VENDING: CFIF Commends Beverage Association's Vending Machine Policy

PR Newswire (press release) - New York,NY,USA
"Too often, the self-appointed nutrition nannies have looked to school vending machines as an easy scapegoat. But vending machines don't make kids fat, and neither do the products they dispense," says Marshall Manson, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs for the Center for Individual Freedom.

• VEND BUZZ COMMENT: That's the end quote of Mr. Manson's statement. That's not all he says, but this point is not often offered in student obesity considerations.

...MORE

GENERAL: Bugged Coffee Can Leads to Arrest of Suspect in Idaho's Back Country.

Seattle Post Intelligencer - USA
OROFINO, Idaho -- A homing device hidden in a coffee can helped authorities arrest a man they've sought since June in a string of burglaries and vandalism.

• VEND BUZZ COMMENT: The suspect's love of coffee led to his arrect. Moral: If you love coffee, don't commit a crime. This article really isn't a lesson in preventing vending machine vandalism; instead, we just found it interesting and somewhat amusing.

...MORE

FOODSERVICE: Solution to America's Obesity Problems?

Restaurant News Resource - Lindsay, ON, Canada
Foodservice is on the firing line as government and science search for the culprit in the national obesity crisis, and it has the industry talking. Are restaurants at fault? How about vended foods -- they don't talk about vending, but can't we relate to their findings and advice?

Six experts weigh in on solutions at the Almond Board-sponsored IFT Foodservice Division Symposium. Vend Buzz participants attend this affair free of charge!

To go to the presentations, read to the bottom and click on Almond Board Symposian's URL.

• VEND BUZZ COMMENT: Here we have the presentations of the six experts mentioned. You can choose those you would like to read (mostly are slide presentations that you control yourself with your mouse). We recommend a look at McDonald's strategy, including results, in offering healthier foods such as salads, chicken nuggets and chicken sandwiches.

...MORE

Welcome to the New Hot Topics Format!

Yes, there is a slight change in this Hot Topics segment, but it may not be noticed by the casual reader: the headline, the source, the lead-in, as well as Vend Buzz Comments are all still there. However, if you watch the posting dates, you will see that the news is at least one day fresher. Many are same day news items.

VENDING: Pepsi Takes Over at UF

Independent Florida Alligator - Gainesville, FL, USA
Vending machines throughout the university's campus have been swapped since a contract between UF and Pepsi Bottling Group went into effect.

• VEND BUZZ COMMENT: The switchover from Coke to Pepsi on Florida's campus seems to have been as complicated an eviction as turning the Gaza Strip Over to Palestine. Let's hope that the students' thirst was satiated during the transition.

...MORE

COFFEE SERVICE: Coffee Groups Focus on Special Varieties

INQ7 Interactive, Inc. - Philippines
Coffee growers are pushing for increased production of specialty varieties, such as organic coffee, as part of efforts to expand exports.

...MORE

FOODSERVICE: Technomic Says Rising Gas Prices Impacting Consumer Restaurant Spending

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--USA
The impact of rising gas prices seems to be finally taking its toll on consumer restaurant spending. In a recent overnight survey conducted by Technomic, roughly 18 percent of consumers said they have reduced their spending in quick-service restaurants because of higher fuel costs; 19 percent said they are cutting back spending at full-service restaurants.

• VEND BUZZ COMMENT: What is the impact of higher fuel costs on the person who buys lunch from a food vending machine? We don't know. That person most likely realizes that the vended food is far more convenient than driving to a fast-fooder, a c-store or a sit-down restaurant. Convenience usually wins over cost, so the higher gas price makes vended food even more attractive.

...MORE

VENDING: National Automatic Merchandising Association Provides Balanced For Life Program Materials

AMonline.com - Fort Atkinson,WI,USA
In the packet, members will find two sample Snack Smart and Be A Smart Snacker brochures offering tips for smart snacking at the vending machine.

• VEND BUZZ COMMENT: School has begun in most places and, even if it hasn't, it's time to get with NAMA's Balanced for Life program and score a hit with regular vend customers. Student obesity is on the mind of everyone, it seems.
  
  Obesity and overweight affects adults, too. NAMA plans to address that issue soon.

...MORE

GENERAL: Newest Study Reveals Coffee's Antioxidant Benefits

peoplepc.com - News Headlines Top Stories - USA
A new study at U. of Scranton, PA, again confirms the health benefits of coffee. It goes further to point out that, of all the ordinary foods consumed in America, coffee contains more antioxidants than any other.

