ND0929116

Title: Not Your Father?s Vending Machine

Description: Cool innovations in vending machines offer consumers a huge range of options, from cotton candy to diapers.

Page Content:

ATLANTA ? The National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) has been on the road recently introducing a variety of innovative new vending machines, CNN Money reports.

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Out (as in pass�) are bitter coffee and stale candy. And in (as in hip) are fresh-spun cotton candy, fresh pizza, and ?gifted? beverages.

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"The idea behind the road tour is to showcase these new concepts and also attract the attention of younger consumers who are our ideal consumers," said NAMA spokesperson John Healy, noting the $40 billion industry was in need of an overhaul, especially as sales have waned during the recession. "We have to remind them why we are so convenient for them, both as a quick shopping option and possibly also as an industry they would want to work in."

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Among the new machines being introduced:

• Instant cotton candy: More than 350 VendEver Cotton Candy Factory machines are already in use nationwide, with a fully automated process that spins fluffy cotton candy.
• Pepsi social vending machine: This prototype features a touch-screen that allows purchasers to enter a friend?s name, mobile phone number, and text message, sending (?gifting) them a free beverage, with the friend then redeeming the drink at a Pepsi ?Be Social? vending machine.
• Ramen Noodles To-Go: Developed by a University of Chicago MBA grad as part of his ?New Venture Challenge? class at school, the self-service machine prepares the college student staple in less than three minutes. The machine is currently being tested in the Chicago market.
• 2bU: This all-healthy food vending concept offers all-natural foods that include organic, vegan, gluten-free and kosher options, with an LCD screen that offers users detailed nutritional information on each product. More than 300 machines are currently in use nationwide.
• Seattle?s Best Coffee premium coffee: Say goodbye to instant java and hello to premium coffee from Seattle?s Best Coffee, with its vending machine that grinds coffee beans fresh for every cup. Selections include drip coffees and specialty beverages, as well as hot chocolate.
• Library Lending: The Brodart vending machine works in partnership with local libraries, offering 24/7 book borrowing for Kindle-less consumers.
• Diaper Duty: The ?WeGoBabies? baby products dispenser offers an assortment of baby essentials, including diapers, wipes, pacifiers, formula, baby food, sippy cups and sunscreen.
• Let?s Pizza: Already in use in the U.K., Israel and Poland, this machine bakes pizza from fresh ingredients in less than three minutes (no cheating, either: Consumers watch the machine mix flour and water, knead the dough, spread the sauce, and add toppings). "We are also looking for a big partner in the United States, and we're meeting with some people next week," said Claudio Torghele, the machine?s owner.?

Content Subject: Marketing/Merchandising

Formatted Article Date: September 29, 2011

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