Smart meat vending machine case study – Gastro Branimir
Gastro Branimir—a Zagreb butcher famed for Wagyu, Black Angus and Galician beef—has turned heads by launching Croatia’s first “steakomat”, a Magex Easy 9 smart vending machine that keeps prime cuts selling around the clock and even earned a feature in Forbes Croatia. Below is a deep‑dive on how the project works, the measurable impact it’s had, and why it matters for food‑retail innovators.
project background
Premium butchery Gastro Branimir opens only Wednesday‑to‑Saturday, leaving a service gap on Sundays and holidays when Croatian law forces most stores to close (merchants may choose just 16 working Sundays per year, while vending machines stay exempt).
Shoppers were asking for off‑hours pickups, and founders Tina & Branimir Galović spent a year searching for a solution that would match their high‑touch brand experience.
the challenge
Maintain meat quality at 1–3 °C in an outdoor market setting.
Prevent product drop damage and preserve marbling integrity.
Support variable‑weight SKUs (steaks rarely weigh the same) and dynamic pricing.
Provide real‑time stock, expiry and temperature alerts from off‑site.
Magex easy 9 solution
| Feature | Benefit to butcher & customer |
|---|---|
| Patented belt‑elevator dispensing | Gently “slides” steaks to pickup, avoiding bruising and waste |
| 22″ touchscreen | Shows cut, weight, cooking tips & videos for product education. |
| Variable‑weight management module | Auto‑calculates price per‑gram at checkout—no pre‑packing to fixed sizes needed. |
| Industrial refrigeration (1–3 °C) | Meets HACCP standards for fresh meat safety. |
| Cloud sensors & cameras | Owners monitor levels, dates & alarms remotely via smartphone. |
| 90 cm ergonomic pickup height | Comfortable access for all ages; no bending. |
| Branding wrap & modular shelves | Machine doubles as a 24/7 billboard and adjusts to seasonal cuts. |
Sales velocity: the unit frequently sells out; staff refill multiple times per day, with record takings on New Year’s Day, May Day and Easter.
Revenue growth: parent company Eko Nomad grew turnover by ~18 % and profit by 20 % in the first year of “steakomat” service.
Media impact: the story ran in Forbes Croatia, boosting brand awareness nationwide.
Customer reach: seniors and tech‑savvy millennials alike navigate the touchscreen with ease, widening the demographic mix.
key benefits for food retailers
24/7 revenue stream that sidesteps restrictive trading‑hour legislation.
Premium product protection thanks to Magex’s shock‑free elevator and stable cooling.
Data‑driven restocking via real‑time analytics, cutting spoilage and labour costs.
Scalable footprint: Easy 9 can control up to four satellite modules, turning any kiosk or trailer into a micro‑butchery.
Marketing magnet: a custom‑wrapped façade and HD video loop keep passers‑by engaged and sharing on social media.
takeaways & next steps
Ready to elevate your own fresh‑food retail model? Contact Magex for a tailored feasibility study.
