For too long operators have focused on price and volume but in order to compete with coffee shops on the high street, a new focus needs to address quality so that a premium charge can be made, a better cash margin achieved and consumers satisfied.

Aimia can help with this - we are not simply another commodity supplier but a solutions provider. Our NPD pipeline is dominated by what the consumer wants which can be explained by three ‘megatrends’ - premiumisation, virtuosity and healthier living - if it ticks all three, then all the better! We are taking the lead in these areas to develop solutions to meet demand and are constantly reviewing consumer trends to forecast and plan ahead, to ensure our customers are able to offer the latest product, when the trend is ‘here and now’.

The vending market is very polarised - on one side of the coin you have giant brand owners - but they cannot personalise or tailor their brand solutions to different companies. On the flip side there are pure commodity suppliers - cheap but no value added, no marketing support and no value.

Aimia seeks to provide a balance, delivering all the professional qualities of the big brand owner, for example in marketing but also able to personalise and make individual product lines, enabling us to be more flexible, with the ability to respond to specific needs.

As a company with market know-how, we believe that the value perception in vending can be improved. Many people make the mistake that you cannot move away from the established brand names but simply isn’t the case, witness the high street. Consumers will pay a premium for a good quality hot beverage, provided that the presentation and formula is compelling; you only have to look at the fact that BP sells more cups of coffee worldwide than Starbucks to see that this can be the case.

If you can alter perception and deliver enhanced quality, you can radically alter profit margins. Take Pour Moi for example, a sleek machine that delivers a range of superior coffee beverages with a selection of teas, hot chocolate and soups. Using 12 oz cups it competes with the high street coffee shops and its fascia brings a fresh ‘look’ to vending, with a contemporary high street look and feel. It adds further value with an inspired menu choice, and this professionally presented hot beverage concept will leverage sales and add sales value.

Specialists in hot and cold beverages, most recently, we have become the first in the vending industry to develop HVO-free products for our hot drinks portfolio. On the cold side, we exclusively distribute Weight Watchers - a new healthier drinks range which can command a high price premium and developed a unique offer of fruit juice in a can through Del Monté - both are driving value in vending.

Our view at Aimia Foods is that Vending needs better marketing, more professional presentation and innovation that’s consumer driven.

To discover how Aimia Foods can drive value for your business call 01942 272 900 or visit www.aimiafoods.com

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