Vend Buzz update
Dan Denman is now recovering from a stroke that occurred on February 27. He is getting stronger, but it will be some time before Vend Buzz posts resume. We appreciate your patience.
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Sunday, February 26, 2006
GENERAL: Bored with Studies, She Turned to Coffee
Fiji Times - Suva, Fiji
Johannah Mitchell opened her first coffee shop at the tender age of 19. She had no experience in business and only a teenager's knowhow in making coffee and sandwiches.
Johannah Mitchell opened her first coffee shop at the tender age of 19. She had no experience in business and only a teenager's knowhow in making coffee and sandwiches.
- VEND BUZZ COMMENT: There's nothing educational for vendors or OCS in this article.
It's just a change of pace from the troubles of the world to a nice Sunday read about a girl in a faraway land that decided what she wanted to do and did it.
GENERAL: Hockey and Coffee?
Richmond Review - Richmond, British Columbia, Canada
With a double-double in one hand and a hockey stick in the other, Russ Jung is a typical Canadian and just the person to portray a proud dad in a commercial about our love for coffee and our game. He plays the role of Jimmy in the popular Tim Hortons commercial currently being broadcast during the Olympic Games.
With a double-double in one hand and a hockey stick in the other, Russ Jung is a typical Canadian and just the person to portray a proud dad in a commercial about our love for coffee and our game. He plays the role of Jimmy in the popular Tim Hortons commercial currently being broadcast during the Olympic Games.
- VEND BUZZ COMMENT: Just another nice story for Sunday, especially after all the Olympic Games are over. (We watched as many as we could.)
Saturday, February 25, 2006
GENERAL: New Firm Developing 'Eco-friendly' Cups that Cut Heat, Waste; Cost Less
KTVB - Boise, ID, USA
A Puget Sound-area startup by the name of MicroGreen Polymers is seeking to alleviate the problem of "Java Jackets" or double-cupping hot coffee cups for millions of Americans with a new insulated coffee cup that it says is more durable and heat-resistant than what you'd find at the corner espresso stand. Better yet, the Arlington company says the cup can be produced entirely from recycled soda-pop bottles and will cost about the same as traditional paper coffee cups.
A Puget Sound-area startup by the name of MicroGreen Polymers is seeking to alleviate the problem of "Java Jackets" or double-cupping hot coffee cups for millions of Americans with a new insulated coffee cup that it says is more durable and heat-resistant than what you'd find at the corner espresso stand. Better yet, the Arlington company says the cup can be produced entirely from recycled soda-pop bottles and will cost about the same as traditional paper coffee cups.
- VEND BUZZ COMMENT: Speaking for the vending and coffee service operators, VBz says, "Hurry up with the development, fellows!" McDonald's probably says so, too.
This article requires registration, but it's free, easy, and well worth it to read all about this development.
Thursday, February 23, 2006
VENDING: Company Cafeterias Being Replaced by Vending Machines
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review - Pittsburgh, PA, USA
On-site cafeterias at the workplace are growing more scarce and being replaced by breakrooms. Some have vending machines.
When Heinz Inc. moved its 57 Center from the North Side to Downtown in 2000, employees suddenly found themselves getting a little more exercise.
Because Heinz decided not to build a company cafeteria at the new site, employees had to take a few extra steps to grab lunch.
- VEND BUZZ COMMENT: With more and more companies dispensing with in-house cafeterias, what's a hungry employee to do? Brown bag it? Go out in the rain or cold to a restaurant and pay a high price? Or, hopefully, go to an in-house vending bank complete with fresh food ranging from salads to sandwiches to entrees to desserts?
The article's closing sentence leaves Vend Buzz cold. But it serves as a message to the vendor, especially if the vendor has a commissary: Make sure that your vended food is attractively presented, that the food vender (as well as all others) is clean, well-stocked and working properly. Above all, the food must be fresh and tasty, as well as appetizing to the eye.
The writer of the article says at its end, "And just about anything beats frozen spaghetti and meatballs from a vending machine."