• VEND BUZZ COMMENT: The continued good news about coffee is great, but one must realize that moderation is encouraged, as is the fact that coffee's benefits alone are not enough to guarantee good health. It takes other nutrients, too, such as vitamins and minerals found in fruits and vegetables.

...MORE

GENERAL: Coffee Drops in Tokyo on Brazil Weather: It's Better than Expected

Bloomberg USA
Arabica coffee futures in Tokyo fell as much 4.3 percent amid signs that favorable weather will boost harvest in Brazil.

...MORE

GENERAL: Is Coffee Good for You?

Channel 4 News - London, UK
The British coffee industry has launched a campaign to counter confusion about the benefits of the popular drink. The British Coffee Association speaks about what knowledge was found among British citizens.

• VEND BUZZ COMMENT: We are not surprised about the findings in a nation of tea drinkers for centuries. Hey, maybe some of us don't know all of the facts. Let's make sure that our customers know!

...MORE

VENDING: Coke And Pepsi Beat A Retreat

Forbes - USA
Both Coca-Cola and PepsiCo announced last week they will voluntarily cut back on sales of vending machine products in schools to address the student obesity problem.

...MORE

VENDING: USA Technologies Awarded Eighth Energy Management Patent for Vending Machines

Wire - San Francisco, CA, USA
The firm has been awarded its eighth core energy management patent, making it a global leader in designing and marketing energy management technology for refrigerated vending machines. ...MORE

• VEND BUZZ COMMENT: We congratulate USA Technologies for its work on bringing the Energy Star to vending!
  

...MORE

VENDING: Aramark Will Test Cashless Vending Operations In Conjunction With ID Cards in at Least Two Universities

AMonline.com - Fort Atkinson, WI, USA
The e-Port/ScanPlus integration now enables college students to purchase snacks or beverages from vending machines using their student ID card in addition to cash and regular debit or credit cards.

• VEND BUZZ COMMENT: Today, cashless vending installations are still rare and thus newsworthy. Tomorrow, they may be old news, especially in universities.

...MORE

VENDING: A Book Emergency? No problem

Guardian Unlimited, UK
Parisian book-lovers desirous of a dose of Dumas in the dead of night or some Stendhal on a Sunday can turn to a new development in automated distribution.

VEND BUZZ COMMENT: If you get down to the last paragraph in this short article, you'll catch the idea that placement of an "emergency" vending machine outside a neighborhood "Mom & Pop" store may be worthwhile. Emergency items could be anything from spaghetti sauce to aspirin.

We remember riding routes that had drink machines (weather and vandal protected) on street corners in ethnic neighborhoods. They sold a lot of soft drinks after shop-closing hours.

...MORE

GENERAL: BRUGO™ Travel Mug Revolutionizes To-Go Coffee Packaging

PR Web (press release) - Ferndale, WA, USA
The new Burgo travel mug keeps your coffee at the perfect tempature longer, then cools a sip to mouth-watering temperature. ... MORE

• VEND BUZZ COMMENT: Okay, it's a press release, but an interesting one to anyone who drives to work and likes coffee on the go. Prevents spills, stores it hot, yet has "sip at a time" cooling chamber. Worth reading.

GENERAL: Rwanda is Getting Coffee Back on its Feet

TIME - USA
Coffee, one of the country's biggest exports, was also a casualty of that massacre. The industry is being rebuilt, and so is peace among the natives. ...MORE

• VEND BUZZ COMMENT: It wasn't easy and it's taking time. But the efforts of some generous coffee experts are putting things back together in a previously horrible situation.

GENERAL: The Big Question: Does a Cup of Coffee Add Jolt to Sex???
Atlanta Journal Constitution (subscription) - GA, USA
For many coffee drinkers, the brew beats the bedroom, with 42 percent of those in a recent survey reporting that coffee is more or equally important in this particular situation. ...MORE

• VEND BUZZ COMMENT: We, as do many others, want to know the truth. Does it really work?

COFFEE SERVICE: Darrell Johnson, Former Chairman Of The National Coffee Service Association, Dies
AMonline.com - Fort Atkinson, WI, USA
Darrell Johnson, who was the 1993 chairman of the National Coffee Service Association, recently passed away after suffering from lung cancer. ...MORE

• VEND BUZZ COMMENT: We hate to hear of this. Mr. Johnson was a friend of the industry and a friend to mankind. He will be missed.

