Well, what can we say? Procrastination is indeed the thief of time and since the flurry, excitement and overall thrill of AVEX 2013, we have been remiss! However, we're back in the saddle with news, stories and opinions about the wacky world of vending. So, where to start?
Mmm, healthy vending. This one will, as they say, run and run. You know we're passionate about being healthy, living well and doing all that in the context of vending. As such, it's been great to be asked back to support the AVA as they run the second year of their collaboration with UCB final year BA Culinary Arts students. Just a quick recap if you're new to this topic.
In 2012, the AVA took the bold step of challenging the final year students to create products that can be both sold through the vending channel and are "healthy". Since there's no agreed definition (anywhere) on what is healthy, they interpreted that in a number of ways, delivering ground-breaking, innovative and great tasting foods for different vending locations. Well, so successful was the activity, that we are again challenging the students. This year, however, we have set a calorie challenge! We have asked them to aim for 250 to 300KCal for the product; that's about as tight as the specification gets.
Lots of industry experts have been on hand in the first few weeks to initiate the "Year of 2014" to the arts and crafts of vending. A real honour and privilege to work with young chefs of tomorrow. This week, they presented their concepts to an expert group of which I was a part - fantastic fun! Without giving the game away, here are some headlines for me:
6 groups will present 6 unique branded, lower calorie vending products. Awaiting the judging panel will be products that combine:
- Sensory sensations
- Visual interest
- Appetising aromas
- Sweet and savoury products many of which are allergen friendly or "free from"
- Fresh innovative combinations of flavours and ingredients
- A range of textures
- Exciting earth-friendly packaging
- Social, Digital and Mobile brands that will engage their demographic and location
You see, I really don't want to steal their thunder and, as they hunker down in the test kitchens for the remainder of this academic term, they need to be able to perfect and develop their products for the judging panel. I know it's a bit cheeky as I've had a sneak preview but trust me, it will be worth tuning in early in 2014 when the final products, brands and results will be known.
Get in touch and let us know what you think
Great to be on the bike again!
The Friendly Vending Geeks, Gillian & Neil at 24vend
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