Hydration, sustainability and tech: The evolving beverage landscape in vending, OCS and micro markets

Are Americans drinking enough water? Vivreau’s 2025 hydration habits survey identified key trends in hydration, sustainability and consumer preferences. From Gen Z’s eco-conscious choices to shifting attitudes on bottled water, the findings reveal how drinking habits are evolving. Discover how taste, convenience and environmental responsibility are shaping the future of hydration.

In an interview with Automatic Merchandiser, Vivreau’s Tom Spillane offered his perspective on beverage trends and how they are reflected in the vending, OCS and micro markets channel.

“Modern office beverage services prioritize wellness, variety and sustainability. Popular options include premium coffee, herbal and specialty teas, and purified, chilled or sparkling water systems. There’s also growing interest in infused waters,” he noted. Products that add the essence of fruit to water offer a health-minded alternative to sugary sodas and fruit juices to meet this growing demand.

VendingMarketWatch: How are sustainability trends influencing office beverage choices?

Tom Spillane: Offices are increasingly embracing eco-friendly solutions such as reusable glass bottles and water dispensers, reflecting a growing commitment to sustainability. Many workplaces are adopting these practices as part of broader efforts to create greener, healthier environments while encouraging employees to make more environmentally friendly choices in their daily routines.

More American adults drink coffee each day than any other beverage, and daily coffee consumption is at a 20-year high. It’s important to consider how many disposable coffee cups and pods are discarded each year as a result. Water dispensers that provide hot water on demand offer office workers a sustainable way to enjoy their coffee or tea using reusable mugs while also promoting a powerful message of sustainability.

Eliminating plastic bottles from offices not only benefits the environment but can lead to cost savings.

VMW: What role does hydration play in workplace productivity and employee wellness as well as in influencing overall beverage consumption trends in the workplace?

Tom Spillane: Proper hydration is essential for workplace productivity and employee well-being. Staying hydrated has been proven to boost energy levels and enhance brain function while even mild dehydration can negatively impact mood, memory and cognitive performance. Encouraging employees to drink enough water can support increased productivity, reduce stress and improve focus and mental clarity. Beyond these individual benefits, companies also stand to gain from a healthier workforce, with potential reductions in healthcare costs, absenteeism and overall productivity losses.

Many of our office customers share that providing sparkling water feels like a small luxury for their staff, offering a convenient alternative to stepping out for an afternoon treat or specialty drink. This simple addition boosts productivity and supports healthier habits — a win-win for everyone. 

When water tastes good, people naturally drink more of it. Enhancing staff amenities such as upgrading break rooms sends a clear message that employees are valued. A thoughtfully equipped break room — offering a variety of convenient beverage options such as freshly brewed coffee, a selection of teas, or even sparkling water on tap — can foster a positive work atmosphere and significantly boost employee morale.

The demand for healthier beverages is stronger than ever, making unlimited access to still and sparkling water a valuable addition to any employee health and wellness program. Implementing a workplace water program ensures that water is always within reach, encouraging employees to make healthier choices by opting for water over sugary or less nutritious drinks. 

VMW: How is technology impacting office beverage services? For instance, how are companies integrating advanced water filtration or dispensing technologies into their office setups?

Tom Spillane: Companies are increasingly adopting innovative technologies to meet the evolving needs of their employees, and modern businesses are seamlessly integrating functionality with technology and innovation.

For instance, at Vivreau, we recently introduced the Extra C-Tap water dispenser. The system offers five types of water — unchilled still, chilled still, chilled semi-sparkling, sparkling, and on-demand hot water — enhanced by micro-filtration technology to improve taste. It also has disinfection technology that periodically heats to 257°F to prevent retrograde contamination and kill viruses and bacteria.

Technology also plays a vital role in supporting sustainability. Water dispensers are an environmentally friendly alternative to plastic water bottles.

In addition, many businesses want to encourage an inclusive work environment. We integrated an optional control unit into our dispenser to create a barrier-free, inclusive working environment. It can be positioned to ease access for wheelchair users, supporting user accessibility. 

VMW: What connections have you observed between office hydration habits and the popularity of coffee or tea refreshment services? What broader beverage trends are reflected in office hydration habits?

Tom Spillane: Office hydration habits often show a strong connection to the popularity of coffee and tea services. Employees tend to rely on these beverages not just for hydration, but also for energy and social interactions. Coffee and tea services are popular because they provide a caffeine boost while also creating opportunities for breaks and socialization.

Using filtered water from a dispenser can significantly elevate the taste of tea or coffee. By removing impurities like chlorine, chloramine, excessive minerals and organic compounds, filtered water allows the true, nuanced flavors of employees’ favorite beverages to shine through.

We’re noticing a shift towards healthier hydration habits. As a former soda drinker myself, I now primarily drink sparkling water in the office, at home, and on the go all day long. Often, instead of a glass of juice, I fill a glass with sparkling water and add a splash of orange juice for a little flavor to keep me energized without the sugar crash. Our recent hydration habits survey unveiled some broader trends in Americans’ hydration habits.

Most Americans (86%) reported being able to distinguish the taste differences between various types of water, such as filtered, unfiltered and bottled. Even more striking, the vast majority (93%) agree that water quality plays a crucial role in their choice of drinking water. Americans also have distinct preferences when it comes to water temperature. About one in five (17%) Americans agreed they enjoy drinking hot water in general. Meanwhile, 85% agreed they enjoy drinking water cold or ice cold, and just over half (51%) agreed that they enjoy drinking room-temperature water.

VMW: How has the hybrid work model influenced office beverage service trends in general and the demand for office water and coffee refreshment services more specifically?

Tom Spillane: With the rise of hybrid work, providing high quality beverage services has become a key strategy for businesses looking to encourage employees to return to the office. Demand for purified water systems and customizable, café-quality coffee options has surged, driven by a growing emphasis on health, wellness and convenience. 

More individuals are prioritizing access to clean, great-tasting water and premium coffee experiences that replicate those of their favorite cafés. Businesses are increasingly seeking flexible solutions that not only enhance health and safety in shared spaces but also align with sustainability efforts, reducing waste and promoting environmentally-friendly practices.

VMW: What is the impact of wellness trends on beverage consumption at work?

Tom Spillane: Wellness trends have significantly influenced office beverage choices, pushing companies to offer healthier and more functional options. Traditional sugary drinks and sodas are increasingly being replaced by filtered water, herbal teas and beverages infused with probiotics or antioxidants to support better health.

By prioritizing wellness through thoughtful beverage options, companies not only boost employee engagement and productivity but also create a workplace culture that values health, sustainability, and overall well-being. This alignment with modern values can enhance team morale and strengthen an organization’s commitment to a healthier, greener future.

For more information about Vivreau and its 2025 hydration habits survey, visit vivreauwater.com.