COFFEE SERVICE: Coffee Carafes Being Recalled
Monsters and Critics.com - Glasgow,UK
WEST BEND, WI, United States (UPI) -- West Bend Housewares LLC of West Bend, Wis., said Friday it was voluntarily recalling about 14,000 coffee carafes. ...MORE

COFFEE SERVICE: Get a Foot into Coffee Service Market
WaterTechOnline - USA
Eight tips on how a water business can get into the coffee service business, too. ...MORE

• VEND BUZZ COMMENT: This water-oriented journal is pointing the way for bottled water companies to expand their business through coffee service.
  
  It makes sense, as many duo companies have already found. If your OCS company is not already in the water businesss, read the article, but think of the 8 tips as to how to get into the water business.

GENERAL: Iced Coffee Shows Surge in Popularity
Toranto, CNW/ - Canada
Whether straight up or on ice, Canadians love their coffee, the 2005 Canadian Cofee Drinking Study shows. ...MORE

VENDING: Pop Losing its Fizz in School Vending Machines
MSNBC - USA
Others say the industry move is less about health and more about defusing efforts across the country to regulate vending in schools. ...MORE

• VEND BUZZ COMMENT: The last paragraph in this article is the most significant.

VENDING: Extra Strong Coffee Rivals Red Bull
Jackson Clarion Ledger - Jackson, MS, USA
Last October, Rosen bought Shock Coffee, maker of hyper-caffeinated coffee drinks. Shock Coffee contains 200 milligrams of caffeine, considerably more than the Red Bull beverage. ...MORE

• VEND BUZZ COMMENT: Of course there may be a niche for it, because there seems to be a niche for every new product. How large the niche, or how small, is the question.

VENDING: Lassi Now Available Through Vending Machines in UK
Hindustan Times - India
England is picking up on healthier foods, as are the States. One of the new products being vended in Yorkshire is a yogurt-based beverage that is popular in India and other Asian countries. ...MORE

• VEND BUZZ COMMENT: If Lassi has moved from India to Great Britain, when will it arrive in the U.S.?

VENDING: Pepsi Cola Supports New School Vending Policies
All Headline News - USA
The Pepsi Cola Bottling Company has issued a statement of full support behind American Beverage Association's new school vending policy. ...MORE

• VEND BUZZ COMMENT: Recognizing the need to reverse the obesity trend among students, the National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA), the American Beverage Association (ABA), The Coca-Cola Company, Pepsi Cola , many full-line vending companies plus Coke and Pepsi bottlers are addressing the issue with healthier progams of their own.
  
  We at Vend Buzz congratulate all for their fast response to the problem. It takes time to turn-around traditions established among the many different companies and schools across the U.S., indeed, the world.

VENDING: Former Vending Machine Plant Now a Civic Center in Ranson, WV
Hagerstown Morning Herald - Hagerstown, MD, USA
The seeds for the civic center were planted when the Dixie-Narco vending machine plant in Ranson, WV, closed its operations. ...MORE

• VEND BUZZ COMMENT: Many vendors and Dixie-Narco employees will be glad to know that the former factory is being put to good use. We wonder what has become of the Rowe International facility in Whippany, NJ. If a reader knows, please e-mail: dan@vendbuzz.com.

FOODSERVICE: New Products, International Tasting Arena and More Featured at this Weekend's Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo in LA
Yahoo News - USA
Over 18,000 restaurant and foodservice professionals will find the newest products and services will enjoy new foods from several international firms. ...MORE

FOODSERVICE: Compass Group and Foodbuy Select Javo Beverage as Liquid Coffee
Business Wire - San Francisco, CA, USA
Javo Beverage Company announced today that it was recently selected by Foodbuy, LLC, to be the supplier of "on-demand" coffee to Compass Group. ...MORE

VENDING: Masterfoods USA Announces Changes To Company's Vending Sales
AMonline.com - Fort Atkinson, WI, USA
Masterfoods USA's recently announced changes to its rebate program are part of an overall change in the company's vending sales program. ... MORE

COFFEE SERVICE: Puerto Rican Gourmet Coffee Beans Go Unharvested Due to Lack of Pickers
PR Newswire - New York, NY, USA
Premium gourmet coffee beans, compared in quality tp Jamacian Blue Mountain, go to waste because Puerto Rican coffee growers can't find enough workers to harvest them. ...MORE

• VEND BUZZ COMMENT: It's a serious matter. The coffee is so good that we would go there ourselves to pick if we could. Any volunteers?

