New Kepak Guide
Kepak has launched an updated guide to help vending operators make informed decisions about adding fresh food to their ranges and growing sales in automated retail.
The six-page guide, Feeding the Future 2026: Unlocking Growth in Automated Retail, combines current category and market insight with practical advice on introducing food. The guide in conjunction with the AVA, examines consumer habits, food to go trends, opportunities and challenges for operators, and the food safety requirements involved in selling chilled products.
The new Kepak guide reports that the UK food to go market is worth £27.2bn, with growth of 7.9%.* It also draws on the latest AVA census, which puts vending revenue at £3.13bn in 2025, up 7% on 2024, while food accounts for 8% of total vending revenue.**
It highlights opportunities in workplaces, hospitals and travel hubs, where consumers want convenient food throughout the day. Lunch is gaining share of vending occasions, rising from 12% in July 2025 to 21% in July 2026 in the research presented in the guide. Alongside growth opportunities, it addresses the challenges of short shelf life, forecasting and waste.
Emma Greenow, Senior Category Manager, Kepak Foods Divison, said: “We created the new Kepak guide to give operators access to the latest category and market insight, which has not always been easy to find in one place. In a challenging market, they need a clear view of what is driving growth, where the opportunities are and what it takes to add fresh food successfully. Alongside the AVA we have offered our expert insight together with practical guidance, to help operators make confident decisions that are right for their businesses.”
The new Kepak guide also covers allergen information, food business registration, storage and transport, temperature checks, record keeping, staff training and food safety management plans. It also includes testimonials from operators on the benefits of adding fresh food and extending food provision beyond normal catering hours.
Download a digital copy of the new Kepak guide here.
* Lumina Intelligence Food To Go Report 2026 and Eating & Drinking Out Panel, 52 weeks ending 10 May 2026.
** AVA Census 2025.
Read more from Kepak on Planet Vending here
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