Blog - Vending Machine News

Wine Vending Machines

The state of Pennsylvania is home to some of the most strict and unusual alcohol laws to be found within the United States.

Pennsylvania is one of USA’s 19 ‘alcoholic beverage control states’ where the distribution and sale of alcoholic beverages are monopolised, restricted, and controlled by the government.

For example, in Pennsylvania wine and spirits are sold exclusively by state owned shops. The prices of the drinks in these shops are also governed and are kept consistent throughout the entire state.

Softer liquor such as beer can only be obtained in restaurants, bars, bottle shops or dedicated distributors. Although these distributors will happily sell or refill beer kegs, smaller quantities such as the familiar six-pack must typically be purchased from bars or restaurants.

Pennsylvania became an alcoholic beverage control state as a result of the 1936 Johnstown Flood. The state imposed a ‘temporary’ tax rise of 10% to help pay for the clean-up operations and repairs to damage caused by the flood. However, the tax still remains, and has in fact now almost doubled to 18%. Additionally, the estimated $200 million raised annually by the tax is no longer distributed to flood victims.

In an attempt to put some convenience back in stores, while also working within the peculiar laws governing the sale of alcohol in Pennsylvania, special wine vending machines have just been developed and are currently being trialled in two different supermarkets. There are plans for significant expansion should the trial realise success.

Though, perhaps the actual convenience provided by these machines is up for debate. In order to vend a bottle of wine, the customer must first select their drink of choice, swipe their driving license for identification, look in to a surveillance camera, and blow in to an alcohol sensing breathalyzer. The sale is then approved by an employee located remotely, in the state’s capital city: Harrisburg.

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Tags: Vending Machine News

Smile, you’re on [a vending machine] camera!

They say it costs nothing to smile – actually, now it pays.

Breaking tradition from the usual suspect for unusual vending (Japan – who else), reports of an innovative vending concept have this time sprung up from down under, as Australia reveal their joy-judging vending machine.

The ‘Share Happy’ vending machine detects how happy (or smiley) users are. Using images captured with a front-mounted camera which are then processed by sophisticated facial recognition software, the vending machine calculates the size of smiles and rewards accordingly – with ice cream!

Additionally, the Share Happy vending machine is equipped with 3G capability, allowing photos taken by the machine to be uploaded directly to Facebook (with the permission of the user, of course).

The vending machine has been created for Unilever – one of the largest ice cream companies in the world. It is the first of its kind – if you don’t count the age detecting vending machines in Japan – and is due to be piloted later this year, in a number of countries.

Other parties have already expressed an interest in the machine, and industry experts have spoken of it as a sign of change for the way consumers will buy in the future. This original idea presents an interesting new concept for retailers and marketers. Perhaps the technology can be adapted in the future for other uses. For instance, could this be the dawn of the vending machine image consultant?

Posted in: Vending Machine News, Vending Overseas
Tags: australia, ice cream vending, smile, Vending Machine News

Japan Uncovers Moss-Covered Vending Machines

Japan is responsible for (yet) another novel vending machine – this time taking on the concept of ‘green vending’ in an entirely new (and literal) sense. The solar-powered moss-covered machine is one of the latest innovations to be born in the vending-obsessed land of Japan. Top electronics manufacturer: Fuji Electric, developed the idea, and a prototype of the eco-friendly vending machine is already in existence.

As the eco-movement gains momentum, attempting to develop the latest, greatest, most efficient vending machine is beginning to become a popular sport amongst some of the big players; Coca-Cola were amongst the first to showcase prototypes of solar-powered vending machines.

While the concept of powering vending machines with solar energy may no longer be unheard of, this is certainly the first report we have encountered of a moss-clad vending machine.

The manufacturer’s intentions behind adhering moss to vending machines are primarily to provide them with decent insulation (and therefore energy conservation) during winter months. Additional reasoning behind the idea is that the natural covering would help to brighten up inner city environments, while conversely also helping vending machines in more rural locations to stay more in keeping with their natural surroundings.

Though as one might expect, the job of the solar panels is to supply power to the vending machine and its internal refrigeration unit, which helps to keep the food and drink products fresh and cool.

Posted in: Vending Machine News, Vending Overseas
Tags: eco, green, vending in japan, Vending Machine News

ATM Cash Machine Inventor John Shepherd-Barron Dies Aged 84

The inventor of the very first ATM ‘hole-in-the-wall’ cash machine, John Shepherd-Barron, died in an Inverness hospital last Saturday, at the age of 84.

After arriving late to the bank one day in 1965 and finding it closed, Mr. Shepherd-Barron was motivated to try and come up with a convenient solution for withdrawing money at any time. Inspiration was reportedly drawn from snack/chocolate vending machines, and following a chance discussion with the head of Barclays Bank in 1967, the first ATM was born. The machine was located at a branch in Enfield, London.

The first ATMs were slightly different to those we are familiar with now; they operated using special cheques matched against a PIN number, rather than with the plastic cash cards they have since evolved to accept.

John Shepherd-Barron neither patented nor made any money from his invention; however, he was made an OBE in 2005 for his services to banking and recognised with a lifetime achievement award from the ATM Industry Association.

Posted in: Vending History, Vending Machine News
Tags: atm, cash machine, vending news

Caviar Vending Machines

A number of caviar vending machines are to be installed across the Russian capital city of Moscow. Apparently similar in appearance to a regular drinks vending machine, various sized glass/tin containers of red salmon caviar are available at the touch of a button.

The first vending machine has been already been installed – in the mayor of Moscow’s office – the rest are to be installed in government ministries and high-class offices around the city.

Portions of caviar from the vending machines cost between from £3.50 to around £15 (GBP), depending on size.

