Zuply and qnips innovate together

Paving the way for the future of workplace catering

Together with German software developer qnips, Zuply is building the “Future Canteen.” Introduced in 2025, this concept seamlessly integrates qnips’ digital systems with Zuply’s smart vending machines, setting a new standard in unmanned catering for service, convenience, freshness, and profitability. During Internorga in Hamburg, taking place from March 13 to 17, the companies will showcase their joint vision of the future of workplace catering.

“Future Canteen is about digital transformation—not just what’s possible in the next 30 years, but also what’s already tangible today,” says Kenji Koch, Team Lead Business Development at qnips.

Digital innovation

Qnips, a forward-thinking software company based in Hanover, empowers the global catering industry with smart, user-friendly digital solutions. Their robust platform and app allow corporate caterers to manage the entire process from order to pickup. This pioneering role aligns perfectly with that of Dutch company Zuply, which designs and manufactures smart vending systems – from (chilled) lockers to smart fridges.

Since 2019, the two companies have collaborated closely, leading the way in integrated solutions for workplace and corporate restaurant catering. Their shared focus on affordability, user-friendliness, and 24/7 availability resonates with caterers, their clients, and the new generation of tech-savvy customers.

Ahead of the curve

“Zuply is one of our most innovative partners. They consistently hit the mark with their solutions and always anticipate the latest trends in the catering industry,” Kenji notes.

He continues: “When no one was thinking about smart fridges yet, Zuply had already developed one. Thanks to our partnership, we were the first to showcase it at Internorga. Zuply’s products always draw a crowd to our booth.”

“We’re aligned and on the same path,” adds Sander Sciarone, founder and CEO of Zuply. “Both companies have prioritized innovation from the start and have been early adopters of digital technology. qnips has invested significantly and is now the number one provider of digital catering solutions in the German market.”

Together, Zuply and qnips launch new innovations every year, maintaining a strong competitive edge.

Seamless ecosystems

Zuply and qnips co-develop interoperable ecosystems—hardware, software, and services designed to work together seamlessly. All components communicate via standard protocols and APIs, ensuring smooth integration and scalability.

The future canteen is already a reality: Zuply’s LockBlox lockers are connected to qnips’ order and payment systems. Linx iQ Smart Fridges automatically update inventory. AI-driven checkouts complete purchases via customer accounts. For users, everything is visible in one intuitive dashboard for optimal stock management and reporting.

A one-stop-shop

Qnips partners with various hardware providers, selecting the best fit for each project based on customer needs. Zuply is often the preferred choice due to its versatility, quality, and high-level integration.

Kenji explains: “With smart fridges like the Linx iQ, Zuply has no real competition in Germany. Plus, their systems integrate effortlessly with our technology. Sander and his team are extremely transparent, making the collaboration smooth and enjoyable.” Together, qnips and Zuply offer a comprehensive, end-to-end solution.

Sander adds: “Caterers want to deliver a total experience. Our one-stop-shop enables exactly that. Through the qnips platform, customers can browse the menu, place orders, pay, and pick up - all from a single app. Operations management is also centralized. It’s a fully connected system; no need for multiple applications. One solution. It doesn’t get simpler.”

Augmented and Mixed Reality

The qnips platform is designed for maximum ease-of-use in ordering, pickup, and checkout – while  ensuring meals are fresh and appetizing. “A user places their order in advance through our app, selecting a time slot. The kitchen prepares the dish and places it in the LockBlox locker. At the set time, the customer unlocks the compartment with a PIN or QR code,” Kenji explains. With a Smart Fridge, the device automatically detects the items taken, and the purchase is processed through the qnips platform.

As AI continues to evolve, Kenji and Sander expect a rapid expansion of possibilities. One example is the use of Augmented and Mixed Reality. “At last year’s Internorga, we demonstrated a fully working Apple Vision Pro integration. Augmented reality is already used in the automotive industry – so why not in catering? With the Vision Pro and our consumer app, users can view dish prices, ingredients, and calories in real time – and place their order directly via the headset. It wasn’t just a concept – it worked. Who knows, we may even explore holograms next.”

More time to enjoy your break

There are still some common misconceptions about digitization in catering. Sander explains: “People often think the investment is high, while in reality, digitalization unlocks real cost savings.”

He adds: “Some worry that unmanned solutions reduce human interaction. But Generation Z – and soon Generation Alpha – grew up with digital touchpoints. They love ordering in advance and skipping the line, so they can actually enjoy their break time instead of wasting it. It gives them more freedom, not less.