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Courtesy Fresh Del Monte |
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Fresh Del Monte's produce items for refrigerated vending machines include bananas and fresh-cut pineapples, carrots, apples and other fresh produce. The company is unrolling the program in the Southeast and Mid Atlantic states. |
(UPDATED COVERAGE, 2:35 p.m.) Potato chips and candy bars no longer rule vending machines.
Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. has a new line of fresh and fresh-cut fruits and vegetables specifically designed to work in automated machines.
Dennis Christou, vice president of marketing for the Coral Gables, Fla.-based company, said the products are a response to increasing consumer demand for healthful snack options. Initial tests in Illinois and Florida were a success.
“Everywhere we had it, the reception has been extremely enthusiastic,” he said. “Schools love it, offices love it.”
Christou said the items have less than 120 calories each.
The line includes bananas, pineapples, grapes, apple slices, baby carrots, celery and tomatoes. Some are paired with light dips. Prices range from $1 to $2.25.
Fresh Del Monte recommends that the refrigerated products be replenished at least once a week.
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Courtesy Fresh Del Monte |
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Del Monte's fresh-cut fruit and vegetable packs for refrigerated vending machines include celery, tomatoes, pineapple and apples. Prices range from $1 to $2.25. |
The company developed a proprietary banana packaging to maintain color and slow ripening, according to a news release. The packaging gives a total of five days of shelf life when kept between 57 and 60 degrees.
It is available to operators of refrigerated vending machines, Christou said.
The line initially is available in the Mid Atlantic and Southeast. Del Monte plans to increase availability at the beginning of the year.
The company tested the line in Illinois and South Florida in health clubs, schools, institutions and office facilities. It launched the vending machine line at the National Automated Merchants Convention in Chicago Sept. 23.
(Note on correction: This article originally implied in its headline and photo cutlines that Del Monte is supplying the vending machines and the produce for these machines. In fact, Del Monte is supplying only the produce line that can be placed in any refrigerated vending machine).