Following our cover story in June, Boost inc is proud to be featured once again in Vending Report, the leading trade magazine for vending, OCS and unattended retail. The interview appears in both the October 2026 issue of Vending Report DACH and the international VR Globe September/October 2026 edition.
This edition looks back on Vendtra 2026 in Augsburg, where we exhibited alongside 125 other companies and welcomed some of the event’s roughly 3,400 trade visitors to our stand. In her editorial, Eva Schwaab, Deputy Object Manager of Vending Report, describes how smart fridges, telemetry, AI and new automated retail concepts are blurring the lines between traditional vending and adjacent markets. She also notes that rising labour costs and skills shortages are pushing more businesses towards automation. For them, the open question is no longer whether to automate, but which technologies and partners to choose. She highlighted Boost inc among the exhibitors driving this shift:
“Another key focus of this issue is the wide range of companies and solutions that exhibited at Vendtra. These include new smart fridge concepts from Boost Inc., as well as developments in payment systems, telemetry, and digitalisation.” – Eva Schwaab, Vending Report
At the show, Vending Report caught up with Tijs Van Bladel and the team. They talked about the first operator feedback on our new Compact Cooler, where the market is heading over the next year, and our commitment to the German market.
Read the original digital edition in German in Vending Report DACH here.
Read the original digital edition in English in VR Globe here.
See the English version of the feature article below.
From hype to routine: how intelligent vending technology is gaining ground in the DACH market. This was the topic for Boost inc at this year’s Vendtra. Vending Report spoke with Tijs Van Bladel of Boost inc at the trade fair. The discussion focused on Vendtra, Boost inc’s latest innovations, and their vision for the future.
In June, Boost inc presented its vision for the modern vending sector on the cover of Vending Report. Now, in September, Tijs Van Bladel draws a clear conclusion: “The industry’s feedback confirms that we are on the right track as a manufacturer of modern vending solutions.” We spoke with Tijs Van Bladel and his team at this year’s Vendtra event. The company reflects on recent months, reviews its latest smart fridge rollouts, and demonstrates how operators can generate added value in their daily operations through digitalisation.
Interview: Tijs Van Bladel, Boost inc
Vending Report: Mr Van Bladel, how did you find this year’s Vendtra?
Tijs Van Bladel: It was an absolute pleasure for us to attend the trade fair. Since our first appearance four years ago, Vendtra has become a regular fixture in our calendar. Back then, we started out with a simple smart freezer in the innovation hall after being invited to participate. Today, we have the opportunity to be at the heart of the action, showcasing our innovative technologies and vending machines from an amazing stand with a fantastic team, impressing operators in the process. It is a real personal pleasure. Every year, we meet more customers, potential new customers, and valuable industry partners.
For us, Vendtra has long been about much more than simply meeting lots of customers in person over two days. Above all, it is an opportunity to network with other exhibitors, share ideas and consider the current challenges facing the market from every perspective, whether that of consumers, operators or suppliers. Despite the current pressure on the market, the energy at the event was palpable. It’s clear that everyone involved wants to drive the market forward.
VR: Our last feature on Boost inc focused on your new smart fridge. The model is now entering the market. What has the initial feedback from vending operators been like?
T.V.B.: The feedback has been very positive so far. You might think this sounds like an empty sales promise. However, we are not just saying this because we want to sell our products; operators recognise the real potential. Our Boost inc Compact Cooler is used as both a “Vending 2.0” solution and in the premium catering, lunch provision and food service segments. Until now, operators have faced two problems with smart fridges. Either the systems were sourced locally in Europe, costing 30–40% more than conventional vending machines, or operators had to turn to suppliers outside Europe. Furthermore, the technology was often difficult to scale up, involving solutions such as RFID tracking, weighing systems, and the time-consuming process of training camera systems to recognise every individual product.
Our Compact Cooler removes these barriers simply and efficiently:
- Scalable technology: Seamless integration with no need for time-consuming product calibration. Anyone can stock the unit without having to follow a complicated procedure.
- Industry-standard interfaces: MDB connectivity, as well as direct ERP and telemetry integration.
- Attractive economics: A price point on a par with that of traditional vending machines.
Barriers to switching to modern technologies are falling, as reflected by current demand.
VR: Where do you think the market will be heading in the next 6 to 12 months?
T.V.B.: In terms of market trends, we see two key developments:
- Smart fridges and freezers are becoming standard in operators’ portfolios. The traditional route in our industry rightly leads from the operator to the end customer. This is where the real added value is created, and operators are fundamental to this market. It has taken some time for this technology to gain widespread acceptance, but that moment has now arrived. Intelligent cooling and freezing systems are now an integral part of innovative operators’ offerings.
- Digital interaction and screens on vending machines: The trend is moving away from simple physical or digital selection buttons towards genuine digital user experiences. Whether the screen is integrated by the OEM at the factory or retrofitted using a solution such as our Compact Screenkit to upgrade existing machines, customers now expect interfaces similar to those they are familiar with from quick-service restaurant chains such as McDonald’s or KFC.
This digitalisation gives operators the opportunity to develop new concepts and opens up avenues for collaboration with FMCG companies and product manufacturers. Digitalisation also offers a way to increase sales from existing vending machines or among existing customers. This is naturally of great interest to both operators and suppliers.
VR: What role does Boost inc hope to play in the future of the German vending market?
T.V.B.: We are continuously investing in the German market through our local presence, in-house product development, and our commitment to localisation. Our systems are tailored to the specific requirements of the DACH region. This includes German-language user interfaces, local tax structures, subsidy schemes and TSE certification.
We also see ourselves as a connector. Technology alone does not create a functioning concept. We bring stakeholders together:
- Food manufacturers and operators: We connect FMCG manufacturers and operators, and our technology serves as the link between them.
- Project sponsorship and knowledge transfer: We support joint projects and share practical knowledge on running unattended retail profitably on a day-to-day basis.
Our mission is to provide operators with the tools they need to implement new concepts sustainably in their everyday business.
VR: Will you be exhibiting at Vendtra again next year, and what innovations will you be showcasing?
T.V.B.: Absolutely! Our stand for next year has already been booked. Following this year’s success, there was no doubt in our minds. We are currently working on new digitalisation options for traditional vending and coffee machines, as well as the next stage in the development of our Compact Cooler. We look forward to seeing everyone from the industry there again.
VR: Mr Van Bladel, thank you very much for this engaging interview.
To learn more about implementing our solutions across Europe, reach out to hello@boostinc.com
