The beverage vending machine market - France (2024)

1.2 A global market that has bounced back from the global pandemic

The global vending machine market was estimated at US$**.** billion in ****, with a CAGR of **.**% over the period ****-****. [***] This figure takes into account revenues from vending machine sales and vending machine operations. The market is growing rapidly thanks to growing consumer demand for take-away products and the convenience and speed of vending machine consumption. This market is dominated bybeverage vending machines, which account for **% of worldwide sales, representing US$*.** billion. The popularity of the beverage sector is mainly due to the high demand for coffee and energy drinks. The USA is the country with the most vending machines, with * million installed, or around * for every ** inhabitants, and will hold **.*% of the market share by value in ****. But it's Japan that has the highest density of vending machines, with *.** million, and the widest variety of products sold, with vending machines selling alcoholic beverages, bananas and even clothes.

sales trend  

In Europe, the market is estimated at ** billion euros, and is dominated by hot beverages thanks to the famous "coffee break" at work, which is still very popular in most countries. In France and Germany, for example, **% of workers claim to drink coffee at work, a figure even higher in Italy and ...

1.3 Stable growth in the domestic market

In ****, the vending machine market in France was estimated at *.* billion euros. [***] There are currently ****** vending machines in France, both for hot drinks and cold drinks combined with snacks. The main customers for vending machines are companies, which provide machines for their employees and account for **% of the French market. They are also responsible for **% of sales in France.

Revenues from the sale and operation of vending machines have varied considerably in recent years. Changing consumer habits, the covid crisis and the emergence of telecommuting as a working habit have had a major impact on the sales generated by this sector.

sales trends in France France, ****-****, in billions of euros Source: ****

Industry professionals estimate that around a quarter of sales are generated by vending machine sales themselves, with the remainder coming from vending machine operator profits (***)

Distribution of vending machine sales France, in ****, in Source: ****

Corporate vending machines account for **% of sales. It is difficult to obtain data on the distribution of vending machines in public places, such as hotels, airports, train and metro stations.

Sales generated by location of vending machines France, ****, in % Soucre : In general, vending machines are divided intohot-drink dispensers, cold-drink/snack dispensers and others, here called ...

1.4 A very negative trade balance: Italy is France's leading exporter

While most vending machine operators in France are French, for reasons of geographical proximity and convenience, the vast majority of manufacturers and producers are foreign. In the vending machine manufacturing sector, France has a very negative trade balance: in ****, it imported ** million euros' worth of vending machines, compared with * million euros' worth of exports. Overall imports are tending to fall.

French exports and imports of beverage vending machines France, ****-****, in millions of US$, in millions of US$ Source: UNComtrade The main vending machine manufacturing country is Italy, which is by far France's leading supplier. However, this does not mean that vending machines are not profitable for French companies, since only **% of sales are generated by the purchase of equipment and the remainder by the operation itself, which tends to be carried out by French companies. Main countries from which France imports beverage dispensers France, in ****, in thousands of $US Source: UNComtrade France exports a small quantity of vending machines to Belgium. Vending machine manufacturers include Bleutec, which generated sales of ***,*** euros in ****.

Main countries receiving French beverage dispenser exports France, in ****, in thousands of $US Source: ****

2.1 General demand for snacking and takeaway drinks

Consumption in vending machines is part of the "snacking" phenomenon, i.e. products intended to be eaten quickly outside mealtimes, and sometimes referred to as "nibbling". Snacking is an increasingly popular trend in French consumer habits. Snacking doesn't necessarily mean unhealthy eating: the most popular products are energy bars, dried fruit, yoghurts and smoothies. Healthy snacking seems to be increasingly in demand. **% of French people say they eat snack food at least once a week , and for **% of them, it's important to be able to find organic ingredients. The fast-food sector has thus grown by **% between **** and **** in value terms. [***]

In France, vending machines account for * million food products, * million cold drinks consumed per year and ** million hot drinks. The average French person spends €** a year on a vending machine in ****. [***]

Quantity of products sold by product type France, in ****, in millions of units Source: ****

Vending machines are therefore very popular and, above all, widespread among the population: **% of French people say they use a vending machine at least once a week. Eight out of ** French people even say they prefer to buy from a vending machine rather than queuing in a shop. [***]

Consumption habits vary widely according to product category. ...

2.2 The importance of the coffee break and the rise of OCS

**% of vending machines in France are located on company premises. For some time now, office coffee service(***) has been one of the fastest-growing segments in the global coffee sector. This evolution is due to notable changes in working environments, such as more flexible working time models and a smoother transition between private and professional life. These changes have led to a shift in the needs of employees and customers within companies. The focus is no longer simply on providing hot and cold drinks. Nowadays, the taste of the products on offer, and the design and materials of the machines installed in coffee areas have become essential aspects. OCS products include hot beverage dispensers and professional coffee machines. Hot-drink dispensers are just one segment of the OCS market, but they are two closely related sectors. Understanding the evolution of OCS is therefore important to grasp the trend in the hot beverage dispenser market[***]

**% of vending machines are hot beverage dispensers, and hot beverages account for **% of the sector's business. In this section, we'll take a closer look at the drinking habits of the French during their coffee breaks, considered by many to be a social ritual and even an aid to ...

