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Sweet Robo builds advanced automated vending machines for food and non-food experiences that attract attention and deliver real results. From robotic cotton candy and ice cream to candy and custom merchandise dispensers, each system is designed to turn compact spaces into profitable attractions. With thousands of units operating across more than 25 countries, the company continues to set the standard for reliable automation and global growth. Unlike imported machines that arrive with no guidance, Sweet Robo helps operators secure strong locations and provides support through setup, training, and maintenance. For new operators, that means faster installation, less stress, and higher profits from day one. Sweet Robo partners with major entertainment brands through revenue-share programs while helping entrepreneurs build vending businesses of their own. Its team assists with site evaluation, onboarding, and operational guidance, making automation accessible to anyone ready to enter a high-margin industry. A standout example is Hersheypark, where guests line up for Sweet Robo’s custom souvenir cup dispenser. Developed by the company’s Custom Machine Department, the system dispenses collectible cups with precision and consistency, showing how smart automation can enhance both guest engagement and revenue potential. Sweet Robo customers receive full warranties and lifetime access to a New York-based support team. Technicians are available through video and chat, providing live help whenever needed. Operators also join a growing community of entrepreneurs who share insights and experiences, creating a collaborative environment that helps every owner thrive. For investors who prefer a hands-off approach, Sweet Robo offers a turnkey program that manages service and operations while owners collect recurring income. “Automated vending can be tough to navigate alone. We remove the guesswork. Sweet Robo is the only company that helps you succeed from placement to profit,” says Dennis Branch, Chief Revenue Officer, Sweet Robo.
When was the last time you heard someone say, “I can’t wait to take my supplements tonight”? Probably never. A wellness routine should inspire, not weigh you down. Yet most routines focus on checking boxes rather than enjoying the moment. Many people abandon them when the daily ritual feels bland or clinical. For supplement brands, the challenge is delivering efficacy while creating something consumers want to repeat. TopGum, a global leader in functional nutrition, believes it does not have to be that way. Specializing in sugar-free, scientifically advanced supplement gummies, it has developed proprietary technologies like a patented prebiotic fiber base and microencapsulation. These allow complex health formulations to become enjoyable, high-dosage formats. From fertility and pregnancy to menopause and active aging, TopGum’s “Gummiceuticals” help people manage their health conveniently and delightfully. “Born out of confectionery, we have made it our mission to transform supplements into something people enjoy. For us, a gummy is a sensory experience, where flavor, aroma and color are integrated into the science so even difficult ingredients become a pleasure,” says Jeniffer Toomey, head of new product development, U.S. No two supplement brands are alike, because no two consumers are alike. Some companies arrive with a clear concept, while others only have a vision of what they want their product to look like. TopGum’s end-to-end model works for both, whether the need is a ready-made formula, a fully customized gummy or something in between. The journey begins with a dedicated sales manager who becomes the brand’s partner throughout. Their role is to listen and understand what the customer wants to achieve. If the solution exists in TopGum’s catalog, it can be offered immediately. More often, though, customers want something unique, which is where the development process comes into its own. Once a project moves beyond the catalog, the sales manager brings in TopGum’s product development team. Clients are encouraged to share every idea, even the wish list that feels out of reach. The R&D team translates those concepts into workable options. The outcome is a set of proposals that outline what can be done, highlight necessary adjustments, and include a top-line price estimate to keep the project aligned with its budget and goals.
Professional Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning (PKEC) serves Central Iowa with comprehensive commercial kitchen exhaust system cleaning services. Established three years ago, the trusted company provides restaurant hood cleaning, grease duct cleaning, exhaust fan maintenance and hinge kit installation services. PKEC helps businesses maintain fire compliance while effectively reducing kitchen fire risks.
Greg Pena, Director, Strategic Sourcing (Produce and Packaging), Panda Restaurant Group
Riaz Ahamadeen, Vice President of Quality/Food Safety & Regulatory – North America, Oatly Inc
Kaan Demiryurek, R&D Director - Global R&D - Sustainable Packaging, Pepsico
Jessica Blondeel, Director of Communications and Digital Marketing, Puratos
Tracey Mcclure, Cp-Fs/Pcqi, Sr. Manager, Food Safety and Quality Assurance, Jason’s Deli
The cleanliness of a commercial kitchen’s exhaust system is crucial for maintaining food safety, as it affects contamination risks and compliance with sanitation standards.
Robotic food automation transforms vending machines into sophisticated systems that leverage advanced mechanics and thermal management to deliver precise, customizable meals quickly and efficiently.
A Smarter Way To Eat, Live And Thrive
Innovation in food service and wellness is moving far beyond the kitchen. What once required staff, storefronts and fixed routines is now being reimagined through automation, smart maintenance and consumer-friendly health products. Robotic vending machines are at the center of this shift. No longer limited to packaged snacks, they are delivering fresh meals, beverages and wellness essentials with speed, hygiene and around-the-clock availability. Convenience has become a lifestyle standard. Yet, innovation does not remove the need for responsible infrastructure. Kitchen exhaust cleaning services remain crucial for restaurants and food businesses as they adapt to these new models. Safe ventilation ensures better air quality, fire prevention and smooth operations for commercial kitchens that support automated retail and on-the-go dining. On the wellness side, gummy supplement manufacturers are making nutrition approachable and enjoyable. By transforming vitamins into flavorful, familiar formats, they help people prioritize daily wellbeing without friction. These supplements are also becoming popular products within automated retail environments, merging health and accessibility. Together, these industries highlight a future where technology, safety and wellness complement one another, creating smarter, cleaner and more consumer-focused experiences every day. In this editorial, we explore how advancements in automated food retail and wellness are driven by robotic vending innovation, safe and compliant kitchen infrastructure, and consumer-friendly nutrition products. Each of these elements contributes to greater accessibility, improved hygiene, and a more seamless connection between food service and wellbeing. We also present insights from expert CXOs, including Kaan Demiryurek, R&D Director - Global R&D - Sustainable Packaging at PepsiCo, and Greg Pena, Director, Strategic Sourcing (Produce and Packaging) at Panda Restaurant Group, who offer their opinions on the business practices currently in use. We hope the valuable insights from industry leaders, along with the solutions and services featured in this edition, will help you make informed decisions for your business.