The vending industry dates back to 215 B.C. when a device that was used to dispense holy water was used in the temples of Egypt. The device was described by the mathematician Hero who lived in Alexandria. The vending industry is a $30 billion-a-year industry, employing 700,000 people who work at an estimated 13,500 companies. Here are some factors of vending machines that everyone loves about:

The Fresh Food Choice for People on the Go!

Ask most people to define the vending industry and they’re likely to mention soda, chips and candy. But while these products are still a staple in the industry, the truth is that a revolution in technology has transformed vending into a $30 billion industry specializing in convenience and fresh products. Today consumers can use vending machines to help them streamline their busy lifestyles by purchasing everything from cameras and vitamins to pasta dinners and lobster bisque. Advances in technology and the growth of the internet have created unlimited potential for this ultimate self-service vehicle, while more services, various payment options, and easier usage have made shopping through a vending machine easier, quicker and more reliable than ever for consumers.

An Age-Old Industry

While today’s technologically enhanced machines may be new, there’s nothing new about vended products. In fact, as far back as 215 B.C., the mathematician Hero described a device that dispensed Holy Water used in the temples of Egypt. Here in the U.S., Thomas Adams installed Tutti-Frutti gum machines in 1888, on New York elevated train platforms, and forever rewrote the way Americans purchase products. The industry continued to expand in 1902, when the novel Automat restaurant was opened in Philadelphia, and even more so in 1905, when the U.S. Post Office began to use stamp vendors. Later, bottled soft drinks cooled with ice started appearing in the marketplace, and in 1946, the first coffee venders led to the use of vending machines for coffee breaks.

Ultimate Self Service

As the technological revolution continues to unfold, vending will offer new opportunities for consumers to streamline their busy lives. Imagine, for example, instead of waiting in a long line to check into your hotel, swiping a card into a machine. Tired of waiting in line at Blockbusters? Use your credit card and rent your movie from a vending machine. And why not get some books, music and toys for your kids from a vending machine while you’re at it? Such advances are in our very near future and will become more and more prevalent as manufacturers continue to adapt emerging technologies to the vending industry.

When and Where You Want It

From the Holy-Water machines of Hero’s day to today’s machines connected to the internet, the basic objective of vending remains the same: to provide a fresh, quality product, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, helping consumers better manage their busy lifestyles.

Vending in the United States has come a long way since the days of the Tutti-Frutti gum machines. Today for millions of busy consumers each day, new machines and all their technological advances mean access to the freshest products possible 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Thanks to vending, it’s there when and where you want it.