Savinja-Šalek Region, Slovenia
In the Savinja-Šalek Valley of Slovenia, a growing network of smart vending machines is changing how people access local food. Available 24/7 in both urban and rural areas, these machines offer fresh, locally produced items such as milk, yogurt, sausages, salami, eggs, honey, and pickled vegetables. The system connects farmers directly with consumers, reducing food miles and supporting small-scale producers while promoting circular economy principles like reduce, reuse, regenerate, and relocalize.
First introduced in 2019 and expanded after 2020, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, this innovative model ensures product freshness through temperature-controlled storage and encourages sustainability through the use of reusable glass bottles and jars. Consumers can make cashless purchases via card or mobile app, and usage data helps optimize restocking and reduce food waste.
The vending machines are restocked regularly by local farmers and cooperatives, with support from RA SAŠA (Development Agency of Savinja-Šalek Region) and municipalities. The initiative reduces emissions, minimizes packaging waste, and strengthens local economies by creating direct-to-consumer sales opportunities and jobs in logistics and maintenance. It also improves access to healthy food and fosters trust between consumers and local producers.
Although this model is gaining popularity in Slovenia, it remains largely absent in other countries like Serbia, Bulgaria, and Croatia, suggesting strong potential for transfer and replication in other rural and semi-urban regions.
