If you frequent MRT stations, office buildings or shopping malls in Singapore, chances are you have seen an iJooz vending machine.
For about $2 to $3, you get a cup of freshly squeezed orange juice in under a minute. There is no queue, no staff, and no need to wait for a stall to open. It is a simple and familiar experience for many people today.
But behind that convenience is a business that has grown to more than 3,000 machines across over 30 countries, serving more than 100,000 cups daily.
Starting From An Engineering Mindset
iJooz was founded by Bruce Zhang, who spent over a decade working in Singapore’s semiconductor industry before starting the company in 2016.
Rather than coming from a food and beverage background, Bruce approached the idea from an engineering perspective. He noticed that while demand for healthier drinks was increasing, freshly squeezed juice was not always readily accessible. When it was available, it often came at a higher price point.
Instead of building another juice stall, he explored whether automation could make fresh juice more convenient and affordable. This led to the idea of a vending machine that could not only dispense juice but also prepare it on demand.
Building The Machine Was The Hard Part
While the concept sounds simple, developing the machine required significant time and capital.
The initial investment was close to $1 million, with most of it going into research and development. The team had to figure out how to integrate multiple functions into a single machine. This included storing fresh oranges, cutting and squeezing them, managing waste and maintaining hygiene standards.
On top of that, the machine had to operate reliably in different environments, often with minimal human intervention.
Over time, iJooz continued refining its design and is now running its fifth-generation machines. These newer models include features such as dispensing juice with ice, which improves usability in warmer climates like Singapore.
Scaling A Physical Network Across Countries
Unlike digital businesses, scaling iJooz required physical expansion.
Each machine needs to be manufactured, installed, maintained and restocked. There are also ongoing costs, such as space rental and logistics for transporting oranges and servicing machines.
Despite these challenges, the company expanded steadily into overseas markets. Today, its machines can be found across Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
However, growth was not always smooth.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, foot traffic in public areas dropped sharply. Since iJooz machines are typically placed in high-traffic locations, this has directly impacted sales.
To adapt, the company explored alternative channels, including selling bottled fresh juice for delivery. This allowed it to continue generating revenue while waiting for foot traffic to recover. As conditions improved, iJooz resumed its expansion into new markets, including Japan, where vending machines are already widely accepted as part of daily life.
Using Technology To Manage Operations At Scale
Although iJooz operates in the F&B space, its business model relies heavily on technology.
Each vending machine is connected through IoT systems, allowing the company to monitor performance in real time. This includes tracking machine status, identifying faults and planning maintenance.
With thousands of machines deployed across different countries, this level of visibility is important. It reduces downtime and helps ensure that machines remain operational without requiring constant manual checks. In practical terms, this allows a relatively lean team to manage a large and geographically dispersed network.
Keeping Prices Accessible
One of the reasons iJooz has gained traction is its pricing. A cup of freshly squeezed orange juice typically costs around $2 to $3, making it more affordable than many juice bars or cafés. This is largely made possible by automation, which reduces labour costs and allows the machines to operate continuously.
By positioning itself at this price point, iJooz makes fresh juice an everyday purchase rather than an occasional indulgence.
Expanding Beyond Orange Juice
In recent years, iJooz has also introduced Smart Pantry machines.
These are cashier-less retail units where users can unlock the fridge, take items, and be charged automatically. While the product offering is different, the underlying approach is similar. Both concepts rely on automation, connected systems and minimal manpower to deliver everyday convenience.
At its core, iJooz is built on a straightforward idea: making freshly squeezed orange juice more accessible. What differentiates the business is how the idea is executed. By combining automation, data, and a scalable network of machines, the company has expanded across multiple markets.
For most consumers, the experience remains simple and quick. But behind each cup of juice is a system carefully designed to operate efficiently at scale.
As the company continues to expand into new markets and product formats, it shows how even a relatively simple product can support a much larger business when paired with the right operating model.
Read Also: How A Singapore Startup Built A Global Tiny Home Business Across 10 Countries
This article was written based on a previous interview we did with Bruce Zhang. You can read the full interview here.
