Żabka vending network passes one million purchases
The convenience retailer now runs more than 350 machines in Poland and Germany, from hospitals and offices to universities and schools, where it sells a regulation-compliant healthier range.
Żabka Group has expanded its vending operations to more than 350 machines across Poland and Germany, which have recorded over one million purchases in just over a year. The machines are installed in offices, logistics centres, hospitals and educational settings, and can operate around the clock depending on site access.
The range focuses on food to go, including fresh sandwiches, salads, ready meals, dairy, snacks, coffee and other drinks. Customers can buy up to five items per transaction, pay via the Żappka app or contactless methods such as BLIK, and earn and redeem żappsy loyalty points, with the same promotions available in conventional stores. A digital monitoring system tracks stock levels in real time.
Education is a growing channel. Żabka operates 48 machines across 25 university campuses and other student sites, as well as 14 in schools. Since September, units in Polish schools have offered over 50 products that comply with the Ministry of Health’s new regulation, such as low-sugar, low-fat and low-salt dairy and cereal items, and drinks without added sugar or sweeteners. The retailer has also begun talks with the Polskiedzieci.org Foundation, which promotes healthy eating in schools, about a potential partnership.
“Vending machines can complement the Żabka Nano offer or operate independently, particularly in smaller spaces or locations where a conventional store would be less practical,” said Paweł Grabowski, Director of Digital B2B at Żabka Group.
At Wrocław Airport, for example, machines in the departures area and a staff zone work alongside a Żabka Nano autonomous store in the terminal. The company is now considering seasonal sites, car parks, charging stations and ice rinks for further expansion.
