iSqueeze is a forward thinking, innovative company providing businesses with the latest technology in juicing equipment since 2011. We hear more about this burgeoning industry, and how to succeed within it from Managing Director and Founder, Elias Ebert.
FRESHLY SQUEEZED INNOVATION
I created iSqueeze after a trip across Europe when I came across countless self-serve juice machines in convenience stores, supermarkets, and most notably hospitals, where we had sought medical care for my son.
After being wowed by the idea, its freshness, and the theatre of this innovation, iSqueeze was launched in the UK in 2011.
The initial mission was to bring enhanced health to the nation and make healthy juice as popular as coffee. To achieve this, to begin with, iSqueeze was focused on working within the food-service industry, placing juice machines across the country.
In 2015, we partnered with juice machine manufacturer Citrocasa – the ‘Mercedes of Citrus juicers’ – to provide businesses with the latest in self-service juicing technology, a concept already taking Europe by storm! Now, we also partner with Ceado, who make the best blenders and juicers on the market today.
FRESHNESS, CONVENIENCE, AND THE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE
The UK’s food and beverage retail landscape is undergoing a seismic transformation. Shifts in consumer behaviour, economic pressures, and evolving expectations for sustainability and health-conscious options are forcing retailers to rethink their strategies. As the founder of iSqueeze, the UK’s largest provider of fresh orange juice machines, I have a front-row seat to these changes. Through our partnerships with retailers, we’ve seen how providing fresh, high-quality offerings can help businesses stay competitive while enhancing customer experience and increasing sales.
THE CHANGING FACE OF RETAIL
UK retail has faced significant challenges in recent years, from the rapid growth of e-commerce to the aftershocks of Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic. Consumers are more discerning than ever, looking for convenience without compromising on quality. The days of traditional, one-size-fits-all retail experiences are giving way to more tailored, experiential offerings that cater to a health-conscious and sustainability-driven public.
Retailers must balance cost-efficiency with innovation. Supermarkets and convenience stores are competing not only with each other but also with food delivery services, quick-commerce startups, and discounters offering low-cost alternatives. In this climate, differentiation is key. To attract and retain customers, retailers must deliver value beyond pricing—by prioritising freshness, transparency, and engagement.
THE RISE OF HEALTH-CONSCIOUS CONSUMERS
The COVID-19 pandemic heightened awareness around health and nutrition, leading to a surge in demand for fresh, unprocessed foods and beverages. According to industry reports, UK consumers are more inclined to seek out natural, organic, and preservative-free products. This trend presents an opportunity for retailers to revamp their product offerings and position themselves as destinations for healthy choices.
Incorporating fresh and natural products—such as freshly squeezed juices—provides an instant health halo effect. It reassures customers that they are making the right choices and fosters loyalty toward stores that align with their wellness goals. Retailers who fail to capitalise on this shift risk being outpaced by competitors who do.
SUSTAINABILITY: A KEY CONSUMER EXPECTATION
Sustainability is no longer a buzzword; it is a driving force behind purchasing decisions. Consumers are demanding transparency in supply chains and minimal food waste. Many retailers have already committed to improving their environmental footprints, but more must be done to align with public expectations.
A self-serve fresh orange juice solution, like iSqueeze, perfectly aligns with these sustainability goals. Our machines help cut down on food waste, as they utilise whole oranges efficiently, producing minimal byproducts. For retailers, this not only improves environmental impact but also enhances brand reputation among eco-conscious shoppers.
THE EXPERIENCE ECONOMY: GIVING SHOPPERS A REASON TO VISIT
Retail is no longer just about transactions—it’s about experiences. Today’s consumers want more than just products; they want engagement, interactivity, and a reason to choose physical stores over online alternatives. Fresh food and beverage stations offer an interactive component that keeps customers coming back.
Juicing machines, for example, provide a sensory experience: the sight of whole oranges being squeezed, the sound of fresh juice being made, and the aroma of citrus filling the air. These elements create a memorable shopping trip, reinforcing customer satisfaction and encouraging repeat visits. Such experiences are not only appreciated but are also highly shareable on social media, further amplifying a retailer’s reach and appeal.
PROFITABILITY AND COMPETITIVE EDGE FOR RETAILERS
Beyond consumer engagement, fresh juice solutions also make strong business sense. They provide retailers with an additional revenue stream and a way to maximize store profitability without requiring extensive overhead costs. Since our machines are automated and self-service, they require minimal labour input while delivering high-margin returns.
Moreover, offering fresh, premium-quality orange juice differentiates retailers from competitors. While pre-packaged juices are readily available, customers perceive freshly squeezed options as superior in taste and nutrition. The ability to offer this in a convenient, on-the-go format strengthens customer loyalty and increases basket spend.
TECHNOLOGY AND CONVENIENCE: THE FUTURE OF RETAIL
At iSqueeze, we are proud to offer the most technologically advanced juicing machines on the market: Citrocasa. Our innovative machines are designed to deliver the best quality juice with the highest yield, ensuring retailers get the most value from every orange. Additionally, Citrocasa machines are the easiest to clean, making operations more efficient and reducing staff workload.
To ensure our partners experience minimal downtime, our dedicated iSqueeze technical team provides fast, responsive support whenever needed. We understand that every minute counts in retail, so our team works swiftly to resolve any technical issues, keeping your machines running smoothly and ensuring a seamless customer experience.
THE PATH FORWARD
As the UK’s retail sector navigates these industry shifts, it’s clear that innovation, sustainability, and health-conscious offerings will define the winners of the future. Retailers that invest in fresh, high-quality products and customer-centric experiences will not only survive but thrive in this competitive landscape.
By integrating fresh juice solutions, retailers can tap into multiple trends at once: health, sustainability, experience-driven shopping, and automation. At iSqueeze, we are proud to partner with retailers who are looking to evolve and provide value beyond the checkout counter.
The future of retail is fresh. Are you ready to squeeze the most out of it?