GENERAL: Philippines' Coffee Exports Double in H1
just-drinks.com - UK
Coffee exports from the Philippines have doubled in the first half of the year, compared to the same period in 2004. ...MORE

VENDING: Vending Trend Builds Brand Recognition in Russia
Cee Food industry - Montpellier,France
The re-birth of vending machines in big Russian cities presents new opportunities for branded firms to improve sales and consumer recognition, especially by expanding into smaller cities and towns ...MORE

• VEND BUZZ COMMENT: This article is more for vend equipment manufacturers and suppliers than for operators, but it interesting to see how the industry is developing in Russia.

VENDING: Impulse Food and Drink Channels on the Rise in China
China Economic Net - Beijing, China
In particular, sales of food and drinks through impulse channels, such as foodservice, kiosks, duty free outlets, service stations and vending machines are moving ahead rapidly. ...MORE

• VEND BUZZ COMMENT: Again, vend suppliers who are interested in expanding into foreign markets may want to take note.

GENERAL: Coffee: A Performance Boost that Promotes Weight Loss
Times Online - UK
Much maligned by some health experts when taken in excess, caffeinated drinks, such as coffee, tea and cola, are emerging as the best boost for a workout in the gym. ...MORE

• VEND BUZZ COMMENT: This is a must read for anyone that sells coffee -- vending, coffee service, or foodservice. You will see why when you read it.
  
  It's not only for the gymnist; it's for anyone who exercises to stay fit and wants to lose weight. It's something to promote with your consumers.

VENDING: 7-11 Agrees to Keep Smokes Away from Minors in Michigan
WLNS - Lansing, MI, USA
It will also ban tobacco vending machines and remove tobacco signs that face out near schools and playgrounds. ...MORE

• VEND BUZZ COMMENT: Will this be a nationwide trend?

GENERAL: Brazil's 2005/06 Coffee to Total 33.3m 60-kg Bags
AE Brazil - Brazil
Conab announced on Friday that according to its third forecast, Brazils 2005/06 coffee crop will total 33.3 million 60-kilogram bags. ...MORE

GENERAL: Coffee Prices Surge; Exports Decline
Viet Nam News - Hanoi, Vietnam
HA NOI -- Coffee prices have surged on the domestic and international markets while the Viet Nam's total volume of coffee exported has declined. ...MORE

FOODSERVICE: Report Documents Growth In "On The Go" Foods
AMonline.com - Fort Atkinson, WI, USA
U.S. consumers are increasingly opting for foods, and especially healthier foods, that require minimal or no preparation. And, as a result, the market for "on-the-go" foods is expanding, both in terms of products and places where one can buy them. ...MORE

• VEND BUZZ COMMENT: Way before Vend Buzz, its sister publication, VendBreak (newsletter for vend/foodservice operators), continually poined out that vending is the ultimate in foodservice convenience. Many vendors' consumers take vended entrees home for their families' dinner. Vend Buzz, too, continues to emphasize vending's convenience. So should all food vendors.

GENERAL: Coca-Cola Amatil Acquires Coffee Group
just-drinks.com - UK
Coca-Cola Amatil said yesterday that it has agreed to purchase the business and assets of the Grinders Coffee Group, an Australian roaster. ...MORE

• VEND BUZZ COMMENT: Australia is a long way from the US, and it has been a long time since U.S. Coke first entered the coffee industry. Is this another beginning?

GENERAL: Even Two Cups Can Be Tough Habit to Break
Inland Valley Daily Bulletin - Ontario, CA, USA
Coffee consumption is rising worldwide, and more Amercians than ever are joining the java express, according to the National Coffee Association. ...MORE

• VEND BUZZ COMMENT: This article goes on to point out that some people are adversely affected by coffee. We know of some who get very ill just eating one peanut. And alcholic beverages are addictive to some people. Just reading the possible side effects of most pills are enough to make anyone sick.
  
  We believe that coffee, tea and even soft drinks containing caffeine do good for more people than bad. The article also points out some of the benefits as well as possible withdrawel symtoms.
  
