The vending machine industry continues to evolve. The use of no-touch cashless systems has provided greater convenience, speed and security for customers and operators, particularly important in the wake of COVID-19. Soft drinks generate the most sales, followed by non-carbonated products like bottled waters, teas and energy drinks.
Geloso Beverage Group LLC has released Mad Bean Hard Iced Coffee, a gourmet, coffee-flavored ready-to-drink canned malt beverage with a 4.5 percent alcohol by volume.
San Francisco Bay Area craft beverage purveyors 21st Amendment Brewery and Peet's Coffee teamed up for 1966 Coffee IPA, a first-time collaboration beer to celebrate the region's history as a leader of innovation and culture.
Approximately 63 percent of Americans drink coffee, according to the 2019 National Coffee Data Trends. Although coffee exports are decreasing globally, coffee as a distinctive, aromatic ingredient in food and beverages is expanding. Beyond flavor and aroma, attributes like coffee’s purported anti-inflammatory polyphenols are helping to drive product innovations across multiple categories, experts note.
Inginias LLC has released Cafello, a premium sparkling espresso soda. During production, the coffee is mixed with sparkling water, which helps remove the bitter and sour notes associated with coffee, the company says.
Mud/Wtr has released a coffee alternative consisting of organic ingredients and a seventh of the caffeine contained in coffee to avoid the typical coffee jitters and crash, the company says.