Portland State University in Portland, Ore. will launch a healthy vending machine pilot program on campus, which will run from February until the end of the academic year in June, according to The Vanguard, the campus newspaper. The 2bUs from the vending contractor, Canteen, will provide healthy choices for the community not previously seen before in vending machines. They will offer at least 30 percent local products and will feature organic, vegan, gluten-free and kosher products, as well as other options. For the full story, click here.
Editor’s Insight: The 2bU machine is a very ambitious endeavor developed by the world’s largest vending operator. The company presented it to the general public at the National Automatic Merchandising Association Gratitude Tours this past fall.
This article in the Portland State University newspaper notes that the offerings extend the price ceiling compared to the older machines.
The 2bU machine is not for every location, to be sure. But it is one of several vending innovations that is helping change and improve the vending industry’s image. 02-01-12 By Elliot Maras
