"There are no insoluble problems"

Interview with Stefan Stüwer, Managing Director of Stüwer GmbH & Co. KG

Stefan Stüwer, Managing Director of Stüwer GmbH & Co. KG
Stefan Stüwer, Managing Director of Stüwer GmbH & Co. KG

Stefan Stüwer, Managing Director of Stüwer GmbH & Co. KG, has undergone impressive development with his company in recent years. The company, which initially began as a classic vending machine manufacturer, has evolved into a leader in innovation in the field of automated sales and supply solutions. In a detailed interview, Stüwer offers insights into the latest developments, the challenges during the coronavirus pandemic, and the future of the vending machine industry.

The coronavirus pandemic posed major challenges for many companies, but for Stüwer GmbH, it also provided an opportunity for innovation and expansion. The investment in a new company building during the pandemic demonstrates the company's confidence in its future. A notable success during this period was the introduction of the so-called 'wine vending machines'. This idea arose out of necessity when winemakers could no longer sell their wines through gastronomy. "We called the winemakers and said, let's set up wine tastings on the hiking trails," explains Stefan Stüwer. The wine vending machines, which were placed on hiking trails in Germany and South Tyrol, were a complete success. "The winemakers sell more wine through the Regiomat than they previously did over the counter."

Sustainability and Innovation

Another central theme is sustainability. The company has committed not only to carbon offsetting by planting trees but also to developing innovative solutions to reduce food waste. One example of this is the collaboration with bakers who can sell their surplus production in regional vending machines. "We have said that surplus production does not necessarily have to be disposed of, which also costs a fortune," says Stefan Stüwer. "Today, the machines are empty during the day, but when the store closes, the leftover goods are packed into the machines," Stefan Stüwer explains the concept, which works excellently: The participating bakers even have to increase production quantities, as the machines are often sold out within a few hours. The introduction of machines for caterers was another innovation that allows ordering fresh meals via smartphone and picking them up. "Customers can order their meals through a webshop, and the kitchen produces exactly what is needed," explains Stüwer. This solution not only reduces food waste but also enables startups and small businesses to enter the market without large investments.
 

Stüwer GmbH & Co. KG Catering
Catering machines are stocked with freshly prepared meals depending on the order

Importance of Locality

A central element of the company philosophy is the promotion of locality. The Regiomats, which are operated under the slogan 'from the region, for the region', offer local producers the opportunity to offer their products around the clock, and that without intermediaries. "With the Regiomats, we consciously support regional providers. And we notice that they are generally more appreciated again, especially by the younger generation." 

Stüwer GmbH & Co. KG Catering Machine

Solving Challenges

The introduction of new technologies always comes with challenges. One example is the power supply for wine vending machines in remote hiking areas. "In South Tyrol, we installed a mini hydropower plant in a stream to power the machine," reports Stefan Stüwer. This creative approach shows that there are no unsolvable problems for Stüwer GmbH. Another example is the development of vending machines for retail, which are intended to help reduce theft and discreetly sell embarrassing products. "We have developed a system where customers pay for their purchases at the checkout and then can collect the products from the vending machine using a QR code," explains Stefan Stüwer.

Stüwer GmbH & Co. KG Ice Machine
There are also solutions for frozen food in the program
Stüwer GmbH & Co. KG Ice Machine

Solving Challenges

The introduction of new technologies always brings challenges. One example is the power supply for wine vending machines on remote hiking trails. "In South Tyrol, we installed a small hydroelectric plant in a stream to power the machine," reports Stefan Stüwer. This creative approach shows that there are no unsolvable problems for Stüwer GmbH. Another example is the development of vending machines for retail, which are intended to help reduce theft and discreetly sell embarrassing products. "We have developed a system where customers pay for their purchases at the checkout and then collect the products from the machine using a QR code," explains Stefan Stüwer.

Stüwer GmbH & Co. KG Wine Dispenser
The wine dispenser was successfully set up along hiking trails in Germany and Austria during Corona
Stüwer GmbH & Co. KG Regiomat
The Regiomat can help prevent food waste due to overproduction

Humanity as a Philosophy

Stüwer GmbH has proven that it can develop innovative and sustainable solutions that meet the needs of customers. "We are an extremely human operation, where there is a lot of laughter, curiosity, and eagerness to experiment," describes Stefan Stüwer the company culture. This mix of joy for innovation, sustainability, and regional focus has made the company a pioneer in the vending machine industry. "We have shown that the vending industry has much more to offer than just unhealthy snacks and drinks." With creative solutions and a clear focus on sustainability and regionality, Stüwer GmbH sets new standards and expands the understanding of what vending machines can achieve. Stefan Stüwer is convinced: "The future of vending machines is exciting and full of possibilities, and we are ready to seize these opportunities and help shape this future."