The ultimate convenience of good food, attractively presented, and competitively priced in a vending machine can prove the writer wrong.
GENERAL: Coffee Fans Buzzing about Solar-powered Roaster
USA Today - USA
BEND, Ore. — Two months ago, Medford resident Michael Hartkop and his brother, David, packed some belongings and a 12-foot solar coffee roaster covered with 138 mirrors into their Honda Civic station wagon. Click "MORE" for the rest of the story.
BEND, Ore. — Two months ago, Medford resident Michael Hartkop and his brother, David, packed some belongings and a 12-foot solar coffee roaster covered with 138 mirrors into their Honda Civic station wagon. Click "MORE" for the rest of the story.
- VEND BUZZ COMMENT: What else under the sun will be done in the sun?
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
COFFEE: Coffee Professionals Talk Shop This Week In DC
Washington Post - USA
"Coffee Fest" may sound like a chance to sample the latest latte blends and shop for a new home espresso maker.
But the three-day event that begins Friday at the Washington Convention Center is strictly business -- a trade show whose sponsor says it will attract more than 3,000 cafe owners and restaurateurs who serve and sell coffee.
"Coffee Fest" may sound like a chance to sample the latest latte blends and shop for a new home espresso maker.
But the three-day event that begins Friday at the Washington Convention Center is strictly business -- a trade show whose sponsor says it will attract more than 3,000 cafe owners and restaurateurs who serve and sell coffee.
- VEND BUZZ COMMENT: This must be quite an event! It's mainly for coffee shops, including restauranteurs, who reeally want to know coffee.
Perhaps some OCS operators in the vicinity will be attending. VBz would like to attend; however, we have just come off the NBPA (coffee service) convention in Atlantic City and will be attending the NAMA Expo in Las Vegas in about a month. Then the ACE event in Myrtle Beach a month later. There is a physical limit, you know!
FOODSERVICE: Sodexho Receives Five Top Food Industry Awards for Innovation in Key Business Lines
PR Newswire (press release) - New York, NY, USA
Industry-leading outsourcing expert honored for programs delivered to Clients in senior care, college, corporate and school locations
Industry-leading outsourcing expert honored for programs delivered to Clients in senior care, college, corporate and school locations
- VEND BUZZ COMMENT: Now that's something to wear anywhere with pride. Congratulations, Sodexho!
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
VENDING: McDonalds Sued Over Ingredients in Fries
PeoplePC News - USA
McDonald's Corp. faces at least three lawsuits claiming the fast-food giant misled the public after it acknowledged earlier this week its french fries contain milk and wheat ingredients.
McDonald's Corp. faces at least three lawsuits claiming the fast-food giant misled the public after it acknowledged earlier this week its french fries contain milk and wheat ingredients.
- VEND BUZZ COMMENT: It seems as though there is always somebody ready to sue. While we don't condone false or incomplete labeling of products and we respect the right for someone to sue as the result, Vend Buzz abhors unreasonable compensation far beyond an appropriate amount.
Vend Buzz reported on McDonald's admission on Wednesday, Feb. 15.
COFFEE: Make Great Coffee at Home With a Quality Coffee Maker
DailyIndia.com - Niskayuna, NY, USA
Coffee makers have evolved like everything else in the world of technology. A simple filter and a pot of steamy water is ancient history. The coffee makers we find today do it all and do it better than ever before.
Coffee makers have evolved like everything else in the world of technology. A simple filter and a pot of steamy water is ancient history. The coffee makers we find today do it all and do it better than ever before.
- VEND BUZZ COMMENT: We don't know this "expert" on coffee brewers, but this article and its accompanying links can lead you to an array of brewing equipment for the home. File it for later review should you get requests for home brewers. Meanwhile, stick to commercial equipment for your own use.
Monday, February 20, 2006
COFFEE: Ape Guru Develops Coffee Certification Scheme
Reuters AlertNet - London, England, UK
ARUSHA, Tanzania, Feb 18 (Reuters) - Ape conservationist Jane Goodall said on Saturday she is developing a new certification scheme for coffee growers farming in areas where endangered chimpanzees live, mainly in Tanzania and Burundi.