2.3 The impact of the crisis on covid and teleworking

The global pandemic seriously affected a sector focused on providing services to businesses, communities and transport. Confinement and the widespread use of telecommuting have had a direct impact on business: with fewer consumers present in offices and on the transport network, sales in this sector have fallen sharply and have yet to return to pre-crisis levels. What's more, the inflation resulting from the Covid crisis, which persists to this day, has directly affected the operating margins and financial results of management companies... leaving them in a difficult situation. This awakening is also taking place against a backdrop of rising energy and wage costs, exacerbating the difficulties.

The rise of telecommuting

The rise in popularity of teleworking could have a long-term impact on demand for vending machines in the workplace. While the vending machine sector has recovered well from the Covid crisis, the quantity of corporate premises is falling and could fall further in the future.

Beyond the Covid-** crisis, which caused telecommuting to explode, the practice had already been on the rise for several years, notably due to repeated strikes and the appeal of the practice. According to the Malakoff Humanis survey, the satisfaction rate among teleworkers remained stable at **% in ...

3.1 Value chain

3.2 Management operation

Generally speaking, the organization wishing to install a vending machine on its premises or in a public space buys or rents the machine from the vending machine manufacturer, often an Italian company. Once the equipment has been purchased, the organization that will manage the vending machine, i.e., the weekly or monthly filling of the machine, may or may not be outsourced; there are three main types of management. Secondly, one of the most important players is the food industry, which sells the products that will later be delivered to the dispenser. Once again, there are different types of financing.

Full management

With this type of management, the entire organization around the distributor is outsourced. In this case, the profits do not accrue to the company installing the vending machine on its premises, but to the management service provider. This mode of management offers operational simplicity and frequently greater expertise and efficiency in the management of the vending machine. On the other hand, it's a more expensive solution for the company, and less suited to consumer expectations. This type of management is generally chosen by large companies or growing SMEs.

Rental management

In this case, the vending machine does not belong ...

3.3 The main players in the sector

The value chain is made up of different players, from production to suppliers and management.

Manufacturers and distributor importers

This market segment is clearly dominated by Italian and Swiss manufacturers. In fact, Italy is the leading exporter of vending machines to France. It's a fairly concentrated market, with the three biggest manufacturers taking over **% of the market share. These three giants are EVOCA , which owns brands such as Saeco and Necta, Rheavendors and Bianchi Vending. Selecta, a Swiss company, is also making its mark on the French market, with revenues of €*** million in France in ****. These vendors also offer desktop coffee machines, which are much smaller than vending machines but often adapted to in-company distribution.

While some manufacturers, such as EVOCA, specialize in coffee machines and hot beverages for OOH consumption, others, such as Rheavendors, have diversified into cold drinks and snacks. The Saeco brand specializes in Italian espressos, considered top-of-the-range for vending machine coffees, and promotes an image of quality and elegance. The sector is dominated by hot beverages, particularly coffee, and these brands frequently highlight Italian know-how as a guarantee of the quality of their products. These brands usually opt for communication around their ecological commitments and the sustainability ...

3.4 Technical and regulatory particularities

In France, vending machines are subject to strict regulations concerning product composition, preservation and hygiene standards, labelling and machine layout. These requirements will be detailed in the regulations section, but here are the main points, along with the technical features that may be associated with vending machines.

Dispenser location

First of all, you need to declare the use of your vending machine to the local customs authorities. Vending machines must be CE marked, i.e. manufactured in the European Union. If the vending machine is located in a public place, a temporary occupation permit (***) must be obtained from the town hall or prefecture, which is not necessarily easy to obtain because of the risk of vandalism and theft. It is forbidden to place a vending machine selling food or drinks on school premises.

The vending machine must always be accessible to everyone, including people with reduced mobility. This means ensuring that the machine is not at the top of a staircase with no ramp or elevator, that access to the machine is clear and well-lit, and that the controls are at an appropriate height.

Technical specifications

Vending machines need to be connected to a power outlet, which is important for their ...

4.1 Offer details

Vending machine manufacturers often offer a multitude of models with different payment options, sizes and storage capacities.

Hot beverage dispensers

For beverage-only vending machines, dimensions can vary from *** to *** cm in height, ** to ** cm in width and ** to ** cm in depth. Weights range from *** to *** kg. Cans (***) can also be varied in terms of capacity. Capacity is up to *** cans or *** bottles.

The machines can hold different types of coffee:

Capsule machines

Capsule coffee is no longer confined to the domestic sphere; it has been making inroads into the professional world for some time now. Office Coffee System (***) or table-top machines fit into any space, adding a touch of elegance to meeting rooms and executive offices.

Bean-to-cup machines

Vending machines equipped with bean-to-cup machines also offer high-quality coffee, meeting the hot-beverage needs of a wider range of consumers. Compared with other types of machine, bean-to-cup machines take longer to dispense, due to the grinding, dosing and extraction stages.

