Unity Coffee takes on big hitters with launch of self-service product developed on a FinTech platform

Unity Coffee, a new self-service offering, is launching in the UK and aiming to take on industry giants with mobile first coffee machines.

Developed by Coffee Nation entrepreneur Scott Martin, Unity Coffee claims to offer better coffee, better value and a “smarter digital experience” thanks to a combination of premium ingredients, automation and a smarter digital experience. 

Unity Coffee machines are connected to the brand’s mobile app, with the goal of enabling agile pricing, real-time promotions, and personalised content. These aim to provide consistency across espresso, specialty coffee drinks, matcha, and hot chocolate with both dairy and plant-based milk options. 

Martin’s Coffee Nation self-service drinks business was sold to Whitbread in 2011 for £59.5 million, before being rebranded into Costa Express.

“The coffee-to-go market has let customers down for years - overpriced drinks and the same tired experience,” says Martin, who helped develop Costa Express into a 14,000-machine network that was sold to Coca-Cola in 2018 for £3.9 billion.

“Unity Coffee is leading a new movement, delivering exceptional coffee at fairer prices through smart technology, dynamic loyalty and instant rewards that serve customers. We’re going to take on big coffee and give the power back to the people.”

Unity Coffee aims to install its machines in more than 500 retail, transport, leisure, and education locations in the next two years. Its investors include experts from hospitality and retail.

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Self-service technologies will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards. which are now open for entries, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.