  Notice, though, that Vend Buzz doesn't shy away from publicity that is critical of our industry's products. We report what we feel is important to our vending and coffee service readers. We all need to be informed of what's going on, both for and against our industry.

FOODSERVICE: Pork Becomes More Popular in England
Stackyard - Carlisle, UK
Tony Goodger, says, "The findings highlighted/confirmed the versatility of pork, which lends itself to both meal and snack food. ...MORE

• VEND BUZZ COMMENT: Although this is happening in beef-loving England, it may be true here in the States, too.

VENDING: Arkansas Education Board Approves Rules Limiting Snacks, Drinks in Schools; Requiring More Physical Activities
AMonline.com - Fort Atkinson, WI, USA
The new regulations cut back on soft drinks offered in vending machines, ban "junk" food in elementary schools and mandate each student in kindergarten through 12th grade have at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week. ...MORE

• VEND BUZZ COMMENT: We agree with Mr. Maras' "Editor's Insight," so read that if nothing else.

GENERAL: Brazil Plans to Cut Coffee Crop Forecast, ICO Says (Update1)
Bloomberg - USA
Brazil, the world's biggest coffee producer, plans to cut its forecast for next year's crop, the International Coffee Organization said. ... MORE

COFFEE SERVICE: Coffee Lovers Face Shortage of Jamaican Blue Mountain
Reuters AlertNet - London,England,UK
Coffee connoisseurs may soon struggle to find the famed Jamaican Blue Mountain, one of the world's most expensive coffees, after hurricanes have destroyed up to 70% of the crop. ...MORE

• VEND BUZZ COMMENT: We are saddened to hear that, not because we are coffee lovers, but because we are more saddened for the Jamacian production people from the harvesters, farmers and all the way to the factories. May thery recover quickly.

COFFEE SERVICE: Specialty Coffee Market Getting Hotter
MSNBC - USA
According to the National Coffee Association USA, 49 percent of Americans age 18 or older drink some type of coffee beverage daily, and many of them don't mind waiting in line to get their cup. ...MORE

• VEND BUZZ COMMENT: We first knew Julius and Jo Anne Shaw(quoted in the article) in 1983-84 when their coffee service company, Ye Olde Coffee Service, was was in Flushing, MI. They were very active in the National Coffee Service Association (NCSA), which is now merged into National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA). We are very glad to know that they are franchising their specialty coffee business.
  
  Congratulations, Jo Anne and Julius!

GENERAL: Sara Lee Cuts Coffee Prices by 5%
Crain's Chicago Business - Chicago, IL, USA
The corporation has cut by 5 percent select ground and roast list coffee prices because of flagging coffee futures prices. ...MORE

• VEND BUZZ COMMENT: This rounds out the Big 3 national roasters who have cut their prices within the past week. Both Folgers and Maxwell House previously reduced thier prices.
  
  Next question: Will the price clubs and supermarkets reduce their retail prices?

VENDING: USA Technologies Reports Strong Growth in e-Port(R) Customer Base
PR Newswire (press release) - New York, NY, USA
USA Technologies announced today that it had shipped its e-Port cashless transaction device for vending machines to 60 different operators during the first six months of 2005. ...MORE

• VEND BUZZ COMMENT: Cashless vending is moving right along and we predict that it will continue because its convenience usually increases sales volume. Vend customers are like other retail customers. When standing in the checkout lane of a Wal-Mart store, notice the ratio of cashless transactions to those of cash payments. Most are cashless most of the time.

VENDING: Dollar-a-day DVD Rentals - fron a Vending Machine
St. Petersburg Times - St. Petersburg, FL, USA
Most popular movies, from Clint Eastwood's hit Million Dollar Baby to National Treasure with Nicolas Cage, are vended from a pair of cylinder-shaped vending machines at some McDonald's and other types of outlets. ...MORE

• VEND BUZZ COMMENT: If DVD vending is successful in a fast-food drive-thru, would it not be profitable in a vending bank in a large office complex? Worth considering, we think.

VENDING: CDC Issues New Estimates for Number of Deaths Caused by Obesity
IFIC Foundation Food Insight Newsletter - USA
The Center for Disease Control revised the numbers of deaths caused by obesity. It is much lower than previously reported, yet obesity and overweight are critically important health issues in this country. ...MORE

• VEND BUZZ COMMENT: Although the deaths directly linked to obesity are lower than previously thought, this is no reason to lessen our efforts to provide the entire public with a healthier perceived range of products. We need to erase the image of vending as a purveyor of "junk food."
  
