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- Today15 min
NAMA Show 2026: Products that create loyal daily customers for operators (Part 3)
While there were rave reviews and plenty of excitement surrounding all the new technology at the 2026 NAMA Show in Los Angeles, the beverages, snacks and legitimate dining options on display and available for tasting are always a big part of the show experience. In Part 3 of our coverage from the 2026 NAMA Show, Automatic Merchandiser & VendingMarketWatch’s Vending & OCS Nation Podcast host Bob Tullio walks the convention floor speaking with suppliers, innovators, operators, and emerging brands focused on helping convenience services operators build stronger customer loyalty through smarter product selection. This episode highlights: Protein-forward snacks and healthier options driving consumer demand Functional beverages and clean-label energy drinks Premium grab-and-go innovation Office coffee trends and new beverage formats Shelf-life solutions and operational efficiency Data-driven merchandising and product selection New product launches from major brands and emerging companies Key takeaways related to CPG products: Operators are increasingly focused on products that combine convenience, health, and strong margins. Protein continues to dominate snacking trends across vending, micro markets, and OCS. Clean ingredients and natural formulations are becoming major differentiators. Operators are relying more heavily on data to customize client programs and optimize product mix. Premiumization remains a major theme throughout the convenience services industry. Featured guests and companies: Larry Atnip - Atnip & Premier Broker Partners LLC Maggie Eich - Nestlé Professional Monte Farrar - Jack Link's Protein Snacks James Kolodziej - Wonderful Pistachios & Almonds Dylan Reiner - Odyssey Functional Energy Kinsley Torpin - Alliant Coffee Solutions Drew Smith - Mondelēz International Eli Owings - Primal Eats Haley Eggum - Hormel Foods William Cross - Tina's Burritos Jessie R. - E.A. Sween Company Linda Saldaña - Seventh Wave Refreshments, NAMA 2026 Operator of the Year
- 4 days ago21 min
Now a smart store technology leader, AVS has been adapting to meet operator needs since 1971
In his five years with AVS Companies, Keith Krail has seen some significant and welcome changes in the convenience services business. What was a more traditionally focused automated retail solution business has become a dynamic AI integrated industry where new solutions have been put forward and are changing the way that companies and operators do business. On this episode of Automatic Merchandiser's Vending & OCS Nation podcast. presented in cooperation with AVS Companies, podcast host Bob Tullio sat down with Krail to talk about how AVS Companies continues to adapt to maintain their position as a leading distributor in the convenience services industry. This episode explores how AVS Companies is transforming the convenience services industry with advanced solutions like AI smart coolers, multiple product offerings and seamless software integrations. This conversation offers insights into industry trends, competitive differentiation and strategic growth initiatives. A wide range of topics are covered related to how AVS Companies is serving operators in this fast changing industry. Listeners will hear about: The evolution of AVS Companies from traditional vending to AI-integrated solutions The importance of offering diverse product solutions to meet unique operator needs How AVS integrates equipment and software to streamline operations The role of AI smart coolers in the future of vending and micro markets Building partnerships with industry leaders like Cantaloupe, Sandstar, and IDW Support strategies for new operators entering the convenience retail space The significance of product mix and location-specific solutions Industry challenges and common pitfalls in micro market operations The future focus on AI tech and integrated solutions for business growth
- 2 weeks ago18 min
NAMA Show 2026: Technology & support solutions that power the industry forward (Part 2)
After exploring smart market innovation in Part 1, Automatic Merchandiser & VendingMarketWatch’s coverage of the 2026 NAMA Show shifts the focus from hardware to something just as critical: The technology, infrastructure and support systems that are powering the industry forward. Back on the convention floor in Los Angeles, contributing editor Bob Tullio continues the conversation with a wide range of suppliers and operators. The first of our 2026 NAMA Show podcast episodes looked at what’s new, trending and eye-catching. This episode is about what makes it all work. AI continues to dominate the conversation with a focus on loss prevention and operational efficiency. Suppliers are leveraging increasingly sophisticated analytics, computer vision and cloud-based tools to tackle one of the industry’s biggest challenges: micro market theft. Technology is enabling growth and protecting it. At the same time, digital media platforms are transforming micro markets into dynamic retail environments, helping operators tell their story, promote products and drive incremental sales. Even in a show dominated by AI and automation, there’s a strong reminder that not every solution needs to be high-tech to be impactful. Sometimes, the biggest operational wins come from solving simple, everyday challenges. Great fixtures, pre-kitting solutions, and the right bean-to-cup coffee for a location can be a game-changer. The OCS channel makes a meaningful showing, with continued innovation. If Part 1 showed where the industry is going, Part 2 explains how it is getting there.
