Selecta’s coffee and vending business comprises 320,000 machines across 16 European markets | Photo credit: Selecta Group
Switzerland’s Selecta Group achieved strong profit growth last year as its strategy to remove underperforming units from its European vending machine network continues to yield results.
The Cham-based coffee and food vending operator posted 14% year-on-year adjusted EBITDA growth in the 12 months ending 31 December 2023 to reach €246.8m ($267m).
Selecta Group’s coffee and vending business comprises 320,000 machines across 16 European markets – 45,000 fewer net units compared to the end of the fourth quarter 2022.
The removal of underperforming machines also contributed to lower annual sales growth. Selecta Group’s revenues increased 2% year-on-year to reach €1.2bn ($1.3bn), compared to 13% growth in 2022.
However, the adverse impact of the policy was offset by significant contract wins throughout the year, including with German power management firm Eaton, Oslo University Hospital and Swedish airport operator Swedavia.
The business said its self-serve Foodies micromarket network grew 28% last year to 1,825 units while its standalone Intelligent Vending machine segment nearly doubled to reach 919 units.