Boost inc is honored to be featured on the cover and in the main headline story of the June 2026 issue of Vending Report DACH, a leading magazine for the automated retail industry in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
The feature highlights our mission to empower operators with a holistic, smart ecosystem, from intelligent hardware to seamless software and payment solutions. In her editorial address, Eva Schwaab, Deputy Object Manager of Vending Report, noted the rapid momentum of unattended retail in the region, pointing to Boost inc as a prime example of the industry’s future:
“The development of new markets is particularly exciting here. Topics such as retail, self-service concepts, and innovative start-ups are increasingly gaining importance… Fittingly, the cover story of this issue showcases the company Boost inc., exemplifying a new generation of intelligent vending solutions. With innovative concepts like ‘Smart Fridges,’ it becomes clear where the industry is heading and what opportunities are already available today—and at affordable prices.” – Eva Schwaab, Vending Report DACH
Read the original digital edition in German on Vending Report’s website here.
See the English version of the feature article below.
As one of the leading companies in this field, Boost inc knows exactly what operators need. From the devices to the software, all the way to payment; the manufacturer offers a holistic system.
Smart Fridges, self-checkout systems, and networked retail spaces: Boost inc consistently focuses on modern unattended retail concepts, supplementing classic vending solutions. This is appreciated by customers all over Europe and, according to company data, more than 50,000 vending machines are already networked across Europe via the company’s own platform.
Pascal Uffer founded Boostbar in June 2020 as a breath of fresh air for the Swiss food & beverage industry. With Tijs van Bladel joining as the first employee, they set out to show operators what is possible with unattended retail. As he emphasizes: “I moved from the Netherlands to Switzerland to help shape this adventure—and to prove what is possible with unattended retail. We started with nothing but brave ideas in an 8-square-meter coworking space. A few years and many Smart Coolers, Micro-Markets, and coffee concepts later, Boost inc was born—as a fusion between technology partner Aeguana and operator Boostbar. Since then, we have invested all our resources into making Boost inc technology available to other operators and helping them scale.”
Today, the manufacturer is considered one of the leading companies in the field of unattended retail, offering a broad portfolio. This ranges from Smart Fridges and hardware to software and payment terminals.
Flexible systems for catering from morning to night
Traditional canteen and sales models no longer work everywhere today. End consumers are increasingly flexible in their everyday lives and expect this from catering and sales options as well. They also expect an increasing level of customisation. “End consumers are spoiled by delivery services and fast-food chains when it comes to speed, customization, and flexibility. Naturally, these expectations are carried over to vending machines during break times,” knows Tijs van Bladel, “which is why we have developed a solution that means you don’t have to build it yourself.”
In addition to Smart Coolers and Smart Freezers, Boost inc offers compact solutions developed specifically for classic vending locations. After all, classic vending machines remain the core business of many operators.
“Our food solutions open up new segments. But in the area of traditional snack and beverage sales, the spiral machine still holds the top spot. So we asked ourselves another question: What if we could develop something that changes the device and investment costs, but leaves the acquisition and operating costs the same?” says Tijs van Bladel.
The result is the “Compact Range.” It combines modern touchscreen technology with classic vending machine structures. This allows traditional vending machines to be upgraded into digital sales platforms without significantly changing the cost structure. The devices feature compact 13.3-inch touchscreens, digital product recommendations, promotions, flexible payment options, and integrated security features. The terminals are also available as stand-alone solutions and can be flexibly integrated into existing machine fleets.
When the brand needs to stand out
Shopping centers, airports, train stations, amusement parks, city centers, hotel lobbies: the possibilities with Boost inc are endless. The focus is no longer just on the product dispensing, but on the overall customer experience. Directly addressing passing foot traffic is the key to success here.
“We haven’t built a reputation for no reason. We want to implement ambitious projects with our partners. Creative devices, unique locations, an eye-catching brand appearance—we are all in,” says Tijs van Bladel. A central element here is a screen that is clearly visible from a distance of 20 meters. Storytelling, interactive components, and gamification appeal to a wide target audience.