Machines for soluble beverages

This type of machine is widely recognized by the general public due to the constant proliferation of vending machines in public places. They represent an ideal solution for high-traffic areas. Dispensing time for instant beverages is very short (***), hot ...

4.2 Price examples

New appliances are generally guaranteed for one or two years for parts and labor.

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4.3 Supply trends

*. Rising competition from coffee machines

The coffee machine and vending machine segment is facing increasing competition, prompting market players to improve quality and raise their offering. This heightened competition stimulates innovation, leading to a move upmarket in the products on offer. New functionalities and more elegant designs are being introduced to meet changing consumer demand for more upscale products.

More attractive design, which integrates aesthetic, ergonomic and ecological aspects, is of crucial importance in the vending sector. Suppliers attach great importance to working with designers, architects and packaging manufacturers to create pleasant break areas and environmentally-friendly packaging. The image of elegance, quality and craftsmanship is therefore becoming a crucial element in standing out in the marketplace. Companies are investing in modern, sophisticated designs, adding a touch of luxury to their products to attract style-conscious, quality-conscious customers.

This trend can be seen in Saeco's OASI range, the Jura Giga X* or the Necta Krea Prime. The vast majority of hot beverage dispenser manufacturers have developed a premium range.

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*. The impact of covid

Between **** and ****, a significant drop in sales was recorded by **% of operators, with reduction percentages ranging from **% to **% compared with the same period in ****. Over the whole of ...

5.1 Authorizations and certifications

Installing a distributor requires several authorizations and certifications.

Customs (***)

Since ****, the installation of vending machines has been subject to a customs declaration (***). In addition, when individual cups are used, it is necessary to provide a system for collecting used cups and any waste. The material used must be approved and allow easy dismantling for maintenance.

Application for temporary occupation

For a dispenser located in a public place, you need to obtain an Autorisation d'Occupation Temporaire from the town hall or prefecture, using form Cerfa *****-*.

Declaration to veterinary services

For the storage of fresh products (***), the operator must make a declaration to the veterinary services, using Cerfa form N° **-****.

CE marking

CE marking is a compulsory certification for many products marketed in the European Union (***). It certifies that the product complies with EU safety, health and environmental protection standards, enabling it to circulate freely throughout the European market. To obtain CE marking, manufacturers must carry out conformity assessments in accordance with the requirements of the European legislation applicable to their product. These assessments may include tests, on-site inspections or the involvement of a notified body. Once CE marking has been obtained, the manufacturer affixes this symbol to the product or ...

5.2 Law of May 9, 1995

The French Food Hygiene Act of May *, **** is designed to guarantee the safety of foodstuffs intended for human consumption. This law was adopted in the context of European regulations on food hygiene. It lays down strict standards for the production, processing, distribution and sale of food, in order to prevent public health risks associated with food contamination. The law of May *, **** lays down obligations for operators in the food sector in terms of hygiene, traceability and control of foodstuffs. It also defines penalties for non-compliance with these rules, helping to ensure the quality and safety of food on the French market. In accordance with this text, all vending machines offering food products such as sandwiches, snacks, pastries, etc., must comply with strict hygiene standards. This is to prevent any risk of contamination of the foodstuffs sold. Food must be kept at a temperature below *°C, to avoid any deterioration caused by micro-organisms or toxins, and never exceed the best-before date. In addition, the appliance must maintain the cold chain and be clearly identified with the name, address and telephone number of the person in charge, to facilitate inspection and maintenance.

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5.3 Regulations governing plastic packaging

Between **** and ****, a number of laws were passed at national and European level, which constrain manufacturers of plastic packaging in several ways:

The EGALIM law, passed in **** and coming into force in ****, bans the provision of cutlery, glass lids, ice cream pots and other disposable products, except those that are compostable or are biobased. [***] The European Union has adopted a strategy to recycle ***% of plastics by ****, following the example of France, which has adopted a roadmap for the circular economy (***) aiming to recycle ***% of plastics by ****. At European level, a ban on single-use plastic products was passed in ****, and should come into force by June ****. The directive also sets an incorporation rate for recycled materials in plastic packaging at **% by ****, and **% by ****. [***]

Under these laws, several types of plastic and packaging will be progressively banned over the next few years. As far as vending machines are concerned, this means that :

As of January *, ****, the following have been banned[***]:

straws (***) disposable glass lids, plates, cutlery, stirring sticks expanded polystyrene containers and bottles

Plastic cups have been banned since July ****, and must be replaced by paper cups made from no more than **% plastic.

Since this date, it has also been forbidden to market ...

6.1 Player segmentation

Source: ****

• Selecta France
• Maison Lyovel (Montefiore)
• Prodia +
• Qualidea
• Darea
• Diva et Devient
• Evoca France
• Rheavendors France
• Dallmayr distribution automatique France
• Bianchi Vending
• Sielaff France
• Bleutec System
• IVS Group
• Innovorder
• Flo Europe
• Lariplast France
• D8
• Sodex
• Prodia Alimentation Animale
• Cafés Bibal
• Patouillet Ets
• Mend’s
• La Pause Plaisir
• Cup Service
• Merling Professionnel (Groupe Merlin)
• UGDA