Automatic Merchandiser

APR 2015

Automatic Merchandiser serves the business management, marketing, technology and product information needs of its readers including vending operators, coffee service operators, product brokers, and product and equipment distributors in print.

Issue link: http://automaticmerchandiser.epubxp.com/i/491992

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 23 of 61

By Emily Refermat, Editor Operators providing branded vending machines from some of the most recognized healthy vending franchises and suppliers share their secrets of a niche segment that the traditional vending industry regards with skepticism. n recent years, the request for healthy products and location wellness programs has dra- matically increased from the busi- ness and industry sectors as well as schools and government facilities. NAMA launched FitPick in 2005 to help member operators fnd products designated better-for-you and before that it had a program called Balanced for Life. In today's environment, operators are searching for good-tasting prod- ucts that meet nutrition requirements either for schools or community- based wellness programs. The con- cept of healthy vending has continued to grow, and that includes healthy vending companies. Within the legacy industry of vending, those suppliers, franchis- ers and vendors that label themselves "healthy" have a negative reputation. Ever since they were frst introduced 10 years ago, healthy vending fran- chises have been called fads or scams by many people in the traditional vending business. Oftentimes they are cited as displacing traditional vending operators and offering prod- ucts that are debatably healthy. Despite skepticism from traditional vending operators, healthy vending franchises continue to grow and gain locations. The combined factors of additional better-for-you products in retail and more locations looking for wellness-focused solutions have no doubt helped operators who run I HEALTHY Inside the ›› VENDING BUSINESS 24 Automatic Merchandiser VendingMarketWatch.com April 2015 C O V E R S T O R Y

Articles in this issue

Links on this page

Archives of this issue

view archives of Automatic Merchandiser - APR 2015