- 3 weeks ago15 min
NAMA Show 2026 in Los Angeles – Smart markets take center stage (Part 1)
Automatic Merchandiser’s Vending & OCS Nation podcast host Bob Tullio did so many interviews from the convention floor at the 2026 NAMA Show in Los Angeles that he will be dedicating three episodes to the event. Part one is about the clear theme of the show, smart markets. Walking the floor of NAMA Show 2026, one thing became immediately clear: smart cooler technology has arrived in a big way. What just a few years ago was a niche innovation has now become the dominant force in unattended retail. Multiple manufacturers filled the convention center with AI-powered coolers, each promising greater accuracy, stronger security and higher sales potential. For operators, the opportunity is undeniable, but so is the challenge. With so many options, choosing the right partner and committing to a long-term ecosystem has never been more critical. Throughout the episode, Tullio captures the voice of an industry in transition. Operators describe a thoughtful, measured shift toward smart technology - starting with trusted locations, learning the systems and scaling over time. It’s not a flip-the-switch moment. It’s a strategic evolution. In this podcast, Tullio focused on the supplier convention experience and the smart market industry leaders he spoke to were well aware of the momentum. From advancements in AI accuracy to integrated software platforms that streamline operations, the innovation on display goes far beyond the cooler itself. Route optimization, seamless multi-door transactions, dynamic pricing and real-time inventory tracking are all part of a rapidly expanding ecosystem designed to make operators more efficient and more profitable. There is another shift gaining traction: hot food. As consumers continue to spend heavily on delivered meals, operators are looking for ways to compete, to bring fresh, hot options directly into the workplace through unattended solutions that were on display at the NAMA Show. Takeaway from this episode: The future of unattended retail is here and it’s smarter than ever. In Part 2, Tullio continues his coverage of the NAMA Show with more operator insights and supplier innovations, diving deeper into the technology and other key products that are shaping the next era of convenience services.
- 4 weeks ago28 min
NAMA Show 2026: Must-see booths and the ultimate downtown LA playbook
Headed to the 2026 NAMA Show in Los Angeles? This episode of Automatic Merchandiser's Vending & OCS Nation podcast is your insider guide to making the most of your trip - inside and outside the convention center. Podcast host Bob Tullio highlights the must-see booths at this year’s show, featuring cutting - edge innovations in AI, smart retail, and frictionless commerce. Then, he interviews downtown LA expert Johnna Hughes, from DTLA Alliance, who maps out the best places to eat, explore, and what you must see, just steps from the convention center. Whether you're chasing the future of unattended retail, looking for the next big thing in point of use water, seeking the hottest new snack, the coolest looking micro market fixture, an awesome single cup solution, or the perfect taco and rooftop cocktail, this episode has you covered. Tullio's Must-See Booths at NAMA 2026 365 Retail Markets (Booth 1221) Flexible, modular smart store solutions AI-driven insights + next-gen Pico kiosks Expanded reach into healthcare, campuses, and hospitality Panoptyc (Booth 1561) Live ShopperSense theft deterrence demo New “Market Health Tool” for predictive risk insights Data-driven tools to boost profitability Cantaloupe (Booth 1233) Fully immersive smart store experiences New Hot Hold solution for fresh food AI-powered route optimization + business intelligence tools The AVS Companies (Booth 1731) Full lineup of AI-powered smart coolers Multiple AI approaches tailored to different operator needs DTLA tips from Johnna Hughes Grand Central Market TE Isshoku Broken Shaker 71Above Fugestu Do Sonoratown The Wolves Get personal DTLA advice from Johnna - askjohnna@downtownla.com DTLA Alliance Website - https://downtownla.com/ Social: downtown_la Get the newsletter at www.downtownla.com/subscribe
- Apr 7, 202615 min
Clear advice from an HR expert: Invest in your frontline managers
Danni Sra, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, has enjoyed a successful career as an human resources manager, and she wants businesspeople to know that the job of running an HR department goes well beyond rule enforcement – a typical stereotype of what HR managers do. With years of experience in the convenience services industry, she has plenty of valuable advice for operators. In this episode of Automatic Merchandiser & VendingMarketWatch’s Vending & OCS Nation, host Bob Tullio sits down with Danni Sra to unpack the evolving role of human resources in today’s fast-moving workplace, especially within the convenience services industry. Drawing on her experience in helping grow Gourmet Coffee Service into a major market player, Danni shares practical, real-world insights on hiring, retention, compliance and the increasing complexity of managing a dispersed, frontline workforce. From the rising expectations of Gen Z employees to the costly risks of compliance missteps, this conversation is a must-listen for operators and business leaders looking to build stronger teams and avoid expensive mistakes.
