The coffee and food vending machine operator has expanded its self-serve Foodies-On-The-Go concept into the UK travel sector with a first airport launch
The Foodies-On-The-Go machines offer customers self-serve hot beverages from Lavazza, Selecta’s coffee partner | Photo credit: East Midlands Airport
Automated coffee and food operator Selecta has opened its first Foodies-On-The Go concept for air travel at East Midlands Airport, UK.
Foodies-On-The-Go offers customers food and beverages using smart fridge technology, including self-serve hot beverages from Lavazza, Selecta’s coffee partner.
The Foodies-On-The-Go machines use self-scan and contactless payment and are promoted by Swiss-based Selecta as a 24/7 ‘unattended retail solution’.
Air travel and transport hub trade is experiencing a resurgence following two years of pandemic disruption. In the UK, both Pret A Manger and Caffè Nero have reported airport sites as trading above pre-pandemic levels in the last few months.
“Having a Foodies-On-The Go facility in our check-in hall is welcome investment and will improve the customer experience, especially as we enter our busiest weeks of the year. There has been no food or drink provision in the check-in hall for some time and this provides a great solution,” said Richard Duckworth, Commercial Trading Manager, East Midlands Airport.
The self-serve vending machine launch at East Midlands Airport follows the recent opening of Foodies-On-The-Go at East Croydon railway station in london, with the two launches highlighting Selecta’s intention to diversify its automated machine concept into new markets, following initial success in high footfall workplace locations.
Reporting its full-year results to 31 December 2021, Selecta posted revenues of €1.04bn ($1.2bn), an increase of 3.2% compared to the same period in 2020.
Alongside a partnership with Lavazza, Selecta operates We Proudly Serve Starbucks, Nescafé, Pelican Rouge and Miofino branded self-serve coffee machines across Europe. The company maintains a presence across workplaces, healthcare facilities, service stations, retail and leisure locations.