Naturals2Go/ VendTech Joins the Conversation on the Future of Vending and Micro Markets

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Earlier this week, Naturals2Go/ VendTech was proud to participate in the State of the Vending & Micro Market Industry – sharing the future of vending – on a webinar hosted by Automatic Merchandising/VendingMarketWatch.com. (Watch the replay) This national discussion brought together leaders in the unattended retail industry to explore current trends, future outlooks, and the automated retail business models driving success.

Naturals2Go joined the conversation to offer a grounded perspective on where the industry is headed. We highlighted how independent vending business operators continue to play a critical role in shaping the future of unattended retail.

Addressing Consolidation and Why Small Operator Service Remains the Future of Vending

With increased industry consolidation among large national operators, we were asked to weigh in.

“Is there still room for small businesses in vending?”

Absolutely.

What keeps the vending and micro market industry thriving isn’t just state-of-the-art vending machines or emerging technology trends. It’s the power of exceptional customer service and the growing demand for convenient, personalized experiences.

Consumers want ease and speed, yes. But also variety, reliability, and a personal touch. The same goes for the businesses hosting vending machines, micro markets, AI equipment or office coffee service (OCS) systems in their facilities. They want solutions that are flexible, consistently serviced, and tailored to their employees and customers… without worry.

That’s exactly what Naturals2Go independent owner-operators deliver every day by using the best-in-class vending equipment and remote monitoring software, all backed by the strength of a national brand but operated with local care.

Operators want a straightforward, scalable business model. That’s what we provide. Whether starting part-time or going all-in, our vending business entrepreneurs, many of whom are first-time business owners, gain the tools, training, and support needed to succeed. They also receive the MVP machine well-known in the industry for looking great, being reliable, high-capacity with hundreds of customizable options and leading-edge technology built in.

Leading in Innovation for 15 Years

Naturals2Go has spent the past 15 years driving industry trends (healthy vending) and vending innovation forward—from cashless payment systems and remote machine monitoring to complete vending management system (VMS) ecosystems.

We’ve developed a proven model that combines retail technology with business expertise—helping operators not only start vending businesses but also expand into micro markets, pantry services, AI-enabled coolers, and other convenience service solutions.

Unveiled at The NAMA Show, Naturals2Go, VendTech (the same leadership and engine behind the equipment) researches, designs, and implements next-gen solutions across all categories of unattended retail. From intelligent card readers and customer kiosks to scalable equipment solutions for operators, and a technology ecosystem. We stay focused on making business ownership smarter and more efficient.

Scaling Success: From One Machine to Full Operations

During the webinar, we shared stories from real Naturals2Go operators—like Jeff Criswell, also a Naturals2Go Growth Consultant, who scaled from six machines to 37 vending machines, multiple micro markets, and OCS in just five years.

Dave Robertson, another standout Naturals2Go operator and Naturals2Go trainer, now runs over 140 vending machines and 10 micro markets, after beginning with only eight. Both operators represent the scalability of our model and the growing potential within intelligent vending and convenience retail.

Their journeys highlight more than growth—they demonstrate the strength of a people-first business model, scalable infrastructure, and the value of local ownership in an industry often dominated by national chains.

Our Takeaway: The Future of Vending Has Growth Alongside Great Service

Industry trends predict rapid growth in adoption of new technology, cashless payments, micro markets and AI-powered retail solutions, while vending operations is expected to grow at a steadier pace. But the total unattended retail market is expanding. All experts on the panel agree there remains vast opportunity exists across all categories.

As noted by Natali Pupovac-Peters, Naturals2Go’s Head of Global Operations, some businesses that initially pursued shiny new formats like AI coolers are already returning to vending, recognizing its cost-efficiency, operational ease, and consumer familiarity.

Naturals2Go gives operators the freedom to choose the right path. But recommend starting with vending as the gateway to the industry. As operators ourselves, we know that the business of unattended retail can get complex quickly.

Starting a vending business through Naturals2Go is designed to be a straightforward and simple business model with the equipment and technology that acts like the best employee. From there, Naturals2Go offers scalable growth support – whether that’s smarter vending technology, micro markets, OCS, AI Coolers or a combination. They are always supported by our national team of operators for business and technical support.

A Business Built on Belief

Naturals2Go continues to lead with a simple belief:
Put people first. Equip them well. And the business will follow.

We’re honored to have been part of this important industry discussion—and even more proud of the community of operators growing local vending and unattended retail success stories across the country.

Learn more about how Naturals2Go helps new vending business entrepreneurs thrive in vending and beyond:
www.naturals2go.com/perfect-business

Learn more about how VendTech helps existing operators scale and grow with the best equipment, micro markets and solutions, and technology: www.vendtech.com

Watch the full webinar replay:
https://www.vendingmarketwatch.com/webinars/webinar/55294239/state-of-the-vending-micro-market-industry-report

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