  Through the years, NAMA has worked successfully to improve the overall image of vending; let's not slip back into the dark ages.

GENERAL: Kraft (Maxwell House) and P&G (Folgers) Both Lowered the Price of Their Coffees
CNN - USA
The benchmark price of the washed-arabica bean trading on the New York Board of Trade has recently fallen about 33 percent since peaking at its highest level in more than five years in March. ...MORE

GENERAL: Yemen: The Abandoned Home of Coffee is Being Reconstructed
Yemen Observer - Sana'a, Yemen
SANA'A - To Europeans Yemen has always been known as a land of high quality coffee. No one knows if Arabs really were the first people to drink coffee, but they were certainly among the first. ...MORE

• VEND BUZZ COMMENT: This is an interesting article about where coffee is thought to have originated. Oh, don't pass it by because you already know the legend of Kaldi and his goats. You may learn something new!

GENERAL: Brazilians Rediscovering Jongo, the Grandfather of the Samba
Vancouver Sun (subscription) - Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
VALENCA, Brazil (AP) - In the old slave quarters of a colonial coffee plantation, conga drums echo in the night air. A tradition that has never ended comes forth in a festival honoring the former coffee picker slaves. ...MORE

• VEND BUZZ COMMENT: Fourth and fifth generation descendents of slaves who harvested the coffee of the area dance in memory of their ancesters. The village of 200 still live in mud-thatched huts and . . . well, go on, read the whole story. It's fascinating.

FOODSERVICE: Small Foodservice Business Profits with Improved Employee Training and Profit Sharing
Newsweek - USA
Pizza operator sticks to his employee-training and profit-sharing strategies for operating his business at a profit. ...MORE

• VEND BUZZ COMMENT: A pizza parlor is different from vend/foodservice or catering operations, but operational strategies are similar. All foodservice operations are labor-intensive. Thus, making certain that employees know what to do and motivating them to do it is mandatory to success.
  
  Perhaps we can get some hints from this pizza place in Chicago.

GENERAL: Pre-ground vs. Fresh-ground Coffee Taste Companison Offers Surprises
Cook's Illustrated Magazine - USA
The magazine's staff made taste tests of several beans and grinds of coffee to determine the best tasting cup. ...MORE

• VEND BUZZ COMMENT: Although this was not a test performed by professional "cuppers," the results are indicative of what most coffee consumers experience when they drink their morning cup of brew.
  
  Vending operators considering bean-grinders when they purchase new equipment may be further influenced by the findings; however, OCS operators, so far, are locked into pre-ground coffees in packs or pods.

FOODSERVICE: Dole Offers Operators and Chefs Free Recipe Collection CD-ROM
Pizza Marketing Quarterly (PMQ) - USA
Dole Foodservice is offering a free CD of recipes using fruit. ...MORE

• VEND BUZZ COMMENT: Why not? It's free and its a toll free number. And the world knows that fruit is nutritious.

GENERAL: More Evidence Coffee May Cut Risk of Liver Cancer
Cancerpage.com - Marietta, GA, USA
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - A new study indicates that people who rely on a cup of coffee to start their day may be lowering their risk of liver cancer in the process. ...MORE

• VEND BUZZ COMMENT: Researchers must really like coffee! They don't leave it alone and let it be a refreshing, mild stimulant that tastes good, feels good in the mouth, and smells good.
  
  Seriously, there does seem to be considerable research on the brew, whether to discover its health benefits or otherwise. We appreciate it, especially when they report that it lessens the risk of dangerous diseases.

GENERAL: Coffee Rises in Tokyo on Supply Concern Due to Dry Weather
Bloomberg - USA
Arabica coffee futures in Tokyo rose as much as 3.6 percent, the biggest fluctuation of any commodity today, on speculation on the effect of the dry weather. ...MORE

VENDING: AM's Annual State of Industry Report Shows Good News for Vending Last Year
AMonline.com - Fort Atkinson, WI, USA
Automatic Merchandiser's State of the Vending Industry Report for 2004 Shows Vending is Recovering from Previous Years' Industrial Downsizing. ...MORE

• VEND BUZZ COMMENT: The magazine's current annual report is very encouraging news. There may be some area pockets where economic recovery is yet to be experienced, but overall the report's accuracy has been proven throughout many years.

