Self-service retail technology provider 365 Retail Markets has entered a multi-year partnership with food and beverage technology firm ColdSnap to deploy on-demand frozen treat dispensing across micro markets nationwide.
The agreement integrates ColdSnap’s automated dispensing platform into 365 Retail Markets' self-checkout network, granting micro market operators access to the frozen dessert and beverage category without requiring commercial freezer hardware or refrigerated cold-chain distribution.
The commercial rollout will introduce automated, on-demand frozen dispensing to high-footfall environments serviced by 365's unattended retail systems, including corporate workplaces, healthcare facilities, university campuses, manufacturing plants, and distribution centres.
Ambient Pod and Rapid Freezing Tech
The foundation of the collaboration centres on ColdSnap's proprietary freezing mechanism, which bypasses traditional frozen supply chain constraints.
The system utilises shelf-stable, ambient-temperature pods that are frozen into single-serve portions at the moment of purchase within approximately two minutes. Because the food matrix remains completely enclosed within each pod during the rapid-freezing cycle, ingredients never come into direct contact with the internal mechanical workings of the machine.
This closed-dispensing architecture eliminates common maintenance and regulatory obstacles that historically restricted frozen confectionery in unattended retail:
Zero Cleaning Cycles: Removes the daily sanitisation protocols and disassembly typically required by commercial soft-serve and frozen beverage equipment.
No Plumbing Requirements: Operates as a plug-and-play countertop installation without dedicated water lines, water filtration units, or drainage plumbing.
Ambient Storage Logistics: Pods are stored, transported, and merchandised at room temperature, eliminating the energy costs, spoilage risks, and logistics overhead associated with cold-chain warehousing and refrigerated freight.
On-Demand Frozen Product Formats
The automated platform accommodates multiple functional dayparts and snacking occasions, preparing liquid and dessert recipes from ambient pods:
🍦 Ice Cream: Single-serve dairy and non-dairy frozen desserts churned fresh on demand.
🥤 Fruit Smoothies: Real fruit puree blends frozen into thick on-the-go smoothies.
☕ Frozen Lattes: Chilled and frozen speciality coffee beverages formulated for daytime refreshment.
🏋️ Protein Shakes: Macronutrient-dense, high-protein formulations designed for workplace wellness and active lifestyle consumers.
"For years, locations without freezers or cold-chain logistics simply couldn't offer high-quality frozen treats," said Matthew Fonte, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of ColdSnap. "This partnership puts ColdSnap into thousands of new micro markets, giving operators a high-margin category they've never had access to before."
Micro Market Economics and Scale
For micro market operators, adding frozen novelties has historically presented thin commercial margins due to the electrical footprint, capital expenditure, and defrosting liabilities of conventional reach-in display freezers.
By pairing 365 Retail Markets' payment, inventory, and back-end management software with ColdSnap’s ambient-to-frozen hardware, the partnership provides operators with an unattended solution for premium impulse categories.
"Operators on our network are constantly looking for ways to drive more revenue per location and increase client satisfaction, without adding complexity," said Jeff Dumbrell, Chief Revenue Officer at 365 Retail Markets. "ColdSnap gives them access to a high-demand category that was previously out of reach for unattended retail, and the infrastructure means we can bring it to thousands of locations quickly."
Nationwide Rollout Schedule
ColdSnap machines and ambient pod inventory are scheduled to roll out progressively across 365 Retail Markets' operating accounts over the course of the multi-year contract.
The commercial rollout will focus initially on high-traffic corporate and industrial accounts seeking expanded foodservice amenities without requiring staffed cafeteria operations or kitchen infrastructure.
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