Tilly’s Travels on t’ Internet May! Welcome to our compilation of stories from the world of vending, micro markets and cashless services.
It’s good to be back after some time away with some interesting stories from around the world. We have innovations from a cosmetics giant in the UK Capital, word on how convenience services are moving forward post pandemic and more…

Starting in Japan, SoraNews24 has sampled a sushi delicacy from Masuzushi, a restaurant in Toyama. Masuzushi is famous for its sushi, made from sliced trout and cherry salmon, but there’s twist: in this story, a vending machine saves the day! A journalist behind the story said that the vending machine at Masuzushi saved her from a wasted trip to the city as the restaurant was closed when she arrived. (She might have checked opening times, or phoned ahead, but let’s not focus on that). For more on this story of vending good fortune / consumer naivety, click here.
As we’ve all seen in the last couple of years, contactless payment has been a saviour, especially in locations that were considered to be at greater risk. The health sector is a case in point. Predictions are being made about just how far the market for machines vending medical supplies such as PPE can grow. Judging by the sample reports, the sky’s the limit. So, watch this space. For the sample report, follow this link.
Tilly’s Travels on t’ Internet May
The latest big business to take advantage of the current buzz around vending and unattended retail is none other than cosmetic giant LUSH. Their current set up is used as a pop up shop, but wouldn’t you like to see more machines like these? I would! The pilot scheme is on now, at Coal Drops Yard in London. Other prototypes in Japan have proven to be incredibly successful. There’s a decent selection of products available, so keep your eyes peeled for further LUSH machines. For the full story, click here.

Have you ever wondered where the biggest innovations in sweets, chocolates and confectionary happen? No, me neither! Mars Wrigley has announced the opening of an Innovation Centre in Chicago. Whatever it is, it cost around $40m. And that’s a lot of anybody’s candy. What creations will Mars Wrigley develop from here on in? A snack that eats itself and thoughtfully disposes of its own wrapper? Mind you, my old man says he can remember when $40m was a lot of money. For the full story, click here.
Reverse vending is a new way of making the recycling of products more convenient – and with some machines offering tokens or financial incentives to recyclers, more rewarding, too. The market for reverse vending is set to grow from $372 million to $736.9 million by 2030. This may be one small step in the fight against environmental decline but every little helps… Read the full article here.
On a final green note, Berry Superfos Beveridge Systems has developed a new cup that is more readily recyclable, has a strong grip style and can be used for hot and cold beverages. For all the details, click here.
That’s all for Tilly’s Travels on t’ Internet May! See you next time for more delicious vending tid-bits.
More Tilly’s Travels are HERE on Planet Vending.