Bluebox Smart Ice Partners with Core-Mark to Transform Convenience Store Ice Distribution

Bluebox Smart Ice and Water has been selected as a Core-Mark International Core Partner, positioning the company to expand its automated ice vending solutions across North American convenience stores beginning in January 2026. The partnership provides Bluebox with exclusive access to Core-Mark's marketing, promotions, and trade show visibility as a top distributor in the convenience retail sector. This strategic alliance represents a significant shift in how convenience stores can address persistent challenges in the packaged ice industry.

Ben Gaskill, CEO of Bluebox Smart Ice and Water, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating that it represents an opportunity to address significant challenges facing the retail packaged ice industry. These challenges include delivery delays, stock shortages, labor inefficiencies, product damage, theft, and limited availability during business hours. The partnership with Core-Mark will accelerate Bluebox's goal of bringing innovative, automated ice vending solutions to stores across the continent, potentially transforming how consumers access ice products.

Through this strategic alliance, Bluebox gains access to Core-Mark's extensive network of retail customers and sales expertise. The company's unique operating model eliminates traditional barriers for convenience store operators by offering a proven, low-maintenance ice solution without initial ownership costs or complicated management demands. Martin Carbajal, Retail Solutions Program Manager at Core-Mark, emphasized that Bluebox's Ice-as-a-Service model aligns perfectly with Core-Mark's mission to deliver innovative services to customers while enhancing profitability.

Bluebox utilizes Everest's VersaVend patented ice vending technology through an exclusive licensing agreement for the convenience store market. The technology produces two tons of fresh ice daily with a proven 99% uptime and operates 24/7. The equipment handles delivery, setup, preventative maintenance, and repairs, while Bluebox's revenue-sharing model eliminates the need for capital expenditures, equipment costs, maintenance, and storage. This approach transforms convenience stores into profit centers without additional operational burdens, representing a significant advancement in retail automation technology.

Core-Mark, part of Performance Food Group, serves as a leading distributor to convenience retailers across North America, providing innovative products, technology, and services that help stores grow profitability and achieve operational excellence. The Core Partners program connects Core-Mark's customers with a curated network of leading service providers and suppliers across various service levels. For more information about Bluebox's innovative approach to ice distribution, visit https://blueboxiceandwater.com.