many 24-hour convenience stores in Hangzhou now only operate for 16 hours a day, including Kuaike, the convenience store brand under Lianhua Supermarket. The store chain explained that to continue to provide quality services after business hours, they would deploy vending machines, beginning this April in Hangzhou. Besides Kuaike, other store brands like Liangyou, Huarun Suguo, Lanmao and etc., are also looking into this new operation model.

Luckin Coffee to Expand Coffee Vending Business in 38 Cities

This March 8th, Luckin Coffee announced via its WeChat official account that their coffee vending machines “Luckin Coffee EXPRESS” were now looking for franchisees from 38 cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Changsha, Wuhan, Xiamen, and etc. The company has developed app and mini-programs for consumers to locate the nearest Luckin Coffee EXPRESS machine and place order on their phone.

Fresh Vending Brand Zailouxia Opened 200 New Locations in 2020

Covering scenes like residential areas, industrial parks, office parks and etc., fresh vending brand Zailouxia has opened 200 new locations in 2020, with profit of each location up 217% on average.

Throughout last year, its new users has grown 30%, and active users 101.4%. The newly added milk subscription feature has also interested many consumers.

Self-Driving Vending Vehicle Introduced to University in Wuhan

This March 22nd, Sharing-Box, the smart self-driving vending vehicle developed by Dongfeng Motor, was officially put into service in Jianghan University, Wuhan after its half-year trial run. Loaded with snacks, beverages, and other small items, this smart vehicle stops when waved at and automatically bills you as you close its door. It can also be converted into a package delivery vehicle or a mobile library.

The 9th Guangzhou Int’ l Vending Machines and Self-service Facilities Fair (VMF 2021)
Date: May 10th-12th, 2021
Venue: China Import and Export Fair Complex
Website: http://www.chinavmf.com/index.php?lang=en
Address: No.380, Yuejiang Middle Road, Guangzhou, China