Oranges and Lemons (even though you were promised Apples!)

I know, I know...  nothing for years then 2 blogs in one day!  What can I say?

Whilst this a vending blog, it's a little fruity for a Friday.  Below is the lovely amazing Apple Vending machine (c1930s); no more Steve Jobs than Isaac Newton but it serves a purpose for the next few minutes.

The subject of health and wellbeing is discussed at length every day online and in the real world;  We want to focus on the world of opportunity that health and wellbeing present for vending.  Vending has had its fair share of opposition over the years with bans and restrictions in various guises across many geographies.  Vending trade associations have positioned vending as part of the solution and nothing changes there.  Let's be honest, vending machines are shops and they sell what sells.  Nobody is made to purchase from a vending machine; they just stand their, minding their own business, doing what they do.  The Apple machine below was doing that - just selling you apples.

"Well", I hear you cry, "what's your point?"

My point is that enabling consumer choice, supporting healthy lifestyles and following trends has to be at the core of any vending business.  The vending industry hasn't invested millions in making fantastic cappuccino just because it was fed up of sitting on the beach.  The consumer wanted it and we responded.  Great news and superb innovation.  Extend that thinking to the choices available in a snack machine and perhaps we will start to see a broader range of products for sale?  Sure, some may not like that affordable indulgences such as crisps (chips to my transatlantic friends), chocolate and cherry fizz will still be on sale, but small changes are probably a better way forward to encouraging people to make lifelong changes to their consumption patterns.

Which brings us back to vending apples!  24vend is hosting a conference "Being Healthy" on 12th November at the amazing Imperial War Museum North (Manchester) where we will hear from Vending Operators who are making "healthy" vending work, manufacturers offering new products for sampling and a Workplace expert on how vending fits into driving productivity.  You really should be part of the conversation if you want to get with a trend that doesn't look like it will be going away anytime soon.  Get in touch and be there!

Whatever you're doing, stay well and healthy

The Friendly Vending Geeks @24vend