It is our pleasure to announce the products that readers have selected as the 2026 Products of the Year. Each year, Automatic Merchandiser asks convenience services operators to vote for their favorite, most requested or bestselling products introduced or significantly updated across the industry.

This year, we received strong participation across 20 product categories, reflecting the continued evolution of vending, micro markets and office coffee service. From fresh food and functional beverages to smart retail technology and OCS supplies, the entries highlight where operators are seeing real performance in the field.

Readers cast their votes through a survey promoted via email, digital channels and social media over a four-week period, selecting the products that deliver results on their routes and at their locations.

Thank you to everyone who voted to help us honor these stand-outs.

Winners: Foods

Winners: Beverages

Winners: Equipment

Winners: Technology

Recognizing Other Stand-Outs

Just missing out on the top spot, this year’s runners-up reflect the depth of innovation and competition across the industry. In many cases, these products are already delivering strong results for operators, earning high marks for performance, customer demand and overall value. Their close finishes underscore how competitive each category has become — and signal products worth watching.