Technology is brewing up changes in the world of hot drinks.

It seems the days of trying to find a few coins to slot in a vending machine may be numbered.

For drinks company Mannvend is now offering a new range of so-called smart vending machines supported by what is described as the ’button barista app’.

And consumer demand for contactless payments is said to be increasing fast here in the island too and MannVend says it is responding to that demand.

Most of the company’s snack vending machines now have contactless technology.

Mannvend managing director Tracey Leahy said: ’The app works with our latest Coffetek Neo vending machines which serve hot drinks and carbonated drinks.’

Speaking from the comppany’s home at Ailsa House, Spring Valley Industrial Estate, she added: ’It allows you to customise your drink by choosing from more options than are available via the standard menu on the vending machine.

’For example, using the app to order coffee you can vary the strength, choose decaf, add just the right amount of sugar and milk, or select many other options.

’You can then save preferences for different drink combinations which means that you can order your favourite at the touch of a button.

’Not only that, you can also order a drink while sat at your desk knowing that it will be ready by the time you get to the vending machine.

’We’re very excited about introducing this new technology to the island, and we’re sure that it will prove to be popular.

’It’s convenient for employees because it saves time and allows them to have their perfect drink every time - and for employers it’s a great investment which enhances the working environment, and improves efficiency.’

Generally it appears smart devices, 4G mobile broadband, and the latest IT software are playing an increasingly important role in the vending business.

Tracey added: ’The latest smart machines rely on 4G so that we have communication 24/7/365.

’Downtime is costly in our business, as it is in any other sector, so having reliable mobile connectivity is essential.

’It means that any problems can be quickly identified and resolved, and we can also update screen advertising remotely.

’Our fleet of vehicles are also connected using Fleetmatics software and GPS tracking so that our engineers can respond as fast as possible when customers need a site visit.

’We also use real-time voice messaging so that engineers can respond as soon as possible to out of hours calls.’

The latest figures from payment processing company Worldpay show that for the first time in the UK contactless payments have overtaken payments by chip and pin for in-store purchases.

One example is the Samba Necta VE Snack machine - imported by MannVend from the USA - which can take contactless card payments, and has added features such as HD screens, video games, and touch screen technology which allows users to view nutritional information about snacks.

Staff at Triumph Actuation Systems in Onchan are using the machine.

MannVend is one of the island’s longest established family businesses and celebrated its 50th anniversary last year. It began trading as Mannin Tea and Coffee and became MannVend in 1994.

Tracey Leahy, managing director since 2008, is the third generation of the Leahy family to lead the business which was founded by her grandfather and later developed by her father.