Health and Vending - still no oxymoron!

Hello Vending Friends

This week we’re going to be talking health and vending; and not for the first time!  We’re really excited that we have released bookings for our 2^nd Being Healthy Conference taking place on 12^th June 2013 during AVEX at NEC in Birmingham. 

We hope that as you’ve taken the time to read our blog you’ll be curious enough to book a place at Being Healthy 2013 and get involved in the conversation.  Book early as space is limited.  We have an exciting line-up of Presenters and will also offering sampling of a range of  products that are *NEW to VENDING *

Here are the details for booking your seat at this not to be missed event.

Just to set the record straight, Being Healthy 2013 is not saying that traditional vending is bad; that would be bonkers and untrue.  In the same way, we strongly believe that there aren’t good and bad foods, but there are ways to eat and live more healthily.  Balance in your diet, lifestyle and activity levels make a massive contribution to feeling better and raising your levels of wellbeing.  So, just to be very clear, our long held belief is that Traditional and Healthy vending complement each other for the good of the consumer as well as being profitable for the vending industry.  That is the point of Being Healthy 2013.

Vending, as a consumer retail channel, has, of course, to make good business sense, that’s without question.   It also has to recognise responsibility for supporting its customers on their road to a healthy way of living; we must take our responsibilities seriously and with an open mind or prepare for “help” along the way in the form of rules, regulations or outright bans!  That may sound dramatic but deliberately so.   Do or be done to?  We know which we prefer!

Let’s face it; Vending has an image problem.  Those that have neither the time, interest nor inclination to understand what vending actually is (or can be!), take a swing at us by portraying vending as villains of the health landscape; sometimes introducing what we perceive as mad and crazy rules that limit our opportunities.   Vending needs to be on the offensive (in the sporting sense of the word) and show that we do “get” health, we do care about our consumers and that we are taking action.  That is the point of Being Healthy 2013.

We hope that this has whetted your appetite to join us on 12^th June 2013.  It promises to be a landmark day for Vending.  Being Healthy 2013 precedes the judging and showcasing of new vending products; created through a project pioneered by the AVA and with which 24vend is delighted to be associated.  The final year Culinary Arts BA degree students at University College Birmingham have accepted their challenge to create new and exciting healthy vending products addressing many of today’s consumer trends including levels of salt, sugar and fat, packaging and environmental considerations and, of course, affordability.

Reasons aplenty to book your place at Being Healthy 2013 and visiting AVEX.

See you there!

The Friendly Vending Geeks at 24vend

Back in the USSR?

Hello everyone

Before you all cry out, we know it's not called the USSR anymore, but no matter your age, it's likely that John, Paul, George and Ringo made that phrase very popular when they released their single of the same name in 1968!

And, here we are; back in the (now named) Russian Federation, Moscow to be precise.  Enjoying the sights and sounds of 21st Century vending and unattended retailing at EEVEX being held at the Crocus Exhibition Centre and supported by the Russian vending association RNVA.  Clearly, if you are a native Russian speaker, here's your link to EEVEX!  There is another show this week managed and presented by the Vending Press.  For such a small market (relatively!), it is strange that there are 2 shows... however, I'm sure there are reasons for it!  If you are going this week, send us some pictures and we can share via our blog!

Having first visited Russia over a decade ago, it's clear that change is ever present!  From the automated machines selling you train tickets (touch screen, 6 languages) to the increasing choice through more traditional vending machines, it's quite a happening place.

Here are a few snaps from our visit, and a few comments on what's going we saw, felt and learned as we drive our mission to Make Vending Better!

Get in touch if you want to know more

The Friendly Vending Geeks, Gillian & Neil

Live long... and prosper

Good Weekend Vending People!

A slight aside from Vending Tourism, I read an article recently describing 10 ways to live longer.  Obviously very topical in the UK at the moment where rarely a week goes by describing our toxic lifestyles and the very perils of being mere mortals!

So, in the spirit of sharing and educating, I've created a little survey (if you click on the link) that highlights the 10 ways that were suggested to us for longevity in the UK.  It really will only take a minute and it's a little bit of fun!  Completely anonymous and maybe an opportunity to reflect (honestly and privately!) about your lifestyle.

To all our non-Brit friends, feel free to take part too - everyone's welcome.

I'll publish the results in a month or so; to let you know just how healthy we are!

Even Spock may not have been spared as (and here's a geek-filled fact) he's half human and half vulcan!  Live Long and Prosper!