What’s Up With This Fresh Food Vending Craze?
Vending machines have been around for a long time. With the advent of the first commercial vending machine in the 1800’s, and the widespread success of the vending machine industry globally, we know they aren’t going anywhere any time soon. But what about this fresh food vending craze which has been the latest trend to hit streets, corporate boardrooms and school lunch rooms across Australia?
In this article we discuss why there’s such a push for fresh food vending, and whether the craze is here to stay!
A Trillion Dollar Global Industry
Believe it or not, the healthy, fresh food industry is almost a trillion dollar industry globally. Consumers want healthy food, and there is substantial evidence that proves this isn’t just a fad… as consumer education on health grows, so too is the demand for healthier, fresher options.
So what does this all mean for the fresh food vending craze industry? Well, it means there is a plethora of opportunities vending machines must tap into if they want to stay relevant and give their customers what they want!
While traditional vending machines have a reputation for providing stale, processed foods filled with empty carbs and future regrets, many others understand there is plenty for everyone so they’re taking the opportunity to provide healthy fresh food alternatives to satisfy their customers and capture a portion of this trillion dollar industry.
And for companies that provide these fresh food vending machines for their customers and employees? They are taking advantage of an incredible opportunity to provide fresh, healthy food which will positively impact their staff and the customer experience.
Not only do fresh food vending machines encourage a healthier lifestyle and diet – it also helps keeps employees and students sustained throughout the day in a practical, convenient way, so they can keep up with an increasingly fast-paced work environment and lifestyle.
Government Campaigns Get Behind Fresh Food
In 2015 the Queensland Government rolled out a campaign to promote a larger quantity of fresh fruit and vegetables in the average Australian diet.
The aim of the campaign was to reduce the epidemic of chronic disease by educating Australians on the positive health benefits associated with eating fresh foods. In alignment with this campaign, we are seeing an increase in the number of workplaces and schools who are rolling out fresh food programs.
Vending machines must keep up with the ever changing demands of workplaces, schools, hospitals and shopping centres to ensure their food items match these new healthy food programs. Otherwise, they risk becoming outdated and unpopular.
New Technology Allows For Better Fresh Food Vending
One of the reasons why vending machines haven’t jumped on the fresh food bandwagon earlier could be attributed to lack of technology. Chocolate bars, chips and soda can stay fresh for longer, while fresh foods have a much shorter shelf life.
However, thanks to the incredible leaps and bounds vending machine technology has made in the last few years, more and more companies like Gecko Vending are supplying and installing vending machines that use innovative refrigeration and storage techniques to keep fresh food, well… fresh… for longer.
Plus, new innovative designs like the use of touch screen to order multiple items, and the addition of smartphone payment systems means vending machines can now become trendier and more popular amongst a varied demographic.
A 24 Hour, Convenient Solution
One question you may be thinking; why would someone order fresh food out of a vending machine when they could get a better quality meal elsewhere?
The answer lies in convenience, availability and location. A lot of time-poor office workers simply don’t have the time to pack a lunch or to pick up a healthy meal during their lunch hour. And these days, work hours extend beyond the classic 9 to 5. What happens when you need to pull a late night at the office, and all the surrounding cafes or restaurants are closed?
The same goes for consumers who are in a hospital waiting room, or at the shopping mall trying to get all their christmas shopping done and just want something quick, light and easy.
Vending machines are a 24 hour solution that is cheaper and quicker than any alternative, another reason to believe fresh food vending isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
To find out more about Gecko Vending’s fresh food vending options, contact us via mobile or email. Our friendly team would love to chat!
