In response to this scrutiny, we are seeing the vending market echoing the changes being made throughout the whole food industry. At Aimia Foods, we know from research that there are three major trends having an impact on what we eat:

- Premiumisation: UK consumers are becoming more engaged with good food and drink

- Virtuousness: ethically sourced products have never been more important

- Health: we are all becoming more concerned about the effects of the food and drink we consume.

Aimia's whole product development process reflects these changing trends and one in particular is trans fatty acids - a by-product of hydrogenated vegetable oils (HVOs), which can be found in many food and drink products. Health professionals are recommending that we should reduce our consumption due to the links to heart disease and increased cholesterol levels.

Aimia Foods is leading the way for vending machine operators by producing products such as the award winning Milfresh HVO-free whitener. Made without HVOs, this is being substituted in more and more UK vending machines.

Trends show that since its launch last year, the product has grown in popularity with a significant rise in enquiries, too. As the health debate continues, consumer demand will only grow for value-added healthier products such as HVO-free whitener and granulated skimmed milk.

Using Milfresh HVO-free whitener ensures operators can take a lead on health matters and provide a great tasting product with a competitive advantage to their customers. Developed for use with both coffee and tea vended drinks, HVO-free whitener has excellent ‘whitening power', great mouth-feel and flows exceptionally through traditional vending machines.

With this award winning range, Aimia Foods has invested in product development, using natural ingredients and low fat skimmed milk, giving operators a choice of whitener products to use.

For the industry as a whole, the next 12-18 months will see the demand for HVO-free and similar healthier products continue to rise. As concerns over health continues, the Government is sure to step up pressure on food and drink suppliers to help to fight this trend. By stocking Milfresh HVO free whitener or Granulated Skimmed Milk, the industry will be pro-active in providing a healthier option without compromising on taste.

Simon Kershaw is Category Marketing Manager at Aimia Foods.

http://www.aimiafoods.com/

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