Vending Trends - Key Takeaways from EVEX & Vendtra 2025

Exploring what’s next in vending payments 

with Pit Lindner and Wim Berentsen

September 2025 was a pivotal month for the European vending industry. Two leading events, EVEX in Split and Vendtra in Munich, brought together operators, integrators and innovators to exchange ideas and explore the future of vending. We sat down with Pit Lindner (Key Account Manager) and Wim Berentsen (Commercial Product Manager), who represented CCV at both events, to reflect on the top trends they observed and how CCV is helping shape the future of vending payments.

From one-size-fits-all to tailored payment flows

Today’s vending operations are anything but standard. Operators want payment flows that reflect their unique business models and user journeys. And that means moving beyond traditional terminal setups.

There’s a clear trend toward individualisation in vending payments,” Pit explains. “Different business cases require different workflows. We’re seeing more demand for app integrations and custom flows that align with each operator’s strategy. Our Android-based terminals are the perfect fit for this kind of flexibility.

Android-powered terminals like the CCV IM25 and CCV IM30 allow seamless integration with external platforms and enable new use cases whether it’s connecting to loyalty systems, enabling age verification, or powering self-service flows.

A new generation of smart vending concepts

Beyond hardware, vending formats themselves are evolving rapidly. While traditional snack and drink machines remain core, operators are expanding into innovative verticals such as smart fridges, micro markets, kiddie rides, car washes, and even beer or gas vending stations. These new concepts require a fresh approach to payments: compact, secure, and integrated seamlessly into the broader customer experience.

I saw a lot of creativity and innovation on display this year,” says Pit. “There’s so much more than just snack and drink machines now. Modern vending is incredibly diverse, and it’s refreshing to see how the industry is adapting.

This shift demands payment technology that is just as flexible. Operators need modular, reliable payment terminals that can integrate with sensors, verification tools, or cloud platforms without requiring costly custom development.

At CCV, we support this shift by offering specialised payment solutions for each use case,” Pit adds. “Whether you need a compact contactless terminal or a customisable Android system, we help match the technology to the business model.

For each of these new vending verticals, the CCV IM-series offers a tailored answer. Ranging from the ultra-compact CCV IM15 for basic contactless use cases, to the Android-based IM25 and IM30, which enable advanced integrations and app-driven features.

Data as a strategic advantage

Smart vending isn’t just about the customer experience, it’s about backend visibility and control. Data is quickly becoming a critical asset for operators looking to optimise fleet performance, understand usage patterns, and streamline service.

Data is the next big unlock for vending,” says Wim. “We want to provide operators with a full overview from machine-level insights to payment analytics. That’s how you move from reactive to proactive operations.

With CCV’s Android payment solutions, vending operators can access transaction logs, service data, and integration capabilities all in one ecosystem.

Future-proofing with the right partner

In a fast-moving industry, future-proofing isn’t just a strategic buzzword - it’s a requirement. With consumer expectations shifting, regulations tightening, and competition increasing, vending operators need to act now to modernise their technology stack.

Stay curious,” Pit advises. “Don’t wait for your infrastructure to become outdated. Android-based payment solutions open up a world of opportunities, and we’re here to help implement them in the right way.

Future-ready terminals must support contactless payments, app integration, remote management, and features like age verification or loyalty. It’s no longer just about processing transactions, nowadays it’s about enabling a smarter business model.

Now that CCV is part of Fiserv, we can offer truly plug-and-play payment solutions across Europe,” Wim adds. “If you’re exploring new formats or need features like age verification or data access, let’s talk. We’ve built these solutions to scale with your business.

Whether you're operating 50 vending machines or 5,000, partnering with the right payment provider ensures you're not just reacting to trends, it makes sure you’re driving them.