- Apr 3, 202623 min
Vision Smart Stores: The evolution of frictionless retail with 365 Retail Markets
What began as a single smart cooler has evolved into a fully modular smart store ecosystem, giving operators unprecedented flexibility, scalability, and revenue potential. In this episode of Automatic Merchandiser and VendingMarketWatch’s Vending & OCS Nation podcast, presented in cooperation with 365 Retail Markets, host Bob Tullio interviews Michael Wood, manager of product management at 365 Retail Markets, to explore how his company is transforming unattended retail. From frictionless shopping experiences to AI-powered personalization, this conversation dives deep into where smart store technology is today and where it’s headed next. Key aspects of the conversation include: From vending to vision: Traditional vending limitations are giving way to seamless, camera-powered retail experiences. Modular flexibility: Operators can build custom store formats using ambient, refrigerated, and freezer units. Frictionless shopping: No scanning, no checkout, just tap, grab, and go. VisionLink innovation: Multiple units connect into one seamless shopping journey, increasing basket size and convenience. New growth locations: Hotels, airports, campuses, and semi-public spaces are driving expansion. AI-powered future: Expect faster transactions, personalized experiences, and remote store management through digital twins. This episode is a must-listen for anyone exploring unattended retail technology – especially if they are attending the NAMA Show in Los Angeles later this month, where the 365 Retail Markets exhibit is a must-see.
- Mar 27, 202628 min
Operators wanted: With an end to end sales solution, VendVue is offering customized growth programs
Patrick McGinty of VendVue is offering a compelling proposition to convenience services operators: a fully outsourced, end-to-end sales solution. From prospecting to closing, VendVue manages the entire sales process, allowing operators to focus on what they do best — execution, not business development. In this episode of the Vending & OCS Nation podcast, presented by Automatic Merchandiser and VendingMarketWatch.com, in cooperation with VendVue, Patrick McGinty addresses a critical question: Why are some operators hesitant to embrace a program that others view as a “no-brainer”? In a conversation with podcast host Bob Tullio, McGinty breaks down the program in detail, explaining how VendVue’s approach can significantly lower acquisition costs while removing the burden of building and managing a traditional sales infrastructure. He also introduces VendVue’s newly customized growth programs, designed to meet operators wherever they are in their growth journey. Importantly, VendVue is already seeing real, measurable success on both sides of the equation: Operators are onboarding high quality accounts and accelerating growth. Locations are benefiting from dedicated, service-driven operators better aligned with their needs. VendVue’s always-on sales engine is generating a steady stream of opportunities — so much so that in certain markets, more accounts are being landed than there are operator partners currently participating in the program. Ultimately, this episode is about more than a sales solution. It’s about rethinking how growth can happen without the high cost and complexity of marketing, advertising, SEO, website optimization, sales training, sales management, and ongoing commissions. Looking ahead, McGinty’s immediate goal is relationship-driven. “I will be walking the floor at NAMA, looking to build relationships with operators of all sizes. I will be inviting operators to join our network, not to sign up on the spot, but to start a conversation and understand the types of accounts you’re looking for. When those opportunities in your market present themselves, you’re the first person I call.” He added, “I’m looking to connect with operators to explore how you can take advantage of our ecosystem to grow your business at a pace that makes sense for you. Let’s connect at the NAMA Show and build something together.” To learn more or schedule a meeting, visit vendvuepartner.com or contact Patrick McGinty directly at 216-393-0733.
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About Vending & OCS Nation Podcast
Tune in to Vending & OCS Nation — the podcast for the convenience services industry — hosted by Bob Tullio, produced by Endeavor Business Media, a division of EndeavorB2B. On each episode, we dive into the people, trends, issues and products driving innovation in the vending, coffee service, micro markets, and pantry service industry. The takeaways from each episode will help make an operator’s business more profitable.
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