Caviar is a traditional Russian favourite; however, there are fears that amidst the recent economical downturn, the public’s reaction may not be very sympathetic towards what might be seen as ill-considered pampering of expensive tastes.

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Tags: caviar vending, Vending Machine News

How Secure Are Your Vending Machines?

A drinks vending machine in Kaua’i, Honolulu was reportedly dragged from outside a convenience store early last Saturday morning, before being discarded on a nearby road. Following this, local police have apparently urged businesses to review the security of their vending machines.

Though, had the owners taken advantage of our superior security equipment, we have no doubt those thieves would still be at the scene; perspiring in futility as the vending machine diligently stood its ground, thwarting enemy attacks.

Properly considering any risks or security issues which may threaten a site’s vending machines may seem obvious, but it can be overlooked – sometimes with great detriment to the operator. As with many problems, prevention is the best cure – spending a little extra money early on can save lots of time and money in the future, should the unthinkable occur.

Of course, for sites with outdoor vending machines, security is that much more important. If you are concerned about the security of your vending machines, or would like more information on our products and services, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Posted in: Vending Machine News, Vending Security
Tags: Vending Machine News, Vending Security

Perpetual Vending

The owner of a convenience store in Kentucky recently disconnected the power from a vending machine, only to find it “come back to life”.

While cleaning the store one evening, the owner Aaron Fowell, was shocked when the soft drinks vending machine continued to operate after it was unplugged.

“I needed to clean the area around the vending machine, which meant pushing it away from the wall. I unplugged it and moved it out so I could get behind it. I didn’t see the front [of the machine] until I was done cleaning – about 20 minutes later! I couldn’t understand it – I checked over and over again – there was definitely no power, yet the lights were all on … it even still functioned properly!”

More than a week later, the vending machine is still running – free of cords or any direct power source. The vending machine is a common model which can be found all over the world (and has been confirmed to be without batteries).

There are numerous theories being offered to explain the strange-goings-on; some of the more exotic ideas include supernatural beings, alien intervention and even the reincarnation of a previous shop owner.

However, the hypothesis with the most substance according to many scientists is that rogue waves of electricity from a nearby power station are affecting an unshielded circuit board within the machine which is allowing it to ‘absorb power from the air’.

Whether this is an act of God, or a mere scientific phenomenon – perhaps it holds the key to solving climate change. We always knew vending would change the world!

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Tags: Vending Machine News, vending machines

Eco Vending on a Roll

Ever thought about throwing your work down the toilet? Well now you can, and save the planet at the same time!

As you may already know, the Japanese are infamous for their strange and unusual vending machines, but this may raise the bar to new levels.

A new type of vending machine was unveiled a number of weeks ago at Tokyo’s Eco Products trade fair which feeds on waste office paper and outputs rolls of toilet paper! It is said that 40 sheets of A4 office paper is the amount required for a roll, and takes around 30 minutes from beginning to end (this process comprises of: shredding, mixing with water, pulping, flattening, drying and rolling).

Contrary to many gadgets born in Japan, this machine is far from compact – standing proud at 6ft tall and weighing just under 600 Kg – so don’t expect to tuck it away nicely in the corner of the bathroom!

Apparently, the White Goat, as the machine is named, costs about 6 pence to create a roll. Comparing this with the typical 40p per roll for a premium brand, it seems a substantial saving; but unfortunately the quality leaves a little to be desired when compared to its luxury brothers.

However, the factor most likely to hinder wide-spread adoption of this machine is probably its price. At a whopping $100,000 (around the £65,000 mark), toilet paper would need to be in extremely high demand in the office for this expense to be a viable purchase and realise any savings.

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Tags: toilet roll vending, vending, Vending Machine News, washroom vending

Cigarette Vending Machine Ban

Cigarette vending machines in England, Northern Ireland and Wales are close to being banned, following recent legislation changes approved by MPs. While Scotland has their own bill regarding this situation, both systems share similarities in their details.

If passed, both intend to first remove cigarette machines from larger stores in 2011, while smaller shops will have until 2013; the decision to implement the changes so far in the future is a result of the current economic climate.

Although welcomed by many, this plan has faced opposition from the tobacco industry and some retailers, who deny the validity of the arguments against them and protest that it will result in substantial loss of sales.

Proposed by Ian McCartney, the former Labour minister, the ban on cigarette vending machines is largely a consequence of suggestions that they are partly responsible for the uptake of smoking by new generations. It is thought cigarette vending machines are too appealing and accessible for children and also help to normalise attitudes towards cigarettes and smoking through brand familiarity.

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Tags: cigarette vending machines, vending machine information, Vending Machine News

US Beverage Industry to Include Calorie Information on Vending Machines

The subject of our last article was Barack Obama’s plans to attempt to reduce childhood obesity by removing sugary snack and drink vending machines from America’s schools. In a related effort, First Lady Michelle Obama has called for action from the beverage industry to help with her healthy families campaign.

It seems this call may now have been answered by the non-alcoholic beverage companies which are members of the American Beverage Association (including The Coca-Cola Company, Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Kraft Foods, PepsiCo, Red Bull North America, Inc. and many other major brands). The ABA has volunteered a new initiative which intends to present calorie information on their products in a more clear and useable manner.

Vending machines and product labels are two main areas which will be focussed on by this initiative. Vending machine beverage selection buttons are set to contain details of product calorie counts, while information on products themselves will be improved by additions such as per-serving calorie totals on the labels of items with higher volumes.

Only vending machines controlled by respective beverage companies will be affected by these changes, but perhaps it may prompt other operators to follow suit if the idea is welcomed by consumers.

Posted in: Vending Machine News, Vending Overseas
Tags: drink vending, Vending Machine News