February/March 2023 - 26

Bevi
consumers are asking for. Users can choose between
filtered still water or sparkling water in addition to
choosing between cold, ambient or hot temperatures.
This gives consumers the option of making drinks
in a range from hot tea to cold sparkling water. The
Bevi Standup 2.0 smart water cooler also gives users
the ability to add in water enhancements, such as
caffeine, and the machine allows two enhancements
per drink. It also offers 12 natural flavors for users
to choose from, allowing them to mix up to three
different flavors at once. For those users concerned
with the environmental or health impact of their
drink, the Standup 2.0 includes a tab with that
information. For a touchless experience, consumers
can scan the QR code on the Bevi touchscreen with
their phone's camera or QR reader app. Using the
most notable is the customer's desire for customization.
Whether they want hot, cold, sparkling, flavored, enhanced
- users have the ability to make a drink of water more
than just a drink of water; they can transform it into a
specialty beverage. This trend is seen throughout the
beverage industry. According to the latest research by
InsightAce Analytic, the global sparkling water market
is valued at $29.3 billion in 2021, and it is expected
to reach $67.6 billion in 2030. The report found that,
" The growing demand for sparkling water over sodas
and other sweetened fizzy beverages is anticipated to
propel the market growth during the forecast period.
Moreover, factors such as increasing health-conscious
people, changing lifestyles and high preference for safe
and healthy products are expected to create lucrative
growth opportunities for this market. " Operators have an
opportunity to gain a competitive edge by offering water
as a specialty perk, especially, as the report notes, there is
growing demand for sparkling water over sodas.
The industry is already responding with solutions.
" We have seen an increase in organizations and employees
seeking healthy alternatives to sports and energy drinks, "
said Quench's Whalen. " By offering flavored still or
sparkling drinking water, organizations can satisfy this
request. " Quench offers its proprietary electrolyte-enhanced,
mineral-infused quenchWATER+. The company uses a
state-of-the-art proprietary five-filter setup, including an
FDA- and NSF-certified filter to add essential electrolytes
and minerals, specifically calcium, magnesium, potassium
and sodium, to provide a crisp, clean and revitalizing
alkaline water.
Quench is not the only company answering the call.
Launched several years ago, Massachusetts-based Bevi offers
its Standup 2.0 smart water cooler with many amenities
26 Automatic Merchandiser * February/March 2023
machine's internet connection (WiFi, cellular or Ethernet),
the touchless feature is available on all Bevi machines.
TECHNOLOGY IN WATER
Although water may seem to be a steady, uninterrupted
market, it is actually rife with innovation. At this year's
CES - a leading technology event where thousands of
exhibitors showcase the latest technologies from artificial
intelligence to cybersecurity and even water - Kara Water
introduced the world's first air-to-water dispenser, the Kara
Pure. It produces up to 10 liters of water per day, all from
air. Although the product is designed for at-home use,
it is just the first of many innovations showcasing what's
possible in the world of water. Perhaps in years to come,
this technology will work in offices.
For now, Easy Ice CMO Ryan Kelly says that remote
monitoring on ice equipment is an up-and-coming trend.
" This is fledgling technology at the moment, but Easy
Ice expects it to take off quickly once the bugs have been
worked out, as it will create greater transparency for
business owners around their ice machine's condition and
help us reduce ice machine downtime through preemptive
problem solving. "
2023 AND BEYOND
Despite the ongoing labor and supply chain challenges that
operators face, there are many reasons to be excited about
water solutions in 2023. In fact, Automatic Merchandiser's
2022 State of the Industry Report found consistency
in water service share of sales over the last three years.
Numerous offerings will appeal to a range of customers,
from the type of water to the way in which it is dispensed.
With the right product, water service can be another way
for operators to grow their sales. ■
February/March 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of February/March 2023
