VMF 2018 China Spreads the Good Word of Vending Innovation
Published March 19, 2018 by Lee R
Records attendance and positive data reveal that vending machine industry is growing.
Earlier in the month saw the conclusion of a unique show in China.
The Event
The China International Vending Machines & Self-service Facilities Fair 2018 (China VMF 2018) came off swimmingly at the China Import & Export Fair Complex, successfully hosting over 30,00 visitors and 300 exhibitors across its massive 25,000 Sq. M. Space to set new standards for this young event!
China’s Vending Prominence
The further prominence of China across the global vending industry reflected in the percentage of exhibitors from China, a whopping 40%.
More Effective Data
Other impressive indicators from a post show survey of exhibitors included 96% of exhibitors rating China VMF 2018 as well-organized, and 72% of exhibitors receiving orders on-site at the exhibition floor.
Three Thematic Pavilions
China VMF 2018 was spread across three themed areas according to Self-service Vending Machines, Unattended Retail and Commercial Payment Systems.
Self-service Pavilion Highlights
Innovation on display for the first time at the Self-Service Vending Machine Pavilion included smart-opening refrigerators, an unattended convenience store system, intelligent cooking food vending machines, commemorative coins vending machines, a shared power bank/umbrella, and self-service ice cream vending machines.
Overseas Clientele Increases
Another important number taken from the show was a huge jump in overseas buyers, which increased 140%, with large contingents on hand this year from coming from over 65 Countries and Regions, including Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, India, Australia, UK, USA, Japan, Italy, Korea, and Germany!
Most Popular Products
Further survey data revealed that the most popular categories of products among attendees at VMF China 2018 included innovative vending machines, advanced vending solutions and technology, and payment systems.
Four Key Trends
The four trends recognized from attendee data this year were identified in closing data as Unattended Stores, found to be a promising emerging sector in the New Retail trend; Self-service Parcel Pickup Machines, as a service spawned by the online shopping boom, the proliferation of Mini Vending Machines across new environments such as buses, hotel rooms and etc; and Hot Meals Vending Machines, whose growth is set to be driven by deployment in business parks.
Co-hosting Conference
The 5th Asia-Pacific Vending Industry Summit was co-hosted within VMS China 2018 and was held on the first day to the theme of "New Opportunities, New Retail, and New Future."
APA Awards
The show also included an awards program, under the auspices of the Asia Pacific Vending Industry Association (APVA).
Outlook
VMS 2018 confirmed that China, and the vending industry, are together facilitating the spread, and benefits of vending machine innovation worldwide.
