A number of trends have been highly noticeable in recent years. The self service hype probably hasn't gone unnoticed by anyone, but the growing number of vending machines among store shelves can also be clearly observed. All sorts of snacks and juices are offered to us in a more or less automated manner in supermarkets. The battle against excessive packaging is also on the rise.
Machines are used for selling products like candy, nuts, juices and bread.
Petra Veldman: "The cheerful look and active experience of a machine are guaranteed to attract people. Additionally, customers can choose the product themselves, which increases trust in their purchase." While machines have so far been used mostly for non-vulnerable products, Stoffels has developed one that's suitable for distributing soft fruits. So the Automaat guarantees optimal hygiene and minimal product loss. "The disadvantages connected to previous forms of self service are thus resolved."
Ease of use
"Using the Automaat is a piece of cake: when pulling the lever, ten tomatoes roll out of the machine. The Automaat consists of various units, each containing their own colour of cherry tomatoes. That way, customers can choose themselves how many cherry tomatoes they want of which colour. The 'fun' factor becomes increasingly important for stores. There has to be something to experience, also in the supermarket. The Automaat undoubtedly provides this extra shopping pleasure."
Clever candy
"According to the internet, it's quite a challenge to convince children to eat healthily. Thanks to the cheerful print and the association with the gum ball machine, young and old will feel drawn to the Automaat. They can pick which cherry tomatoes they want, and pull the lever themselves, so that the lovely and sweet snacks, full of vitamins and other good substances, roll into their bag. Healthy eating has never been this much fun."
Natural
Stoffels guarantees sustainable cultivation with respect for nature. "For instance, we use organic agents to combat fungi or insects, we reuse rain water to irrigate our tomatoes, and the plants are cultivated on cocos, a by-product of the coconut cultivation.
"For the packagings for the Automaat, we initially use recyclable paper bags. Meanwhile we're thinking about new ways to package, like recyclable shakers. By replacing disposable shakers with a reusable shaker, football clubs and event organizers will save tonnes of waste."
By replacing disposable shakers with a reusable shaker, football clubs and event organizers will save tonnes of waste.
By replacing disposable shakers with a reusable shaker, football clubs and event organizers will save tonnes of waste.
The staff in the store has also been taken into account. The Automaat is made of stainless steel, making it easy to clean. Refilling occurs from the top, using a handy funnel system focused on "first in, first out". As an original, sustainable and innovative concept, the Automaat fits perfectly within the Stoffels company philosophy. "Retail has already reacted enthusiastically, and a number of trial projects will be initiated in the coming weeks," Petra concludes.
"This equipment is the sole property of STOFFELS BVBA, with registered office at B-2310 Rijkevorsel, Kleine Gammel 61. This equipment and its functioning are covered by patent protection."
For more information:
Stoffels Tomaten
Paul Stoffels & Petra Veldman
Kleine Gammel 61
2310 Rijkevorsel
+32(0)3 314 24 48
www.stoffels-tomaten.be
info@stoffels-tomaten.be