Starbucks Launches Corner Cafe Vending Machines in European Offices

If you’ve ever worked in a large European office and wished you could grab a proper espresso without leaving the building, Starbucks may have your solution. The global coffee giant is testing a new workplace coffee model that skips traditional cafés in favor of automated, brand-controlled machines placed directly inside office buildings.

Yes, Starbucks is installing branded 'Corner Cafe' vending machines in major European offices. As of now, 17 machines are operational in Switzerland alone, selling espresso-based drinks like cappuccino and espresso, plus hot chocolate. Each machine averages 100 drinks per day.

How the Corner Cafe Vending Machine Works

The machines are not generic — they’re part of a co-branded initiative with Swiss vending company Selecta Group. Under the 'Corner Cafe' label, the machines sell a range of drinks similar to those found in a Starbucks shop, including cappuccino, espresso, and hot chocolate. The units are installed directly inside office buildings, eliminating the need for employees to visit a café during the workday.

Selecta handles the supply chain: purchasing cups, coffee, and other consumables directly from Starbucks, while sourcing fresh milk locally. The company also takes care of machine installation, marketing, maintenance, and pays Starbucks a licensing fee. Each machine reportedly dispenses around 100 drinks daily.

Starbucks’ Office Coffee Expansion Strategy

The initial rollout began six months ago in Switzerland, and the brand plans to expand the program to Germany, France, Netherlands, Denmark, Finland, and Austria. While Starbucks has relatively few physical cafés in some of these markets, the company says brand recognition remains high. The long-term goal is to install thousands of these machines across Europe within the next few years.

Europe’s dense office markets offer an untapped channel for increasing beverage purchase frequency — a strategic priority for Starbucks. This move allows the company to extend its reach without the overhead of opening new cafés.

Financial and Operational Model

Selecta purchases branded products and supplies from Starbucks and covers the local procurement of fresh milk. The company is responsible for the full operational lifecycle: installing, marketing, and servicing the machines. In exchange, Starbucks earns revenue through a licensing agreement. Though exact financial targets for the program remain undisclosed, Starbucks Europe business development head Matt Sikes emphasized the importance of the initiative in meeting the company’s goal of boosting how often people buy coffee.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Corner Cafe vending machine?

The Corner Cafe is a branded vending machine developed by Starbucks in partnership with Swiss company Selecta. It offers espresso-based drinks such as cappuccino, espresso, and hot chocolate, and is installed inside large European office buildings.

Where are the Corner Cafe machines currently available?

As of now, 17 Corner Cafe machines are installed in offices across Switzerland. The program is set to expand to Germany, France, Netherlands, Denmark, Finland, and Austria.

How many drinks does each Corner Cafe machine sell per day?

Each Corner Cafe vending machine sells an average of 100 drinks per day, according to reports.

Who operates and maintains the Corner Cafe machines?

Selecta Group handles the installation, marketing, maintenance, and supply chain for the machines. They purchase coffee and packaging from Starbucks and source fresh milk locally.

What is Starbucks’ goal with this office vending initiative?

Starbucks aims to install thousands of Corner Cafe machines across Europe in the coming years to increase how often consumers buy coffee, especially in markets where it has few physical stores.

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