Final thoughts
While few of the charts in this report
show technology use, it's important
to point out that its prevalence is
increasing in OCS as well as other
industry segments like vending.
Operators are investing in OCS soft-
ware. In 2015, 35.9 percent indicated
that they use an industry-specifc
software system and 4.7 percent use
the same system for both OCS and
vending. Adding a software system
usually produces a more effcient
and cost-effective operation, driving
up proftability.
Competitive pressures — from
coffeehouses and offce supply
companies, for example — are the
greatest challenges for OCS. OCS
providers are able to compete by
dedicating sales resources and build-
ing sales models with value-added
amenities. This focus, coupled with
meeting the needs of consumers who
pine for customized, quality coffee,
will keep OCS on course.
Methodology
The Automatic Merchandiser
State of the Coffee Service In-
dustry Report is compiled from
a survey sent to OCS operators,
as well as operator interviews.
The 2015 report is based on
a 5.5 percent response rate to
the survey and includes full-
service vending operators who
offer OCS as well as opera-
tors who only provide coffee
service.
Average Total Sales
Revenue Change
Per Region
Northeast
7.4 percent
increase
Mid-Atlantic
4 percent
increase
Southeast
7.4 percent
increase
Midwest
5.3 percent
increase
Northwest
1 percent
increase
Southwest
7.9 percent
increase
National
Operators
7.8 percent
increase
September 2015 VendingMarketWatch.com Automatic Merchandiser 25