This allows operators not only to sell products but simultaneously utilize high-quality advertising and media spaces.
Telemetry Support
Telemetry is indispensable today. That is why Boost inc also offers its own telemetry connection. This can be connected to any automated machine, regardless of age or manufacturer. This enables immediate remote monitoring, the collection of sales data, and remote access—without having to swap out the entire system. The software tracks inventory levels in real-time, points out expiration dates, and adjusts promotions accordingly based on what is actually on the shelf. This allows operators to focus fully on restocking the machines instead of dealing with problems long-term.
Vendtra 2026
Have you become curious? Then visit Boost inc in person at Vendtra 2026 in Augsburg. As an exhibitor, the company will present its latest innovations as well as the functions of its Smart Coolers, Smart Freezers, and the Compact Series at the trade fair.
“We look forward to Vendtra 2026 with excitement,” says Tijs van Bladel, “already last year we were able to hold numerous expert discussions at Vendtra in Munich. We are on the right track. This is exactly what we want to continue this year in Augsburg. Do you want to collaborate with us? Do you have questions? Then visit us at our booth. My team and I are ready to answer your questions and hear your suggestions.”
Product Portfolio & Interview
Product Portfolio of Boost inc
- Classic Cooler & Classic Freezer Intelligent refrigerator/intelligent freezer with a large 24-inch touchscreen and self-checkout function. Features: 24-inch touchscreen, self-checkout system, Vision-AI anti-theft protection (optional), product recommendations & upselling, flexible payment methods, expandable with additional refrigerator or freezer modules.
- Compact Cooler Compact intelligent refrigerator for modern vending locations with a focus on higher turnover and lower operating costs. Features: 13.3-inch full HD touchscreen, Vision-AI security features, compact design, flexible payment methods, product recommendations & upselling, suitable for vending locations.
- Classic Checkout Premium self-checkout terminal for micro-markets and automated retail spaces. Features: 22-inch touchscreen, supports loyalty programs & promotions, QR and RFID scanner, flexible payment integration, connection to refrigerators and freezers possible, cloud connection via VendLive.
- Compact Checkout Compact self-checkout terminal for smaller micro-markets and snack/beverage concepts. Features: 13.3-inch touchscreen, all-in-one system, integrated payment processing, loyalty programs, promotions & product information, QR or RFID support, cloud management via VendLive.
- Digital Vending In addition to the Classic and Compact series, Boost inc offers various vending solutions, including: Full-screen vending machine, classic vending machine with interactive touchscreen, compact vending machine with interactive touchscreen, Coffee2Go.
Interview: Tijs Van Bladel, Boost inc
Vending Report: Dear Mr. Van Bladel, what vision is Boost inc pursuing in the field of Smart Retail and what developments are currently driving your company forward in particular?
Tijs Van Bladel: Boost inc is the technology and operating platform for modern unattended retail. We provide hardware, software, and payment solutions for operators, OEMs, and brands that want to introduce, operate, and scale concepts that actually work. We are the only company for unattended retail technology in Europe with our own operation: Boostbar is the fastest-growing workplace F&B concept in Switzerland. This means we are close to the operator every day and test new technologies ourselves. In recent months, we have laid the foundation to successfully scale our unattended retail platform worldwide via Vendlive. Our major launch in January 2026 was the Compact Range of the new Compact Cooler, a compact checkout system for micro-markets, and a compact screen kit for digital vending. So far, we have supported numerous operators in setting up high-quality unattended retail concepts—from premium digital vending to food concepts with Smart Fridge technology. However, the market is under pressure, and operators need cost-effective solutions today. With the Compact Range, we want to offer Boost inc technology at a competitive price.
VR: What solutions does your current portfolio include and which target groups do you focus on particularly?
