U.S. Retail Vending Machine Market Trends
The size of the U.S. retail vending machine market was USD 15.03 billion in 2024 and is anticipated to progress at a CAGR of 3.1% from 2025 to 2035. Market growth is being driven by various factors, including the rising demand for convenient, on-the-go food and drinks, technological innovations like cashless payment systems and intelligent vending machines, and the rising trend of automation in the retail sector. Furthermore, the increased urbanization and hectic lifestyles have boosted the demand for convenient and rapid shopping options. The incorporation of IoT and AI in vending machines has also improved the consumer experience by providing tailored product suggestions and real-time inventory monitoring.
The segment is expanding significantly with increasing penetration of automated retailing solutions across various establishments such as malls, airports, offices, and residential complexes as well. Consumers are demanding fast, contactless shopping, and vending machines provide a simple way to purchase snacks, beverages, and even electronics without anyone involved. Post-pandemic movements toward self-service technologies have fueled the most rapid expansion of unattended retailing. As an example, Amazon introduced Amazon Go smart vending machines, using AI and computer vision to allow for cashier-free shopping.
Technical developments are a primary driver within the industry. The synergy of IoT, AI, and cashless payments has improved the efficiency and appeal of vending machines. Intelligent vending machines are now able to track inventory in real time, optimize restocking, and offer customized product choices based on previous purchases. Industry giants such as PepsiCo and Coca-Cola have introduced touch screen-operated vending machines that allow customers to mix and match drinks. Similarly, intelligent vending kiosks in hospitals and universities today offer healthy snacks, PPE kits, and medications, far beyond the limits of conventional snack and drink vending.
The emergence of healthier and premium vending choices is changing the landscape. With increasing awareness about health, consumers are now looking for organic, gluten-free, and high-protein food items, so there is an upsurge in vending machines that provide healthier alternatives. Farmer's Fridge and HelloGoodness (a PepsiCo-owned company) are among the companies that have placed vending machines that carry salads, fresh wraps, and low-calorie drinks at offices and gyms. This trend is part of a larger movement in which vending machines are not only for junk food anymore but also are becoming an integral part of the health and wellness movement in retailing.
The second factor that is influencing this industry is the transition of vending machines from food and beverages into other categories such as electronics, cosmetics, and fashion accessories. Corporations such as Best Buy have launched vending machines at airports selling products such as headphones, chargers, and tablets for last-minute travelers. Likewise, cosmetics companies like Benefit Cosmetics have placed vending machines in trafficked locations to offer on-the-go beauty items. Such diversification is increasing customer interaction and generating increased revenue per vending unit.
The sector has undergone development and gradually increased throughout the years. With the lives of consumers becoming increasingly hectic and individuals looking for convenience and saving time while on the move, operators of vending machines are offered numerous opportunities. With changing tastes in consumers, moving toward healthier and organic foods, vending machine operators are in a position to bring in healthier snack foods and beverages. Machines providing protein bars, fresh juice, organic snacks, and meal replacements can tap the increasing need for nutritional convenience. Also, vending machines offering gluten-free, keto, and plant-based products can draw health-conscious consumers in urban centers, gyms, and offices, increasing the market potential for specialty vending.
The market showcases strong growth and dominance, with more than 7 million units installed throughout the country, benefiting around 100 million Americans on a daily basis. Main manufacturers are also contributing to market growth by way of ongoing product innovations, unveiling new flavors and recipes to satisfy evolving consumer preferences. In July 2024, PizzaForno, the top automated pizzeria in North America, showcased an impressive expansion during the first half of 2024, opening operations in several U.S. states, such as Utah, California, Delaware, New York, Florida, and Maryland.
Report Coverage & Deliverables
- Competitive benchmarking
- Historical data & forecasts
- Company revenue shares
- Regional opportunities
- Latest trends & dynamics
Product Insights
Drink retail vending machines represented the most significant 38.08% share in 2024 as consumers increasingly sought convenient, on-the-move refreshment products and as vending technology has improved. The demand for healthier drinks, including cold-press juice, functional beverages, and specialty coffee, has grown, pushing vending machine products to move beyond the standard soft drink. Companies are also using vending machines as an economical, 24/7 retailing opportunity, which is boosting market growth.
Technological progress is taking the lead in the growth of the beverage vending machine market. Intelligent vending machines with AI, IoT, and mobile payment technology improve the shopping experience as customers can make payments via contactless cards, QR codes, and mobile wallets, minimizing cash transactions.
The retail vending machine market for snacks is projected to increase at a CAGR of 3.0% from 2025 to 2035. With the growing demand for quick, convenient food fits perfectly into consumers' fast lives, vending machines offer an enticing option to regular retail. Vending machines become a key channel for distribution with rising snack consumption, especially in places of high foot traffic such as offices, schools, hospitals, and transit hubs. The spread of vending machines to new spaces, coupled with the use of intelligent vending technologies, continues to spur market growth.
Location Insights
Manufacturing retail vending machines held the biggest market share of 35.80% in 2024 due to the increasing demand to improve employee convenience and workplace efficiency. They enable instant availability of snacks, drinks, and necessary supplies like tools and PPE, minimizing downtime and boosting productivity. Implementation of Industry 4.0 and digitalization also enhances the growth of vending machines in manufacturing through increased automation and supply chain optimization within industrial environments. With the provision of necessary work supplies as well as easy meal alternatives, vending machines promote a more effective workforce while facilitating smooth inventory management.
