HOSPITAL CATERING
Above: One of the most significant advances has been the incorporation of cashless payment systems into automatic vending machines.
Above right: A production setting. The AVA says today’s vending solutions ‘offer healthy options, smart technology, and improved sustainability’.
snacks, but this is no longer the case. Vending operators are offering a wide range of nutritious choices to meet growing consumer demand for healthier foods, as well as changing legislation such as the Sugar Tax, or guidance from regulatory bodies such as the new nutrition profiles set by the Food Standards Agency in North Ireland. We can see this most clearly in the data recorded in our most recent AVA census, where the trend for more nutritional offerings is emerging. For example, when it comes to pre-packaged cold drinks, 81% now contain less than 5% added sugar per 100 ml, a significant improvement in reducing sugar content, while with confectionery and sweets, 78% are now less than or equal to 250 kcal per item, helping to control calorie intake. Equally, 36% of savoury snacks are less than or equal to 30 g, providing healthier portion sizes for consumers.
More nutritionally balanced options These changes demonstrate a clear shift towards offering more nutritionally balanced options in vending machines, aligning with growing consumer demand for healthier food and drink choices. Last year (2024), 49% of shoppers reported eating healthier foods, and 32% said they felt healthier than the previous year. So, as people become more health-conscious, vending machines are adapting to offer foods that support various health goals and differences, including options for improved gut health or vegan-friendly diets. For hospitals, this shift towards healthier vending is particularly important. It allows them to provide nutritious options for staff working long shifts, patients needing a quick snack, and for family and friends of patients, who may be at the hospital longer than expected. One of the key advantages of modern vending
technology for healthcare estate managers is the ease of maintenance and management. Many of today’s machines are equipped with smart tech, such as sensors that allow for effective remote monitoring of machines, reducing downtime as a result. This connectivity enables predictive maintenance, like the kind of systems already used for critical hospital equipment like HVAC systems. In practice, vending operators can spot potential problems before they occur, which means they can schedule maintenance at convenient times, and therefore reduce downtime. This proactive approach means fewer headaches for estate managers, and more reliable service for users. Vending management software takes this a step further
by using AI and automation to optimise stock levels, plan refills, and manage operator routing. This means that operators only visit machines when necessary, improving
64 Health Estate Journal January 2025
efficiency and reducing waste from unnecessary trips. The result is a vending system that largely takes care of itself, allowing healthcare estate managers to focus on more pressing priorities without worrying about empty or malfunctioning machines. While traditional vending machines continue to improve, a new concept is gaining popularity in healthcare settings: micro-markets and Smart Markets. These retail spaces, with both cashier-operated and self-service options, combine the best of vending machines with a small convenience store layout, and are becoming increasingly popular across multiple sectors. In fact, according to the AVA census, they have seen a 37% year-on-year increase in the UK, with 660 installations now active across the country. Micro-markets are particularly well-suited to the
‘24/7’ nature of hospitals. They can offer a wider range of products than traditional vending machines, including, importantly, freshly prepared food options. During staffed hours, for example, they can provide fresh food items, while during unstaffed periods, they offer more traditional vending fare. This flexibility is crucial for a healthcare setting, where staff and visitors will need access at all hours.
Advanced PoS systems From a technical standpoint, micro-markets use advanced point-of-sale systems that work with various payment methods. This flexibility makes them convenient for users while keeping the system simple and quick. For healthcare estate managers, micro-markets mean lower labour costs and access to real-time data on sales and stock levels. This, in turn, helps minimise waste, and ensures popular items are always available. Looking ahead, it’s likely that micro-markets will
embrace emerging technologies with AI and machine learning. These advancements are likely to enhance the capabilities of micro-markets and vending machines, allowing for more sophisticated monitoring of consumer behaviour. This data can then be used to make informed decisions about stock levels and pricing. For healthcare estate managers, this means being able to tailor their product offerings to match occupancy patterns, ensuring that staff and visitors always have access to what they need when they need it, while minimising waste and maintaining profitability. As healthcare facilities focus more on sustainability and waste reduction – a continuous challenge for estate managers – the vending industry has made significant strides in improving its environmental impact. This aligns with the broader push for businesses to address their Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions and work towards Net Zero targets.
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