STRATEGIC PARTNERS
July 17, 2014
The Automatic Merchandising State of the Industry report said there is a growing demand from consumers and operators for healthy vending products, according to a press release.
"Vendors reported that healthy food attributed as much as a 25-percent upswing in sales," the report said.
The latest technology, according to the document, is driving the industry, and operators are profiting. AVT has launched vending products with hot and cold options, interactive touchscreens, advertising and promotions panels, cashless payment and wireless control of the system.
"People are more conscious about health and wellness and are making more concerted efforts to have a balanced diet," National Automatic Merchandising Association spokeswoman Jackie Clark said in the press release. "There's evidence that shows that sales go up when healthier items replace traditional vending options. This is a trend that's here to stay."
Also driving the industry is a government ban on the sale of unhealthy foods in schools and a report from the Center for Disease Control instructing old-style vending machines in government facilities be replaced with healthier substitutes, the release said.
