Romania’s 5 to go has bolstered its growing retail coffee segment with the acquisition of vending machine network Take a bite vending. 
 

The Bucharest-based coffee chain said the machines will be rebranded as ‘FAST SHOP by 5 to go’ and will sell its branded ready-to-drink (RTD) products, including the new RTD frappé range, This is frappe. The units will also stock the brand’s Nespresso compatible capsule range alongside snacks and soft beverages. 

5 to go currently has five FAST SHOP units in Bucharest with at least five further machines set to enter operation before the end of 2023. In a press release, the coffee chain said the venture could result in 500 FAST SHOP vending machines across Romania within the next three years, with hospitals, offices, train stations and airports mooted as target sites for its network rollout. 

“Globally, the vending machine market is booming. As the market evolves, these vending machines are not only becoming more popular, but also increasingly powerful, easy to use and tailored to the needs of customers. Even if the machines don't brew hot coffee, they make up for it by offering a wide range of RTD coffee-based products and more,” said Radu Savopol, co-founder, 5 to go. 

Founded in 2015, 5 to go is the largest coffee chain in Romania with approximately 500 outlets. 

The value-focused coffee chain achieved 55% year-on-year sales growth in the first six months of 2023 to reach €20m ($22m), 5% higher than forecast.