Under the terms of the deal, Selecta will initially provide 400 fresh bean-to-cup machines to Shell service stations across the UK. Products available will include freshly-ground bean-to-cup coffees, teas from PG Tips and drinking chocolate.

In addition to providing aftercare and support to Shell through its customer service desk, Selecta has also devised Forecourt Friend, a customer care initiative where Selecta's support staff will be regulary visiting each Shell site and liaising with Shell employees to pass on their knowledge and expertise in order to ensure that customers are happy with the new service.

"Shell is one of the most innovative and dynamic forecourt operations in the marketplace," says Selecta sales and marketing director Jonathan Barr. "Winning their business underlines confidence in Selecta's market leading vending solutions and our nationwide capability. This agreement opens up a whole new market for us and we are very excited about the business opportunities it will present. Selecta now provides hot beverages for Shell in nine counties in Europe and we are delighted that this commitment has been extended to the UK."