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Japan and China to hold vending machine summit

Traditional rivals Japan and China will be joining together for a vending kiosk summit on June 16, according to a report by Financial Times.

June 9, 2015

Traditional rivals Japan and China will be joining together for a vending kiosk summit on June 16, according to a report by Financial Times. Thirty delegates from each country will come to the summit to discuss the future of vending and shifts in the market.

Vending is a key part of life in Japan, with 5 million machines in the country. However, this once strong industry is experiencing decreased sales. In addition, China wants to understand the inherent value of the Japanese vending model and how to replicate that success.

Japanese Vending Machine Manufacturer's Association chairman Kiyoaki Takeda stated that the Chinese are interested in figuring out how to properly maintain a vending machine. Because the machines are service based, they need to be well stocked and maintained at all times or else their reputation will suffer.