Bluebox Smart Ice and Water Joins Core-Mark International's Core Partners Program

Bluebox Smart Ice and Water has been selected as a Core Partner in Core-Mark International's exclusive program, providing the ice vending company with expanded market access to convenience retailers across North America. The partnership, which begins in January 2026, will give Bluebox exclusive access to Core-Mark's marketing, promotions, and trade show visibility as a top distributor in the convenience retail sector.

Ben Gaskill, CEO of Bluebox Smart Ice and Water, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating that working with Core-Mark will promote growth and innovation in convenience retail. The retail packaged ice industry faces significant challenges including delivery delays, stock shortages, labor inefficiencies, product damage, theft, and limited availability during business hours. Bluebox addresses these operational and financial burdens with a comprehensive, turn-key solution that transforms how convenience stores manage ice sales.

As a Core Partner, Bluebox gains access to Core-Mark's extensive network of retail customers and sales expertise, accelerating the company's goal to bring innovative, automated ice vending solutions to stores throughout North America. The partnership creates a smooth channel for convenience store operators to adopt a proven, low-maintenance ice solution without initial ownership costs or complicated management demands. This represents a significant shift in how retailers can approach ice sales, moving from traditional inventory management to a service-based model.

Bluebox utilizes Everest's VersaVend patented ice vending technology through an exclusive licensing agreement for the convenience store market. The equipment produces two tons of fresh ice daily with a proven 99% uptime and remains accessible 24/7, handling delivery, setup, preventative maintenance, and repairs. The company's unique revenue-sharing model eliminates the need for capital expenditures, equipment costs, maintenance, and storage, effectively turning convenience stores into overnight profit centers without additional operational burden.

Martin Carbajal, Retail Solutions Program Manager at Core-Mark, explained that Bluebox's operating model aligns perfectly with Core-Mark's mission to deliver innovative services to customers. The Ice-as-a-Service model not only streamlines operations but also enhances profitability, making Bluebox a valuable addition to the Core Partners program. 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. For more information about Bluebox's services, visit https://blueboxiceandwater.com.

The partnership represents a significant advancement in convenience retail operations, addressing longstanding industry challenges while creating new revenue opportunities. By eliminating traditional ice sales constraints, Bluebox's solution enables retailers to maximize profitability while reducing operational complexity. The 24/7 availability combined with reliable ice production ensures consistent customer service regardless of store hours, while the automated nature of the system reduces labor requirements and minimizes theft risks. This collaboration between Bluebox and Core-Mark signals a broader trend toward service-based solutions in retail, where operational efficiency and customer convenience drive business decisions.