What’s next for cold drink equipment? Insights from our 2026 global industry survey

AoFrio’s global survey asked beverage companies and OEMs what they’re prioritizing, what’s getting in the way, and where they expect technology to help.

What would beverage companies and OEMs most want AI to tell them about their coolers? Both groups gave the same top answer.

When it comes to their priorities, it’s a different story.

We surveyed 157 industry professionals around the world about the challenges they face and the technology they are interested in adopting. Our new infographic lets you take in the survey’s key findings at a glance, from cold drink equipment priorities to the role both groups expect AI and connected technology to play.

On the infographic, you’ll find answers to questions like:

• Where do beverage companies and OEMs feel the most pressure, and where do their priorities overlap?

• What’s driving beverage companies’ interest in tracking their coolers?

• What would both groups most want AI to tell them about their coolers?

• How are OEMs competing beyond the hardware?

• Is energy efficiency still a compliance checkbox, or is it now a design requirement?