Trending in February: operational discipline, M&A and coffee innovation

February’s most-read new stories on VendingMarketWatch.com offer a clear snapshot of what matters most to convenience services operators right now: protecting the business, driving growth and executing better in the field.

Readers paid close attention to a $28.4 million Mars embezzlement case, not just for the headline but for the operational lessons on payment controls and fraud prevention. Automation also drew strong interest, from smart vending and kiosk expansion in high traffic venues to the continued rollout of restaurant-branded automated solutions in airports.

M&A activity remained front and center, with coverage of Five Star Breaktime Solutions acquisitions reflecting the ongoing consolidation shaping regional markets. At the same time, operators gravitated toward practical guidance for 2026, particularly on optimizing routes, managing fleets, maintaining inventory discipline and service execution. The message is clear: sustainable growth is built on operational focus, not just top-line sales.

Coffee service innovation resonated as well, especially evolving preferences in creamers and whiteners. Product news, including new beverage flavors and micro market-ready food options, rounded out the list.

If you missed any of these stories, now is the time to catch up, using the links below.