Fresh Food Vending Machines

This solution was shared by PRE-LAUNCH RESEARCH TEAM , 14 May 2021

Print date: 13 April 2024 02:42

Description of the innovative solution

Cold chain Convenient processing Digital platform Food design Information/communication Mobile phones Online services Packaging Healthy diet Nutritious food Urban planning Consumer choice Food environment - external Food environment - personal Retail promotion Double-duty action Infrastructure Tuft's Innovation Lab

The way urban consumers buy foods is changing rapidly in this digitalizing world. The abundance of processed foods of low nutrient density leads to choices that do not support optimal health. New methods are needed to increase the access to and consumption of fruits and vegetables. This innovation proposes vending machines that would sell fresh whole produce, chopped vegetables, or salads. This would use technology to advertise the traceability of the fruits and vegetables, while placing them in urban spaces that compete for people's attention on a daily basis. However, not everyone will have the opportunity to go digital right away - the fruit and vegetable vending machine could help to improve access to people who do not have a smartphone to access digital supermarket platforms. Local entrepreneurs could franchise the vending machines and take care of them.

Primary users

Foodtech companies
Urban consumers
Food safety & quality assurance agencies

Dietary impact

At the heart of the movement of fresh produce vending machines is the desire for greater convenience of fresh food for urban consumers. By placing such vending machines in high-traffic areas such as workplaces, food courts, and schools, these vending machines can provide a much more accessible and in many cases, affordable option for working adults, everyday citizens, and schoolchildren. The elimination of common barriers to nutritious meals including time and cost to consumers thus can incentivize larger numbers of consumers to eat healthier meals and snacks, which can have the effect of improving the diets of many urban consumers which are traditionally defined by foods that are cheap but lacking in nutrient density.

Planetary impact

Unlike traditional vending machine items that are wrapped in thin, unrecyclable plastics, many fresh produce vending machine startups are taking the opportunity to use reusable glass jars in order to hold their pre-prepared meals. Others are even offering dispensers with recyclable cardboard containers to be used as plates for salads at the consumer's preference. This change in packaging is a major way that many of these companies are attempting to be more environmentally conscious, with many having credit-exchange programs to incentivize consumers to return their glass jars after use.

Equity impact

The use of a vending machine business model can serve an important role in increasing access to fresh and nutrient-dense meals and snacks in many communities where such options are typically unavailable. For instance, adding or replacing vending machines in schools with fresh produce vending machines can make it easier for many school children to have access to fresh fruit during lunch or snack times, with pre-cut options for added convenience. Similarly, this can be done in other community centers or offices located in food deserts, as vending machines are much easier to introduce into communities as opposed to finding space for new grocery stores or restaurants. Additionally, the overall costs of existing fresh produce vending machines continue to drop for packages of pre-sliced fruit and vegetables to entirely pre-made salads, fruit parfaits, and noodle bowls. Vending machines can help to offer healthier food choices to larger range of consumers by way of greater affordability.

Main concerns

One potential hurdle for rising fresh produce vending machine startups is that due to the nature of these vending machines, many cities are treating them as individual restaurants, thus requiring the same inspection and permitting process. While given some leeway, this still means that these vending machines must adhere to the same general set of requirements that restaurants must follow, such as following more stringent food labelling regulations and ensuring that there are sinks in the near vicinity of the machine so that workers that re-stock machines are able to wash their hands. In many places, this will requires greater upfront costs to setting up these machines, possibly hindering widespread uptake and disctibution until the legal aspects of this sector of food retail catch up to the trending technology.

Supply chain segment

Wholesale, markets and retail

Maturity level

Gaining traction

Criteria

Food quality Food availability Food affordability Food desirability

SDG target

SDG 2: Zero Hunger SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Context

Urban

Examples and additional resources

Real-world examples

See this solution in action in different contexts and settings around the world

Vending Solutions

Project information

Vending Solutions supplies and maintains fresh food vending machines stocked with healthy drinks and meals throughout South Africa, offering training and business advice.

South Africa

vendingsolutions.co.za/ma...od/

Shared by PRE-LAUNCH RESEARCH TEAM

My fresh bowl

Project information

Chef-made vending machine with reusable jars returned for credit.

United States

myfreshbowl.com/.../

Shared by PRE-LAUNCH RESEARCH TEAM

Farmer's Fridge

Business information

Farmer's Fridge provides an automated smart fridge that serves salads, bowls, snacks, and more

United States

farmersfridge.com/.../

Shared by PRE-LAUNCH RESEARCH TEAM

Mealimeter

Business information

Mealimeter provides access to fresh and nutritious meals, snacks and beverages via a vending machine sourcing directly from farmers. They also helps organisations create mealplans specific to their employee needs and operational hours.

Nigeria

mealimeter.com

sbn.lucidleaps.com/sbn-...tion/

Shared by IFSS Portal Research Team

Additional resources

Learn more about this solution through studies, articles, business cases, and other information

Produce vending machine information

Business case

General overview of how to set up a fresh produce vending machine business, with cost and revenue estimates and advice about placement and locations for the vending machines.

digitalmediavending.com/ve...ne/

Shared by PRE-LAUNCH RESEARCH TEAM

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Breadcrumb

Fresh Food Vending Machines

Description of the innovative solution

Supply chain segment

Maturity level

Criteria

SDG target

Context

Examples and additional resources

Real-world examples

Vending Solutions

My fresh bowl

Farmer's Fridge

Mealimeter

Additional resources

Produce vending machine information

Contacts