Costa Express Completes Upgrades to 13,000-Plus Self-Service Coffee Machines

Costa Express has completed upgrades to more than 13,000 self-service coffee machines across the United Kingdom, aiming to improve drink quality, temperature, cup-fill consistency and service speed, according to a press release. The program combined recipe changes, software updates and equipment enhancements informed by customer feedback and machine performance data. Changes include revised recipes for popular drinks such as flat whites, adjustments to serving temperatures and fill levels, and shorter dispensing times for selected beverages. Costa Express said earlier phases improved customer satisfaction and drink-quality scores while increasing flat white sales, but it did not disclose investment costs or specific performance figures. The company positions the upgrades as a way to encourage repeat purchases and support retail partners in convenience, travel and food-to-go locations. In a sign of the brand's standing, 83.2% of 2,553 consumers named Costa Express their favorite premium vending or self-service machine brand in Allegra's Coffee At Work Report UK 2026, according to survey details provided by Costa. For coffee-service and vending operators, the campaign is a reminder that recipe and software refinements — not just new hardware — are becoming a competitive lever in self-serve coffee, where drink consistency drives repeat visits. Source: Vending Times — https://www.vendingtimes.com/news/costa-express-upgrades-more-than-13k-coffee-machines/