Coca-Cola HBC Hungary is not only the largest domestic beverage producer but also a 24/7 beverage partner for over 50,000 retailers. This means providing relevant and high-quality products to its customers and, through them, to consumers for any consumption occasions that arise a day. The company's operations have expanded significantly: it boasts an extensive sales network, continuously develops its commercial capabilities, monitors consumer and industry trends, and makes strategic business decisions to achieve mutual success with its partners.
Automated retail is a new, modern trend in commerce, offering opportunities to improve and transform existing sales and shopping routines with AI-driven technology. This new market segment promises lucrative business opportunities and opens up additional consumption occasions for Coca-Cola HBC Hungary. The company has nearly two decades of experience in the staffless automated retail market, which is currently valued at around HUF 50 billion and includes vending machines for cold and hot beverages, snacks, and ready meals. Building on this market experience, Coca-Cola HBC Hungary has invested in creating the country’s first fully automated, customizable commercial unit that operates without staff or cash registers, providing a simple and convenient shopping experience for consumers at any time of the day.
“We are eagerly anticipating the launch of our first autonomous retail store, which represents a unique innovation not only in Hungary but also within the Coca-Cola HBC Group, spanning 29 countries. Over the years since the COVID-19 pandemic, the domestic retail sector has undergone significant transformation. New technologies have taken root, new shopping habits have emerged, the sector faces a notable labor shortage, and digitization is pervasive. As a leading food and beverage company, we strive to keep up with these changes by investing in technologies that provide long-term business advantages. Our current plans include opening a total of 15 units within three years, including the store located at Yettel Hungary’s headquarters. These units represent a combined investment of over HUF 250 million, and we anticipate tripling our revenues from this groundbreaking commercial solution by the end of 2026,” said Ágnes Kovács, General Manager of Coca-Cola HBC Hungary.
The operation of the country’s first autonomous retail store is guaranteed by artificial intelligence. AI oversees the proper functioning of cameras and sensors in the store and collects data on shopping habits, product turnover rates, time spent in the store, and other useful insights for the owner.
When a customer enters the sales area, the cameras associate their physical appearance with a virtual shopping cart. This system links the customer, the selected product, and their personal profile created in the “Take It Easy” application exclusively developed by Kende Retail Kft. for this technology. As customers move through the store, cameras track their movements, and built-in sensors monitor the contents of their cart. Once the customer completes their shopping, they simply leave the store. The system then totals their cart and initiates the payment transaction. This technology does not collect facial recognition data, it exclusively monitors movements and activities necessary for seamless shopping, fully complying with GDPR regulatory frameworks.
“Innovation and adapting to customer needs have always been a priority for Kende Retail. The appearance of so-called micro markets, such as the one in Yettel's headquarters, marks the beginning of a new era in retail. These smart, automated stores not only transform the shopping experience but also expand opportunities for retailers. Our goal is to open a new chapter in retail with our partners, where shopping becomes more personalized, faster, and more convenient than ever. We are proud that Coca-Cola HBC Hungary was among the first to recognize the potential of automated retail, and we hope to introduce consumers to these pioneering shopping habits together,” said Gábor Kende, Founder and Owner of Kende Retail Operation Kft.
The forward-thinking retail solution is located at Yettel Hungary's headquarters in Törökbálint, where it has become part of the daily lives of the 800-900 employees working there on primary office days. In the store, employees can purchase products distributed by Coca-Cola HBC Hungary (carbonated and non-carbonated soft drinks, natural mineral waters, energy drinks), as well as snacks, prepared meals, canned goods, dairy products, and hygiene items. The autonomous retail store operating in the Yettel building uses Yettel's stable mobile internet network for online communication.
"According to Yettel's philosophy, customer-centricity starts from within: satisfied, well-balanced employees create better customer experiences in telecommunications as well. Opening the unmanned store at our company’s headquarters is part of a thoughtful employer strategy aimed at enhancing employee comfort, well-being, and meeting their daily needs. This development not only provides convenience but also sends a clear message: Yettel truly cares about its employees and actively works to make the workplace an inspiring, supportive environment," said Enikő Szalai, Yettel's Deputy CEO of HR, regarding the store's opening.
The concept of the autonomous retail store and the development of its technology were pioneered by Kende Retail Kft. The first domestic store is owned by Coca-Cola HBC Hungary, while the operation is managed by Eszmin Hungary Kft., a company specializing in the maintenance of retail units.