Singapore has a new “cafe” – VendCafe, at which vending machines serve hot meals, snacks and drinks at all hours.

Being rolled out under a government initiative aimed at making the foodservice sector less dependent on manpower, the “cafe” uses new-wave food-vending machines including units that slow-cook food and serve freshly prepared dishes.

Deputy-PM Tharman Shanmugaratnam has launched the first VendCafe, run by JR Vending, at the void deck of Block 320C Anchorvale Drive. It comprises a cluster of vending machines and stand-up dining tables. The pilot project is supported by enterprise development agency Spring Singapore and the Housing & Development Board (HDB). Further VendCafes over the coming year may involve other organisations.

Spring and HDB are also reviewing the tender requirements for coffee-shop spaces to encourage optimised use of manpower and space.

Tharman, who is also co-ordinating minister for economic and social policies, says technology can be harnessed to address Singapore’s manpower shortage while meeting consumer needs.

With vending machines set to feature more prominently, 16 companies and technology providers showcased their wares at VendTech Singapore last week, the first networking event for providers, F&B and retail companies and landlords. Nine of the companies have yet to enter the Singapore market. The event was organised by Spring, which is supporting eligible food companies through grants.

Meanwhile, Indian food-tech company Frshly will sell hot meals from restaurants at its machines when it launches next month. It has 10 restaurant partners, including Cali Grill and Bar, and Ponggol Nasi Lemak.

“Singapore consumers are super intelligent and tech savvy, and I think acceptance of this concept will be better than other places,” says CEO Satish Chamyvelumani of Owl Tech, which owns Frshly.
Five machines will be launched by the end of next month at business parks and industrial areas.