Planet Doughnut tests 24-hour vending model
Planet Doughnut is exploring a new retail format with the launch of a 24-hour vending machine, giving customers continuous access to its products.
Positioned outside the company’s Shrewsbury base, the unit has been introduced as a trial aimed at extending trading beyond conventional shop hours. The machine is replenished daily and stocked with a rotating selection of the brand’s doughnuts, including popular staples and seasonal lines, alongside selected merchandise.
The move reflects a growing appetite for convenience-driven bakery retail, with consumers increasingly seeking flexible purchasing options that fit around busy lifestyles. By adopting an automated, self-service approach, the business is testing how technology can complement traditional bakery operations while maintaining product quality and freshness.
Planet Doughnut’s offering is particularly suited to this format, with its vegan dough recipe and extended shelf life enabling products to remain saleable for longer periods. This makes vending a viable channel for minimising waste while maximising availability.
The trial is also being used to gauge demand across different times of day, from early morning commuters to late-night customers, providing valuable insight into purchasing patterns outside standard hours.
If successful, the concept could pave the way for further roll-out in high-footfall locations such as transport hubs, business parks and leisure destinations. The initiative underlines how bakery operators are increasingly looking to innovative retail solutions to broaden reach and unlock new revenue streams in a competitive market.
