As 2024 wraps up, it’s a great time to look back at the stories that shaped the office coffee, vending and water sectors this year. The industry saw significant innovation, with leading companies unveiling new offerings that responded to evolving consumer demands and set the stage for future growth.

Here's a look at the top launches that caught our readers' attention in 2024...

Doritos unveils coffee-flavoured chips to combat afternoon slump

Doritos unveiled a new limited-edition coffee flavour aimed at tackling afternoon fatigue, combining the familiar crunch of Doritos with the rich taste of coffee.

The initiative responds to the frustration of Australians who find their favourite coffee shops closed in the late afternoon. The new flavour was created to offer a convenient alternative for those craving a coffee fix while snacking.

Read more here.

Micromart launches autonomous micro market technology

Micromart introduced an autonomous micro market technology aimed at transforming convenience retail.

The new system offers a fully automated, 24/7 shopping experience, eliminating checkout lines and enhancing security to minimise theft.

The technology features AI-driven order processing and secure payment systems to ensure seamless shopping and prevent theft. It also uses dynamic pricing through electronic price tags and digital video content. Additionally, the Micromart Platform allows operators to manage their business remotely, reducing operational costs and streamlining inventory management.

Read more here.

Pop & Bottle expands holiday offerings with new coffee lattes

Pop & Bottle, a female-founded coffee brand, launched two new products for the holiday season.

The first, a Peppermint Mocha Oat Milk Latte, combines organic cold brew coffee, house-made oat milk, real cacao and pure peppermint for a festive flavour. The second offering, an Organic Mint Mocha Almond Milk Latte, features a blend of organic cold brew, almond milk, rich cacao and crisp peppermint.

Read more here.

Oasis unveils new filtration solution for safe drinking water

Oasis International announced the launch of a new filtration product: Outdoor filter.

The filters address rising concerns over contaminants such as forever chemicals, pharmaceuticals and lead in drinking water.

Outdoor filter is designed for high-temperature environments. It reduces contaminants, including chlorine, lead, cysts and microplastics, and operates within temperatures from 2°C to 50°C. With a capacity of 17,980 liters, it can provide approximately 36,000 water bottle fills.

Read more here.

Costa Coffee adds new cookie dough frappe to summer menu

Costa Coffee has introduced a new addition to its summer drinks line-up: Cookie Dough Frappe.

The new frappe is offered in small and medium sizes, featuring a blend of creamy vanilla with rich cookie chunks throughout. It is topped with Costa's in-house vegan whipped cream Light Whip, cookie dough fudge pieces and chocolate sprinkles.

Read more here.

Dice Provisions launches Craft Coffee Ice Cubes

Dice Provisions, a food innovation company based in Los Angeles, introduced its latest product: Dice Coffee Ice Cubes, the "first-ever" craft coffee ice cubes designed to enhance the iced coffee experience while preventing dilution.

The product allows customers to enjoy their cold coffee drinks without compromising flavour integrity as the ice melts. Made from premium organic coffee, the ice cubes are crafted from dark roast beans and utilize a unique nitro-freezing process to maintain a rich, full-bodied taste.

“Consumers are looking for ways to enjoy their coffee without the drawbacks of traditional ice,” said Gaelan Simpson, co-founder of Dice Provisions. “Our coffee ice cubes not only keep drinks cold but also enhance the flavour profile, providing a satisfying experience from the first sip to the last.”

Read more here.