Vend Natural, Inc. – the leading healthy vending machine operator in the US – has announced in a statement a new partnership with Del Monte Fresh Produce to offer fresh cut fruits and vegetables in its natural and organic snack machines.
This agreement reflects a growing trend towards providing convenience-driven populations with healthier alternatives in the wake of growing concerns over child obesity and other ill effects from unhealthy diets, according to Vend Natural.
Del Monte fresh-cut fruits and vegetables will complement Vend Natural’s current line of healthy snack and beverage selections and will be available in specially-designed machines in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions with availability increasing throughout the US during 2010.
“We are pleased to be one of the first vending operators to provide American consumers with easy access to Del Monte’s fresh-cut fruits and vegetables in our vending machines,” said Vend Natural president Gil Sanchez in the release.
“Adding these high-quality products to our existing all-natural and organic snack and beverage line was an important advancement in delivering the widest variety of healthy snacking alternatives for fast-paced living. Del Monte’s fresh products will help us reinforce that people no longer need to trade health for convenience.”
Del Monte Fresh Produce vice-president Dennis Christou added: “Our decision to supply Vend Natural with fresh produce in their snack machines was driven by our shared mission to meet the demand for better snacking options to address growing health concerns and a desire for healthier living amongst the general public.”
The Del Monte fresh-cut products comprise a mix of pineapple chunks, table grapes, apple slices, baby carrots, celery, and tomatoes; some paired with healthy dips. Some locations will also feature specially wrapped Del Monte single finger bananas.
