Starbucks revolutionized consumer expectations for “good coffee”, starting in 1971, creating a demand for high-quality, experience-driven coffee. The rise of premium coffee, the third wave as coined in 1999 by the Specialty Coffee Association of America, really began in the 1980s. And as our workplaces, taste buds and habits have evolved, so has the demand for specialty coffee – even in the vending and convenience industries. 

 

The coffee vending industry continues to experience robust growth, driven by consumer expectations for convenient, but very high-quality, coffee options. No longer just a workplace perk, coffee has become central to our social lives and workplace atmosphere. As an employee experience, coffee culture is becoming essential to help boost productivity, retention, and overall job satisfaction. Coffee consumers are more and more sophisticated and no longer satisfied with “brown water” from convenience machines or office coffee. 

 

They know a good cup of coffee, espresso or specialty drink and this is what they demand! Naturals2Go has embraced this shift with coffee offerings that meet those elevated standards and high demands of consumers, while also being an extension of our good business program.

 

We love coffee too! 

Industry Evolution and Coffee’s Growth Potential

Coffee vending can thrive, with the whole global coffee market expected to grow. Various reports identify growth anywhere from $495 billion in 2022 to over $700 billion by 2032. These estimates are based on recognizing that specialty coffee demands and employee retention plans, as demands to return to the office increase, create a sweet spot for success. 

 

Office Coffee Services (OCS) have evolved from basic workplace amenities into key employee retention and engagement drivers. Advancements in coffee vending technology—such as touch-screen interfaces, cashless payments, and mobile app integration—are transforming how consumers interact with vending machines.

 

This evolution creates both a demand, and an opportunity, for premium, café-like experiences in offices, break rooms, and public spaces.

 

As Paul Ihn, Vice President of Product Strategy & Operations, puts it: “Coffee vending isn’t just about convenience—it’s about creating an experience that keeps people coming back. In today’s workplace, a great coffee offering can make all the difference in employee satisfaction and retention.” This insight highlights the strategic importance of coffee in modern business environments.

Convenience Coffee Trends and Market Insights

Today’s consumers expect premium coffee, even from a vending machine. The rise of micro-roasters and specialty coffee has transformed the market, with more people seeking high-quality taste. Espresso-based drinks are gaining in popularity, and vending operators who offer these options can tap into growing consumer demand.

 

In fact, well-placed, high-end vending machines can serve up to 300 cups per day, offering significant revenue opportunities for operators with cost being “quarters on the cup”. Automation Vending Magazine reports that consumers are increasingly willing to pay for high-quality, customizable coffee, which increases profitability for operators who want to add coffee service to their business profile. 

Naturals2Go’s Coffee Business is a Hot Idea

The Office Coffee Service (OCS) market size is forecast to increase by $1,230 million USD between 2023 and 2028, according to Technavio. This is largely attributed to an increased size of workforce and an increase in demand for specialty coffee service. 

 

According to Coffee Intelligence, the National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) says 82% of convenience service operators sell coffee, offering coffee in most or all micro markets. 

 

We are helping Naturals2Go business owner-operators scale up their own vending businesses with coffee vending solutions that align perfectly with this growing consumer demand for premium experiences. And for those companies seeking to improve their break room experiences for customers, employees or guests, our services are the premium choice in market.

 

Quality Control and Product Engineering

Naturals2Go never wants a consumer to have a bad cup of coffee! So our commitment to total quality continues with our coffee equipment, service and business support. Our priority is all of these three things:

 

Machine Calibration:
To provide the best coffee experience, it’s crucial that every machine is dialed in and optimized for the specific beans and brewing process. This includes precise measurement of water filtration, gram throw, and water amounts to maintain consistency across all products. We work with every Naturals2Go customer to ensure they know how to give their customers the very best. 

Maintenance and Longevity:
Regular maintenance is key to keeping our machines in top shape. Naturals2Go helps operators understand how to service machines, ensuring that the coffee remains high-quality and machines stay operational.

Best of Beans & Specialty Coffee:
The quality of a cup doesn’t start with the bean, as noted above, but the best beans are the really essential touch. Whether a customer wants a straight shot of espresso with foam, a latte, a cup of hot chocolate, or a seasonal specialty, we have convenience machines to meet these demands, some up to 7 SKUs that can be customized. From commercial standalone machines with on-screen payment to countertop coffee service, we supply the best from only the best suppliers. And, if you have a local micro-roast you want to offer, we can help calibrate and support your delivery of local excellence too.

 

We provide operators with both countertop and free-standing machines, capable of producing anywhere from 100 to 600 cups a day. Machines with larger hoppers offer better margins, as they reduce the need for constant servicing.

 

The options are many, and often simply based on space, demand for how many cups per day and how many options want to be served. We can meet any requirement.

 

 

By offering equipment like the MVP Opera Touch, operators can deliver high-quality coffee consistently, enhancing their vending business​, with all the same on-demand reporting, cashless transactions, and management they’ve come to expect with Naturals2Go equipment. 

 

Break Room Experiences: Coffee is the New Water Cooler

Break rooms have become the new epicenter of workplace culture, and coffee plays a central role. A well-equipped break room offering premium coffee not only increases employee satisfaction but also boosts retention rates. According to NAMA, businesses with high-quality coffee services see higher retention as employees appreciate the convenience and social interaction that great coffee enables​(NAMA)

 

As Ihn notes, “Coffee is more than just a drink. A great cup of coffee can foster collaboration and connection, making it an essential part of the modern workplace.” This highlights the broader impact of coffee vending on company culture and employee engagement.

 

Once established, any independent Naturals2Go vending business owner can offer coffee machines and service as a complement or expansion to their vending program. Naturals2Go also offers enhanced break room experiences including coffee machines and service for businesses or venues that are seeking a break room refresh. 

 

For those looking for better unattended coffee offerings, Naturals2Go is the go to choice.  Learn more about getting started with your own Naturals2Go business opportunity or discover how you can improve your tired break room with better coffee!