VENDING: Sandwich Market on Hot Roll
peoplepc.com News - USA
Two chain sandwich competitors both try to lure customers from hamburger fast-fooders. Quiznos sandwiches compete with Subways; both benefit. ...MORE

• VEND BUZZ COMMENT: Are toasted sandwiches healthier than hamburgers? Subway and Quiznos both say so and the public seems to agree. So where does this leave vending? We've been competing with fast-food burger outlets all along. Now let's face the sandwich makers, too. Well, we've been in the sandwich busines from Day One.
  
  We offer subs, wedges and wraps. Will a microwave refresh a toasted cheese or a toasted egg salad sandwich? Let's try it out and, if it works, let's promote our toasted gems with machine stick-ons or other signage.
  
  If toasted sandwiches won't refresh, don't toast; but promote them anyway.

VENDING: Studies by PA Health Dept./PA State Univ. Show School "a la carte" Fare Weighs Heavily in Fats/Sugars
Medical News Today (press release) - UK
According to the survey of school foodservice directors, conducted by researchers at Pennsylvania State University and the Pennsylvania Department of Health, high schools in Pennsylvania offer pizza, hamburgers, fries, cookies, and candy in their "a la carte" menus. "A la carte" refers to items sold separately from the regular lunch menu. ...MORE

• VEND BUZZ COMMENT: As we in the industry have said all along, it's not fair to hit on vending alone about student obesity. Vending has a program of healthy foods and exercise for schools (NAMA's Balance for Life initiative). Do the school's lunch rooms have a program for reducing their "junk foods?"

GENERAL: Catapult Coffee Partners with Brooks/Eckerds Drugstores to Sell Its Cans of Herbal-enriched Coffees
Emediawire (press release) - Ferndale, WA, USA
Catapult Coffee, a new herbally enhanced coffee, views drugstores as a unique and appropriate distribution center for its new brew. ... MORE

• VEND BUZZ COMMENT: Okay on herbal teas, but herbal coffees?
  
  Who knows? There were people in Northern Europe that thought that tomatoes were deadly and not for human consumption. But the Italians found good use for them in pizza and many other dishes.

COFFEE SERVICE: Vending Machine for Bulk (5-gal.) Water Now Being Tested
PrimeZone (press release) - Los Angeles, CA, USA
The Aquaduct is a vending system for distributing 5-gallon prepackaged bottled water to consumers using an ATM interface. ...MORE

• VEND BUZZ COMMENT: Those of you in the water business should be interested in this unit. Located in a supermarket or at a c-store, this vender could cut delivery cost to homes in its neighborhood.

VENDING: Tips for Those Gaining Weight on the Job
Consumer Affairs - USA
A large percentage of employers do not offer a workout room to help employees stay in shape. Here are some tips that can help. ...MORE

• VEND BUZZ COMMENT: These tips are mostly good, but one blames the vending machine. Why not take a new look at the products being offered? If they are no healthier food, snacks and drinks present, talk with your suppliers. Today there are many new reduced fat and sugar-free products being produced that are available to vending companies.
  
  After all, a vending machine stocked with less fatening products, too, is the most convenient source of food and drink at work. Lots better than the suggested brown bag!

GENERAL: Do You Have Time for a Cup of Coffee?
The Southern - Carbondale ,IL, USA
When things in your life seem too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the professor with the mayonnaise jar - and the coffee. ... MORE

• VEND BUZZ COMMENT: Don't miss reading this short article in its entirety. It can apply to everyone -- vendor, coffee service or foodservice operator . . . and more. Enjoy!

COFFEE SERVICE: Puerto Rico's Little Secret: Coffee
San Francisco Chronicle - United States
Some of the world's best beans never get off the island. Find out why. ...MORE

• VEND BUZZ COMMENT: A US possession, Puerto Rico has long had the coffee trees. Today there are good and bad crops, but no pickers. Something is being done about that. Why? Because the quality rivals that of Kona, Blue Mountain and others. Read it for excellent information.

