"Curiously, sales of our glass-fronted can and bottle machine and point-of-use water dispenser have increased almost two-fold since the introduction of the legislation nearly 12 months ago. We've also seen an increase in the number of machines being delivered to educational establishments throughout the UK", says Mark Rhodes, Marketing Manager at Westomatic.

Westomatic's OTIS 400 is one of the machines experiencing an increase in sales. Mark added: "A distinct lack of branding and large illuminated shop window make the OTIS school-compliant, as it can be filled with almost any combination of healthy beverages such as fruit juices, bottled water and smoothies. The moving dispense arm quickly ‘plucks' bottles from the shelf and deposits them into the dispense cup within a swift 10-12 seconds which adds an entertainment factor for pupils".

With a capacity to hold up to 400 cans and bottles or 40 different types of drink in almost any shape, size or material, schools can continue to receive revenue from their vending machines, while ensuring pupils have a wide choice of healthier beverages to choose from.

At the same time, sales of Westomatic's Azure water dispenser have increased dramatically, not just in the UK, but throughout Europe and North America.

"The interest seems to have been heightened by a number of issues, but most topically, the reduction of carbon footprints and an increased media interest in healthy eating in schools. Children should drink an average of between 1.5 and 2 litres every day as dehydration has an adverse effect on mental performance and ability to learn. Water is the healthiest option, but based on the recommended guidelines, only a high capacity point of use water dispenser such as the Azure can cope with the excessive demand of establishments such as schools, colleges and universities".

Plumbed into the mains, the Azure filters water through a UV water sanitisation system and in-built filters remove any impurities and unusual tastes for pure, fresh tasting water that is popular with pupils. The additional 500ml bottle-fill facility means pupils can refill bottles for an environmentally-friendly alternative to plastic cups.

One school which changed to Westomatic's machines following the new legislation is Torquay Grammar School for Girls, in Devon. Karen Northway, Catering Manager, commented: ‘Westomatic's machines have been a huge success. The pupils often purchase beverages from the OTIS and refill the bottles with water from the Azure. The machine bank, which includes an OTIS, Solo Encore, Azure and SnackPoint machine (which we fill with healthy options such as dried fruit and nutritious cereal bars) provides an essential ‘before and after canteen hours' service for pupils and teachers, which helps to keep sales up".

http://www.westomatic.com/

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