ARUSHA, Tanzania, Feb 18 (Reuters) - Ape conservationist Jane Goodall said on Saturday she is developing a new certification scheme for coffee growers farming in areas where endangered chimpanzees live, mainly in Tanzania and Burundi.
- VEND BUZZ COMMENT: Apparently, this will be similar to Fair Trade, Organic and Bird Friendly certifications, all hopefully to help both the coffee farmers and/or the environment. All are noble enterprises, but what will be the effect on coffee prices at retail? Is "Supply and Demand" outdated?
GENERAL: Tea Riding Wave of Coffee Craze
Washington Times - Washington, DC, USA
An ancient beverage is making a comeback. Tea, thought to have been first consumed in China in 2737 B.C., is brewing in teahouses, retail shops, grocery stores and restaurants throughout the country. And in vending machnes as well as OCS clients.
An ancient beverage is making a comeback. Tea, thought to have been first consumed in China in 2737 B.C., is brewing in teahouses, retail shops, grocery stores and restaurants throughout the country. And in vending machnes as well as OCS clients.
- VEND BUZZ COMMENT: Tea ain't for just two! Its numbers are growing rapidly.
For the vendors, it's available in bottles; for the OCSers, there are excellent sources that exhibit in the association trade shows. There were at least three at the recent NBPA Trade Show in Atlantic City last week.
If you are not up on tea, this article will fill you in.
COFFEE: Your Own Perfect Cup: A Simple Gourmet Brew
DailyIndia.com - Niskayuna, NY, USA
There are a number of countries that produce coffee and new regions are converting their crops to the mighty bean as our demand for different tasting coffee increases. We are also adding more exotic flavourings to our coffee. It comes as no surprise about the number of coffee shops and stores that sell coffee beans and all the associated paraphernalia to be able to make our own perfect coffee at home.
There are a number of countries that produce coffee and new regions are converting their crops to the mighty bean as our demand for different tasting coffee increases. We are also adding more exotic flavourings to our coffee. It comes as no surprise about the number of coffee shops and stores that sell coffee beans and all the associated paraphernalia to be able to make our own perfect coffee at home.
- VEND BUZZ COMMENT: Coffee brewing all boils down to the individual's taste preference. Yet too many coffee consumers just go through a routine without giving the bean, the roast, the grind, the brew method any real thought. Life can be better with better coffee, whoever you are, whatever the time of day or night, or wherever you may be.
Even we guys and gals in the coffee business sometimes need to stop and smell the roses - uh, the coffee. We need to make sure that our clients' coffee stations are right all the way for producing the best cup of coffee possible. Move them up from regular roast to a specialty type. Sure, it may cost them more, but more account contacts are now knowledgable about better coffee from better beans, and a reasonable price increase is not so hard to take.
Especially if some of the account's employees are going out for better coffee on company time.
Sunday, February 19, 2006
GENERAL: Chocolate Lounges, The New Coffee Shop And Bar
W*USA 9 - Washington,DC,USA
The maker of M-and-M's and Snickers is behind Ethel's and is calling the new chain a place for chocolate and chitchat.
The maker of M-and-M's and Snickers is behind Ethel's and is calling the new chain a place for chocolate and chitchat.
- VEND BUZZ COMMENT: If this rival for the coffeehouse experience catches on, vending/OCS operators can compete with a table-top candy vender sitting beside a single-cupper in any place that has at least two chairs.
VENDING: Your Cell Phone Will Buy Your Lunch
EE Times Online - USA
Panasonic installed a vending machine that surrenders a can of Coke by way of a mobile phone embedded with FeliCa-based contactless technology.
Panasonic installed a vending machine that surrenders a can of Coke by way of a mobile phone embedded with FeliCa-based contactless technology.
- VEND BUZZ COMMENT: Well, when you read the full story, you'll see that it didn't work. But it's on the way; the technology is on-hand. Just another way that will make it even more convenient for the vending customer.