COFFEE SERVICE: Starbucks' Locations Mapped in DC Area
Washington Post - USA
Throughout the DC metripolitan area, the density of Starbucks locations varies widely by community, but this is changing The question has been raised as to why such variation, referring to those areas housed principally by ethnic populations. Starbucks responds. ...MORE

• VEND BUZZ COMMENT: This article is interesting because it involves the largest coffeeshop retailer, by far. No national conclusions can be interpolated from this report because of the uniqueness of the area. However, it is seen that Starbucks is still developing new outlets even in an area that already may be considered as "saturated" by most location standards. When is enough really enough? Can the Starbucks' expansion concept be applied to coffee service?

GENERAL: Alan Plaisted of Southern Refreshment Service Named NAMA National Expo Chair
AMonline - USA
NAMA's National Expo, to be held in Atlanta this year on Oct. 27 - 29, will have several new features in addition to those already familiar to its attendees. The association's President and CEO, Richard Geerdes, announced today that Mr. Plaisted will chair the convention and trade show. ...MORE

• VEND BUZZ COMMENT: Atlanta is a great convention city! Its hospitality more-than-adequately befits hosting the industry's greatest Expo.
  
  Vend Buzz will be there in spirit. In actuality, we will be in disguise while representing one of the trade journals. (Can you guess which one?)

VENDING: New Info about Faerie Films' Documentary Film, The Vending Machine
Market Wire (press release) - USA
An advisory council has been appointed for the production of this film addressing student obesity. ...MORE

• VEND BUZZ COMMENT: It is unlikely that this film will be friendly to the school vending machine. We hope that the producer can be guided to include a sampling of vending veterans among their couoncil. And that the NAMA Balance for Life initiative is explained to the entire council.

VENDING: New Vending Machine Program From American Specialty Health Helps Employers to Select Healthy Food Items
Business Wire (press release) - San Francisco, CA, USA
American Specialty Health (ASH) recently announced the creation of the Healthyroads Healthy Vending Machine Program. ...MORE

• VEND BUZZ COMMENT: Reading the first part of this article, Vend Buzz thought, "Gosh, here's an outfit that is addressing the ADULT obesity problem! That's great!"
  
  It was about half-way through the article that we came upon a sentence which we cannot quote here because of possible copyright infringement. However, here is its thought: Employers would no longer take bids from vendors for serving those clients; instead, the client would own its vending machines and purchase healthy-choice products from Healthroads.
  
  To us, that appears to be an approach that is contrary to the traditional method of serving vending accounts. Would it not be more productive to the industry if vendors offered their clients his/her list of less fattening food and drink so the client and its employes could make their choice?
  
  
• READERS COMMENTS: Industry readers are urged to send us your comments, either pro or con, on this issue. If you choose, give an alternative. Send your e-mail to dan@vendbuzz.com
  
  ASAP. We will determine a consensus and post it in this segment of the site. If individuals do not wish to have their names or company identified, say so in your message and we promise to keep it anynomous. But please let us know who you are so that we can determine industry affiliation.

VENDING: Kraft Foodservice Announces New Website for Vending & OCS
AMonline.com - Fort Atkinson, WI, USA
The website is specifically designed for vending and coffee service operators by providing information about Kraft 's products and the current promotions available for them. ...MORE

• VEND BUZZ COMMENT: Kraft Foods has a galaxy of products for both the coffee service and vending markets. Here we find them all in one place. The website can be especially helpful in taking advantage of the firm's promotions, for they are scheduled in view of its products' peak seasons.

VENDING: Arkansa Gorernor Huckabee Changes His Position on School Vending Machine Rules
Arkansas News - Little Rock, AR, USA
Huckabee backtracked from an early June letter where he said local school districts should decide on use and content of vending machines. ...MORE

• VEND BUZZ COMMENT: It goes to show that even a governor can change his/her mind in only one or two months. For the better . . . or the worst. We hope that someone gets to him with the news of NAMA's "Balance for Life" initiative. It takes more that diet restrictions to effectively address the student obesity problem.

VENDING: Massachusetts Vending Association Scholarship Fund Awards $22,000 to Worthy Students
AMonline.com - Fort Atkinson, WI, USA
The Massachusetts Vending Association (MVA) Scholarship Fund, a tax exempt, public charity, announced today that it has awarded $22,000 in scholarship aid to 16 students to help them further their education. ...MORE

• VEND BUZZ COMMENT: More than 20 years ago (well before Vend Buzz), we worked closely with this group of vendors. They had an excellent organization then; today it is exceptional.
  
  The industry recognizes and thanks MVA for this generous scholarship program.