Prepango announced this week it is partnering with sustainable Italian coffee company illy on a new automated vending machine for espresso coffees and other drinks with John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) to be the first location.
Unlike traditional instant coffee vending machines, the Prepango unit is a full espresso maker, utilizing 100 percent Arabica illy Classico whole beans to grind, brew and serve a full list of espresso hot drinks, from a single espresso and macchiato to a cappuccino, café latte and Americano. In addition to espresso options, the unit will also serve illy brewed drip coffee, Gruppo illy’s Dammann Feres premium tea and a hot chocolate.
“We are thrilled to partner with Prepango and illy in bringing this unique coffee vending concept to John Glenn International,” said Todd Carter, senior manager of Concessions for the Columbus Regional Airport Authority. “This new amenity enhances the passenger experience by providing a quality option for freshly brewed coffee and hot drinks and delighting travelers along their journey.”
Prepango, a certified minority business enterprise with substantial experience in airports, develops and deploys concepts in automated retail and specialty vending. The San Diego-based Prepango said it plans to partner with illy to bring the automated espresso coffee experience to other airports, as well as universities.