Your cell phone can do just about everything thing else, why not have it buy your lunch just by waving it near the food machine?
Saturday, February 18, 2006
COFFEE SERVICE: It Was a Good Convention/Trade Show!
But it was a Lost Opportunity for suppliers who were not represented.
The seminars, again this year, were outstanding. There were no "standing room only" sessions this year because, based on the two previous years' experience, the seating was enlarged in anticipation of the attendance. Yet there was a full-house during each session.
However, the Trade Show lacked exhibitors. Oh, there were enough to give operators a look at everything from software to pods and cups. Those supplieres that participated got their money's worth and more.
The suppliers who passed up the show lost their golden opportunity to explain their wares in the only trade show dedicated exclusively to the office refreshment industry.
Both suppliers and operators who did not attend may read the trade publications to find out the details of what they missed, but in a nutshell here are the topics of discussion in the seminars:
Wednesday - "Pod/Cup Single-cup Workshop" where exhibiting suppliers explained their products (2 hours)
Thursday - Premier seminar "A Complete Guide to Training OCS Sales People" by Len Rashkin, author and OCS Specialst/Consultant (4-hour session)
"Marketing and Sales" by Richard Conover of Info USA (1+ hour)
"Pod Roundtables" during which a dozen tables of 10 gave their answers to pod questions, then each table reporter presented capsuled discussion to the entire group (1+ hour)
The exhibit floor was open to operators a total of seven hours.
There were more than 15 hours of "experience exchange" possibilities within the three-day event. The only unhappy people were those who lost money at the gaming tables in the Trump Taj Mahal Hotel/Casino in Atlantic City, NJ (yet they reported that what they learned in the sessions may more than make up for the loss).
The big losers were those, both suppliers and operators, who did not attend.
There were two operators honored during the President's Luncheon:
Fred Steiner, Imperial Coffee & Services Inc., Canada, was chosen as recipient of the association's "Lifetime Achievement Award."
David Henchel, Corporate Coffee Systems, Westbury, NY, was elected into the NBPA "Hall of Fame."
Vend Buzz congratulates these two industry veterans for their being recognized for their excellence in performance and their contributions to the industry and its association.
Further, Vend Buzz congratulates the executives of NBPA , President Jay McMenamin, Jaymar Associates, Sewell, NJ; Vice President Len Rashkin; 2nd VP David Henchel; Paulette, Roger and Troy Rigolli, Blue Ridge Coffee & Tea, Brooklyn, NY; Jimmy Zarikian Jr., D-Zee Ventures, Solomons, MD; Ben Ginsberg, Vending & OCS, Atlanta, GA; and Bob Gayer, Barrie House Coffee, New York, NY for producing an excellent convention showcasing the latest trends of the refreshment industry.
All can look forward to NBPA's 22nd Annual Convention in 2007!
VENDING: "Green" Vending Machines Save Money and Environment
University at Buffalo Reporter - Buffalo, NY, USA
The University at Buffalo is leading the way in energy savings as the first university in the country to completely replace its campus-wide beverage vending machines with green technology.
The University at Buffalo is leading the way in energy savings as the first university in the country to completely replace its campus-wide beverage vending machines with green technology.
- VEND BUZZ COMMENT: The "Green Machine" is another effort of the vending industry that has been featured by the National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) and several vending machine manufacturers focusing on protecting and improving our environment.
Congratulations to Dixie-Narco for developing Energy Star venders for the university! May there be many more to come.
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Today's posting will be the last for a couple of days while Vend Buzz attends the NBPA (National Beverage & Products Association) annual convention in Atlantic City.
The dates of the convention are Feb. 15 - 17. We should be back to posting on Saturday, Feb. 18. Meanwhile, if you haven't already done so, take a good look at Route Operations-201. It's a "Performance Development Program" complete with a scripted meeting for all employees: "The Quality Image." Soon, three other scripted meetings will be added to the segment.
