Diet and Nutrition

Every vending machine is a small, unattended point of sale. What is on offer in the machine must meet consumers’ expectations, otherwise they will purchase their products from another source.

The vending industry, like all industries involved in producing or distributing food and drink, needs to be responsive to consumer trends and demands.  In recent times, it has shown a desire to widen the range of products on offer to include “the healthier option” products, alongside the more classic snacks, which, nevertheless, still form the main bulk of products bought by consumers.
This, however, only affects the more visible tip of the “vending machine iceberg” as over 60% of the European vending machines actually sell hot drinks. The leading (60%) include tea, soup and hot chocolate. Regarding hot chocolate, new products are on offer with less sugar and/or fat, as a response to both consumer demand and to requests from authorities and NGO’s to reformulate products so as to contain less sugar, salt and fat, with a view to improving EU consumer’s health and waistlines.

As consumers gradually increase their demand for lower sugar, fat/calorie content, so will the range on offer in vending machines. Buying a product from a vending machine is a free choice made by responsible consumers. However, some consumers, children in particular, are more vulnerable and need to be guided in their choice by their parents. This is why the EVA has adopted guidelines for its members. Therefore, the EVA members will not seek to place machines in primary schools unless specifically asked by the school authorities.  Teenagers are more able to make their own choices but EVA members will continue to offer a range of products to include lower calories (Sugar/fat). In addition, the EVA will always make non-branded machines available and will not sell big sized products in schools.

 

The public authorities are challenged with an ageing population they want to keep healthy. Diet and physical activity are strongly debated. Unfortunately, some countries have drawn quick conclusions on nutrition and have taken political steps to impose restrictions on the vending sector.

The vending sector is committed to the issue of nutrition. 
However, it insists that a programme for increased physical activity must be developed further, and be financially supported by the public authorities. The European Commission decided to act and gathered responsible stakeholders to take action. The EVA is a founding member of the EU Platform for action in Diet, Physical Activity and Health . The above mentioned guidelines for vending in schools are a commitment taken under the aegis of the Platform. In that scheme, the National Associations and members of the EVA report every year to the EVA, who then reports to the European Commission.

Besides reporting on the implementation of the guidelines, the National Associations have developed actions (on nutrition or physical activity). Some associations have developed national guidelines for schools or for vending in general . Others have created stickers to promote a healthy lifestyle (the right balance between nutrition and physical activity). Other associations or members of the associations sponsor sports events or local sports clubs. Co-operation with local authorities generate pilot projects. Some test projects are indeed on track favouring fruits or vegetables, but they must still prove to be economically sustainable in the long term.

Moreover, companies and Members of the EVA have their share in the debate. They have launched special programmes related to nutrition, offering variety to the consumers where desired; some have re-branded their machines, reformulated their products, promoted physical activity etc .

In addition to the creation of the guidelines, the EVA also organised a conference, in 2006, on “Healthy Eating: Vending Solutions”, to raise awareness in the vending community on issues related to nutrition and the opportunities these offer. It has been well reported in the vending press, which is also very active in showcasing new products and new programmes. In 2007, nutrition was one of the themes approached during the EurOps conference .

Researches show that only a limited amount of calories come from vending machines. The vending industry in Europe mainly distributes coffee. The Diet and Nutrition Task Force wants, therefore, to put things back into perspective by showing that a healthy lifestyle is a balance between what we consume and how we burn off our calorie intake. The Diet and Nutrition Task Force is there to promote vending to stakeholders and to ensure that vending is not seen through a political prism that could distort its image and brush aside the need for more physical activity in daily life.