While vending machines have gained social media attention lately, with quirky options of cakes, choc tops and even butchered meat popping up on TikTok and Instagram feeds, a new trend has emerged within the corporate sector with Micro Markets firmly on the rise.
The Australian-owned industry leader in customised vending and unattended retail solutions, Provender, has seen a growing appetite for its GrabNGo – bespoke convenience stores that are fully automated, self-service, and offer a curated menu chosen by the business.
While this concept is not new internationally, Australia is now seeing the benefits of providing an easy-to-access food and beverage solution for employees or students.
Another trend emerging within the corporate sector, particularly linked to the return to office push, is providing employees with meal allowances, a perk embraced amid cost-of-living pressures.
Provender managing director, Antony Dutton said, “Our GrabNGo Micro Market concept is a true reflection of our corporate mantra of ‘Eat Well, Work Well and Be Better’. Offering quality food that is quick and easy to access for your staff will most certainly help you achieve your employee productivity and wellness goals.
“In many business cases, we see employees have limited access to good food and healthy choices, often having to travel for the majority of their meal breaks and therefore, spending break times on the hunt, rather than utilising their downtime for rest, or for socialising.”
Provender Micro Markets offer a simple tap-and-go system, freshly prepared healthy meals, fruits, bakery items, snacks, and dairy products.
“By eliminating cafeteria line-ups, they tend to become an office hub, a space where colleagues gather not just to eat but to connect, collaborate, and recharge. It’s a game-changer for workplace culture,” Dutton said.
Provender provides the installation, ongoing service, maintenance and regular fulfilment of the Micro Market at no cost to the business.
The evolution of company vending machines, office catering and in house cafeterias to Micro Markets has been driven by the corporate sector’s changing needs and its shift to a more conscious way of doing business, putting people first.
Provender is continuously innovating in close collaboration with clients including Amazon, ING, Harvey Norman, Sydney University and Linfox.