Start to rethink vending as a distribution channel

Put vending on your long-term radar screen. It is a growing distribution channel that will have capabilities beyond what we encounter today.  That will mean changes and opportunities for packaging as vending options expand. That thought comes from speakers at the recent Packaging Strategies Outlook Summit.

These factors will shape packaging for the vending channel:

• Technology can give shoppers custom, personalized products and packaging at the point-of-purchase
• Vending machines become mini packaging lines
• Packaging faces structural and graphic design challenges along with doing QC at the point-of-purchase
• Leading-edge concepts include bulk wine vending, cosmetics and pizza slices