The dates of the convention are Feb. 15 - 17. We should be back to posting on Saturday, Feb. 18. Meanwhile, if you haven't already done so, take a good look at Route Operations-201. It's a "Performance Development Program" complete with a scripted meeting for all employees: "The Quality Image." Soon, three other scripted meetings will be added to the segment.
FOODSERVICE: McDonald's: Fries Have Potential Allergens
PeoplePC - News - USA
Not long after disclosing that its french fries contain more trans fat than thought, McDonald's Corp. said Monday that wheat and dairy ingredients are used to flavor the popular menu item - an acknowledgment it had not previously made.
Not long after disclosing that its french fries contain more trans fat than thought, McDonald's Corp. said Monday that wheat and dairy ingredients are used to flavor the popular menu item - an acknowledgment it had not previously made.
- VEND BUZZ COMMENT: Perhaps this is not "news that you can use," but it is good information to know.
COFFEE: TURIN SPOTLIGHT -- Nothing Beats the Original
Houston Chronicle - United States
Lots of places mix coffee, chocolate and cream, but Al Bicerin specializes in a unique concoction of that sort.
Lots of places mix coffee, chocolate and cream, but Al Bicerin specializes in a unique concoction of that sort.
- VEND BUZZ COMMENT: I wish . . . I wish!
If you can get past the beautiful photograph of this centuries-old coffeehouse, you, too, will say, "I wish . . I wish!"
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
VENDING: (New Update) Wife's Spending Aided Fraud, Papers Say
Columbia Daily Tribune - Columbia, MO, USA
The wife of a local businessman accused of selling worthless stock spent investors’ money to buy expensive clothing and jewelry "as part of a front" to impress other potential investors, according to court documents in the case.
The wife of a local businessman accused of selling worthless stock spent investors’ money to buy expensive clothing and jewelry "as part of a front" to impress other potential investors, according to court documents in the case.
- VEND BUZZ COMMENT: Is he blaming his wife? Did he give her a Valentine? We'll try to keep you posted.
Meanwhile, beware of "too good to be true" schemes.
VENDING: Junk-food Bill May Be Bound for Scrap Heap
Indianapolis Star - United States
A bill limiting the amount of junk food Hoosier children could buy from school vending machines is facing an uphill battle at the Statehouse.
Although there are no definitive statistics on the number of obese kids in the state, health surveys indicate at least 15 percent of Hoosier teens are obese and nearly another 15 percent are overweight. Nationally, experts estimate that 13 percent of children of all ages in the United States are obese.
A bill limiting the amount of junk food Hoosier children could buy from school vending machines is facing an uphill battle at the Statehouse.
Although there are no definitive statistics on the number of obese kids in the state, health surveys indicate at least 15 percent of Hoosier teens are obese and nearly another 15 percent are overweight. Nationally, experts estimate that 13 percent of children of all ages in the United States are obese.
- VEND BUZZ COMMENT: We are wondering if the opponents of the bill are wondering if a minority of overweight/obese children should govern what the other 70 percent who are at or below normal weight should consume.
Happy Valentine's Day!
Tuesday, Feb. 14th is the sweetest day of the year. VBz wishes each reader a very nice day made sweeter by becoming the recieient of a Valentine from one's dearest.
Monday, February 13, 2006
FOODSERVICE: Latin American Food Goes Mainstream
PeoplePC.com - News - USA
Once they were tucked away in the ethnic aisle of the grocery store, but lately it seems tortillas are the toast of the town. Americans' desire for speed, healthier food and their constant search for new tastes also have propelled their popularity, said Bill Briwa, who teaches Mexican cuisine at the Culinary Institute of America.
Once they were tucked away in the ethnic aisle of the grocery store, but lately it seems tortillas are the toast of the town. Americans' desire for speed, healthier food and their constant search for new tastes also have propelled their popularity, said Bill Briwa, who teaches Mexican cuisine at the Culinary Institute of America.
- VEND BUZZ COMMENT: We've noticed the several stacks of various types of tortillas in Wal-Mart superstores. They are not with the regular displays of ethnic foods; rather, they are located in the specialty bread department.
