A popcorn vending machine concept from Germany called Popppy has launched in the UK and is actively looking for partnerships with landlords across the country.
Popppy has already secured partnerships with retail landlords Orion Asset Management and Sovereign Centros and is trialling the concept with intu.
It is looking to have around 150 sites in the UK by the end of this year and wants to partner with retail and leisure landlords across a variety of asset classes.
It will initially focus on areas inside the M25 and the South East before making the concept national and is already considering opportunities in Scotland, Ireland and Wales.
The company is looking to finance this first phase of expansion itself and already has funding in place.
In the structure of its partnership with landlords, Popppy pays for the installation, maintenance and stock of the machines and in return the landlord receives 20% of the sales profits.
Landlords can choose to take on the maintenance and stocking of the machines, in which case they take a 25% stake of the profits.
Rather than taking a lease, the deal structure with landlords works on a contract basis with the standard contract being five years. However, this is flexible depending on circumstances and break clauses are negotiable.
Popppy works with the landlord to consider the best location within their property for the machines, which can also work outside.
The machines only require a single plug socket to work. Popppy funds the development of the machines, which cost around €6,500 (£5,800) each to make.
The popcorn is priced at €2-4 (£1.80-£3.50) per portion, and in successful locations in Germany it sells in the region of 90-100 portions a day. It accepts cash and contactless payment and the popcorn-making process takes 90 seconds.
Popppy currently operates in Germany and Switzerland and has operated most successfully in retail locations such as Ikea stores and leisure destinations including Berlin Zoo.
It will consider partnerships across a variety of different asset classes, including office and co-working locations as well as sporting stadiums and activity centres.
The company has its own patent for the popcorn it makes, which includes the flavour being put inside the corn rather than added afterwards.
It is also a healthy alternative to other snacks and contains 130 calories per portion and is vegan.
The UK expansion is being driven by Johannes Hainlein.
He said: “The concept can work in offices, leisure centres, schools and adventure parks. Anywhere that is a tourist attraction.
“The set-up is fluid and flexible and I think we stand a very fair chance of having 150 by the end of this year, if not even more.”
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