Public area retail vending machines are expected to increase at a CAGR of 4.3% during the period between 2025 and 2035. These machines are useful for high-traffic areas like train stations, airports, malls, and parks as they provide fast, cashless transactions and less dependence on manned retail outlets. The rising consumer demand for healthier food items has also driven vending machine contents. They increasingly carry organic snacks, low-calorie drinks, and healthy meal options. The trend is most evident in schools, hospitals, and gyms, where vending machines are being installed to dispense healthier options, meeting the increasing demand for health-conscious products.
Payment Mode Insights
Cashless retail vending machines comprised the largest share of 75.00% in 2024, reflecting the growing consumer trend towards cashless payments. Vending machine operators are reacting by adopting mobile payments, credit/debit card readers, and QR code payment systems, as smartphone usage, mobile wallets, and tap-to-pay cards grow. Convenience is the primary appeal of cashless payments since they eliminate the use of physical money, enabling faster and convenient transactions. Consumers no longer need to carry change or handle cash, making cashless vending machines a more convenient and efficient alternative. Cantaloupe's 2023 Micropayment Trends Report analyzed activity from nearly 675,000 active card readers on food and beverage vending machines in the U.S. and Canada between January and December 2022. According to the report, EMV payments were the primary forces behind contactless sales, accounting for over 52% of all contactless transactions at year-end. The report says that the growth is part of a wider trend in which vending operators are upgrading their machines to newer ones that offer a safer and more efficient credit card payment experience.
The cash segment is anticipated to post a CAGR of 1.4% from 2025-2035. Despite growing popularity of electronic payments, cash continues to be in favor across most regions owing to continued usage of physical money. Additionally, cash is favored by some users for security and privacy purposes, as it does not allow digital tracing, chances of identity theft, and potential cyber forgery. Unlike electronic payments, no digital footprint is left behind with cash transactions, offering greater privacy—a major concern in regions where financial surveillance is a problem.
Key U.S. Retail Vending Machine Company Insights
Key players operating in the U.S. retail vending machine market are undertaking various initiatives to strengthen their presence and increase the reach of their products and services. Strategies such as expansion activities and partnerships are key in propelling the market growth.
Key U.S. Retail Vending Machine Companies
- Azkoyen Group
- U-Select-It (USI)
- Royal Vendors, Inc.
- Glory Ltd.
- Vending.com
- Seaga Manufacturing Inc.
- Orasesta S.p.A
- Incredivend
- Fuji Electric Co., Ltd.
- Automatic Merchandising Systems (AMS)
- Express Vending
- DGA Vending GmbH
Recent Developments
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Cantaloupe, a technology company that specializes in self-service commerce, released smart stores in December 2024 as a revolutionary substitute for common vending machines. Smart stores are 24/7 self-service applications created for retailers, residential complexes, gyms, and hotel pantries. The mechanism functions by a straightforward process wherein customers make payment at the POS to unlock the unit, choose products, and finalize their purchase by pressing "Pay.".
Thundercomm, in January 2023, unveiled its Smart Vending Machine Solution at CES 2023, which enhances the consumer experience and operational efficiency for vending machine operators. With dynamic vision technology, the solution can identify items purchased accurately, making it easy for consumers to buy. Dynamic SKU updates are also supported by the solution to minimize retraining and simplify product introduction, with the end goal of reducing operational costs and enhancing container space use.
Better Fresh Farms launched a new salad vending machine in September 2024 at Cool Beanz Espresso Bar located in Statesboro, Georgia. It serves fresh hydroponic salads for USD 8.99 per large size. The machine has several salad varieties with protein toppings and utilizes locally produced fresh greens.
U.S. Retail Vending Machine Market Report Scope
|
Report Attribute |
Details |
|
Market size value in 2025 |
USD 15.45 billion |
|
Revenue forecast in 2030 |
USD 17.99 billion |
|
Growth rate (revenue) |
CAGR of 3.1% from 2025 to 2030 |
|
Actuals data |
2018 - 2024 |
|
Forecast period |
2025 - 2030 |
|
Quantitative units |
Revenue in USD million/billion, and CAGR from 2025 to 2030 |
|
Report coverage |
Revenue forecast, company ranking, competitive landscape, growth factors, and trends |
|
Segments covered |
Product, location, payment mode, country |
|
Country scope |
U.S. |
|
Key companies profiled |
Azkoyen Group; U-Select-It (USI); Royal Vendors, Inc.; Glory Ltd.; Vending.com; Seaga Manufacturing Inc.; Orasesta S.p.A; Incredivend; Fuji Electric Co., Ltd.; Automatic Merchandising Systems (AMS); Express Vending; DGA Vending GmbH |
|
Customization scope |
Free report customization (equivalent up to 8 analysts working days) with purchase. Addition or alteration to country, regional & segment scope. |
|
Pricing and purchase options |
Avail customized purchase options to meet your exact research needs. Explore purchase options |
U.S. Retail Vending Machine Market Report Segmentation
Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2035)
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Beverage Vending Machines
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Hot Beverage Vending Machines
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Cold Beverage Vending Machines
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Snacks Vending Machines
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Food Vending Machines
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Frozen Vending Machines
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Tobacco Vending Machines
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Games/Amusement Vending Machines
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Beauty & Personal Care Vending Machines
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Candy & Confectionery Vending Machines
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Pharmaceuticals Vending Machines
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Electronics Vending Machines
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Book & Magazine Vending Machines
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Location Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2035)
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Manufacturing
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Offices
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Colleges & Universities
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Hospitals & Nursing Homes
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Restaurants, Bars & Clubs
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Public Places
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Others
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Payment Mode Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2035)
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Cashless
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Cash
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