We have bought some ourselves and made our own wraps here at our home/office. Best news: the wraps don't leak onto the computer keyboard!
The point is that those vendors with commissaries can wrap tortillas around anything from chicken salad to . . . well, you name it. Those who buy frozen sandwiches, if you are not into wraps, give them a try.
VENDING: (Update) Suit Details ‘Black Box’ Investments
Columbia Daily Tribune - Columbia, MO, USA
A Columbia woman was pressured to invest money that was used to settle lawsuits brought by earlier investors, according to court documents filed in an alleged investment scam that investigators say bilked at least $1.54 million out of victims.
A Columbia woman was pressured to invest money that was used to settle lawsuits brought by earlier investors, according to court documents filed in an alleged investment scam that investigators say bilked at least $1.54 million out of victims.
- VEND BUZZ COMMENT: We reported on this "alledged scam" on Saturday, Feb. 11. This gives a bit more details of the lawsuit.
Sunday, February 12, 2006
GENERAL: NAMA Operates Two Open Forums OnLine: Vending and OCS
www.vending.org (NAMA Website) - USA
Within the association's Web site there are two OnLine Open Forums which may be viewed and viewer-posted by registered NAMA members. Hee is an opportunity for members to broach topics, submit questions re: operating efficiencies, and converse online with other members.
Within the association's Web site there are two OnLine Open Forums which may be viewed and viewer-posted by registered NAMA members. Hee is an opportunity for members to broach topics, submit questions re: operating efficiencies, and converse online with other members.
- VEND BUZZ COMMENT: There are certain conditions for the use of the Open Forums; the "More" link below takes you to a complete explanation. The very popular Open Forums at the NAMA National and Spring Expos are available here year-around. Vend Buzz heartily endorses them.
GENERAL: Some Interesting Facts about Beverage Market in India
TMCnet - USA
Tea dominates Indias production and consumptionof beverages, but output and drinking of coffee, beer, wine and spirits is also on the rise. Indians are the worlds biggest drinkers of tea.
Tea dominates Indias production and consumptionof beverages, but output and drinking of coffee, beer, wine and spirits is also on the rise. Indians are the worlds biggest drinkers of tea.
- VEND BUZZ COMMENT: The report goes on to how coffee consumption is on the rise and why, how Pepsi and Coke fare (including lawsuits about contaminated product), and tobacco consumption.
We don't know how you can use such information, but it is interesting to know.
Saturday, February 11, 2006
COFFEE: Starbucks, PepsiCo Launch New RTD Iced Coffee
Drinks Business Review - USA
Starbucks Coffee Company has announced the launch of a new ready-to-drink (RTD) coffee beverage in the US through the North American Coffee Partnership, a joint venture with PepsiCo.
Starbucks Coffee Company has announced the launch of a new ready-to-drink (RTD) coffee beverage in the US through the North American Coffee Partnership, a joint venture with PepsiCo.
- VEND BUZZ COMMENT: Getting the jump on the cold drink season, this new "iced coffee" beverage is expected to give confirmed coffee drinkeres something to sip on during the hot weather season.
March is the launch date for Starbucks stores, May for grocery and c-stores. We don't know when for vendors or OCS operators.
VENDING: Nixon Sues Company for Allegedly Lying about Vending Machine Black Box
Kansas City Star - MO, USA
Jefferson City, Mo. - Missouri Attorney General Jay Nixon said Friday that he had filed suit against three Columbia residents and six companies tied to them for allegedly lying to investors about a vending machine tracking device.
Jefferson City, Mo. - Missouri Attorney General Jay Nixon said Friday that he had filed suit against three Columbia residents and six companies tied to them for allegedly lying to investors about a vending machine tracking device.
- VEND BUZZ COMMENT: Is this another type of scam where, instead of going after potential vending operators, it reaches for investors by promoting a "black box" of high technology for legitimate vendors use? We do not know, but Vend Buzz reported on a similar situation on Monday, Feb. 6.
Vend Buzz does not know and has never heard of the principals or the companies involved in the suit.