T.V.B.: Everything we develop is intended for operator use—either directly or via manufacturer partners. As we always say: We develop nothing that we wouldn’t use ourselves as an operator.
- Software: Our operating system Vendlive is the heart of all our concepts—a platform for all device types with customized user interfaces, ERP integration, and connections to payment infrastructures.
- Smart Coolers: A modular range for operators and distributors, available as cooling and freezing versions in three variants: Premium (24-inch screen), Compact (13.3-inch), and AI camera version.
- Checkouts: For micro-market and snack-market concepts, we offer a compact 13.3-inch version in addition to a Premium 24-inch self-checkout, featuring various payment options and full modularity.
- Digital Vending: We bring the technology of Boost inc into classic vending machines—via full-digital screens (42- to 47-inch), 24-inch outdoor screens, or the future compact 13.3-inch screen kit. The heart of this is our own boostbox media board. We work together with various leading manufacturers.
- Payments & IoT: Since October 2025, the telemetry and payment portfolio of Vensolutions has also belonged to Boost inc.
VR: You recently introduced a new Smart Fridge. What advantages does this device offer compared to classic vending systems?
T.V.B.: Yes, exactly, our new Compact Cooler. Personally, I am very pleased to now have it in our portfolio. Our customers have been asking for a high-quality Smart Fridge with European technology, but without premium price tags—and that is exactly what we are providing now. Smart Fridges have clear advantages over classic vending machines. It is primarily a software product with some hardware, not the other way around. We intentionally avoid AI camera systems based on weight sensors or RFID in order not to sacrifice valuable interior space for heavy infrastructure. Instead, we have more space for products, and there are no restrictions on product selection whatsoever. At most locations, the system also sells better—and this is not only due to higher-priced products but also because of the attractiveness, higher shopping baskets, and the better shopping experience.
VR: What trends do you currently see in the smart retail and vending market as particularly forward-looking? What role do digitalization and AI play here?
T.V.B.: I currently see two types of operators: those who stand still and those who lead the way. The first group has been watching the digital wave for years, but doing nothing. The result is dwindling customer numbers and shrinking revenues, and there are only a few opportunities left to counteract this. The second group is writing a different story: operators who embrace innovations with Smart Fridges, digital screens, micro-markets, or mobile apps see high returns from their initial pilot projects. Often it is about trying something new. Back in 2018, I developed and introduced the first micro-markets for my employer at the time. The first projects were a painful learning curve, but they helped secure tenders, ensure strong PR, and retain existing customers until a profitable business emerged. A universal formula for success does not exist. In company catering, Smart Fridges or Smart Freezers can offer an ideal entry point. On train stations or gas stations, digital vending, on the other hand, ensures more visibility and higher shopping baskets. In the healthcare sector and hotels, micro-markets are already proven. Which innovation fits depends on the location and the customer. Operators today face a clear choice: adapt and grow—or risk falling behind.
VR: What significance do trade fairs still hold for the industry today, and at which events can one meet Boost inc this year?
T.V.B.: Trade fairs are of great importance to us. Our Boost inc brand is still young, and a large part of our previous success is based on trade fairs, networking events, and industry gatherings. Vending is a classic people business. Trust is not built from afar, but through personal presence, patience, and direct exchange with the industry. Vendtra is a particularly important place for us, partly because of our commitment to the German market—to show that we are investing here and staying long-term. Last year, this commitment paid off directly, as the Vensolutions team became part of our portfolio.
VR: What developments do you wish for the vending and smart retail industry in the future?
T.V.B.: More cooperation between hardware and software providers. Let’s be honest—these are two completely different core competencies. Most hardware providers are not software experts and vice versa. Only when this cooperation happens within the supply chain can operators profit from better systems that help them sell more and work more efficiently.
VR: Mr. Van Bladel, thank you very much for this interesting conversation.
To learn more about implementing our solutions across Europe, reach out to hello@boostinc.com
