Good morning to everyone in the Vending Village
It’s been a while since I hit the blogspot,
but I figure that since the Jet Stream appears to be drifting away from
wreaking havoc on the Great British mainland and shores, it’s time for me to spring
into action!
For those that know me well, you understand
that I’m not worried if you think I’m bonkers; those of you who think that
will, whatever I do, believe you are right.
So, now we have that elephant out of the room, here are my thoughts for a fabulous “Fat Tuesday”!
Let’s start with some numbers (source
Mintel Oxygen); The growth of the “free from” sector in UK retail between 2008
and 2012 was 61%. Yes, you heard me right, 61%! That’s quite a rock
and roll number when you consider the context of difficult economic times. I’m not sure vending can boast those kind of
double digits! 61% retail growth driven by both those with a medical need to avoid certain
foods (allergies, Coeliac disease etc) and those consumers careful about what
they eat; the “worried well” as many a market researcher might label them! In
fact, you might call 2014, the year of the Allergenic Consumer because, by 13th
December 2014, anyone selling non pre-packed food will be obliged to inform
their consumers of any allergens contained in them! (feel free to ask me what the heck that is by getting in contact via our website!)
More significantly, for the very first
time, the annual Free From Food Awards has, this year, added a category for “on
the go/vending” products and 24vend is the proud category sponsor. The winners will be announced later this
month at a fantastic awards ceremony in London.
These products could fit the bill if you
are being asked for innovative, healthy and allergy-friendly products by your
customers. Sure, they wont suit all of
your locations, but maybe it’s time to look beyond the obvious and taste the
future? They may not be your comfort
zone but (speaking personally), as the resident Coeliac in the house, seeing
these types of products in a snack machine would, as Dirty Harry might say, “make
my day! “
Here's the shopping shortlist and some photos to whet your appetite:
Food to go’ and food for vending
machines – Sponsored by 24Vend
Savoury:
10.Udi’s Ancient
grain jalapeno cheddar crisps
11.Voakes Free from traditional pork pie
12.Waitrose Gluten
free chicken salad roll
13.Waitrose Gluten
free egg watercress roll
Sweet:
10.The
FreeFrom Bakehouse Chocolate ‘digestive’ biscuits
11.Udi’s Bagel
chips
12.Udi’s Strawberry flavoured toaster
pastries
Loving you and leaving you with that
thought; let’s get talking!
The Friendly (and only slightly allergic!) Vending Geeks @24vend
