The article explains, "A north Queensland banana grower is claiming a first for Australia, installing a vending machine for his fruit in the centre of Brisbane. The bananas are grown and packed in plastic...and then transported to Brisbane to be stocked in the machine in a food court...Mackays Bananas spokesman Daniel Mackay says the machine keeps the fruit at 12 degrees and it is checked and restocked daily...Rather than drop to the access hatch, the bananas are carried by an elevator to avoid bruising."
Thomas Hoey reports, "This is a really interesting take on the banana. While many people are used to seeing the fruit regularly available, putting it in a vending machine puts added appeal to it. It makes people think about whether or not they would want to buy some." While the success of the vending machine remains to be seen, one report from The Age states that some consumers consider it a "cool idea," so long as the bananas prove fresh upon delivery. Given the popularity of similar vending machines in Asia, Hoey suggests that the Banana Bar in Australia may catch on fairly quickly.
Although he commends the ingenuity behind the concept, Thomas Hoey suggests that there are some cons to the vending machine approach. He explains, "Buying bananas--or any type of produce--is a unique consumer experience, where a lot of senses are involved. Consumers buying bananas from a vending machine do not have the option to closely observe and select their produce. There is also an additional element of waste in the plastic packaging that may be a concern for some shoppers."
Regardless of any criticism, ABC notes that the company plans to expand this venture into a larger operation. The article states, "Mr. Mackay is hoping to eventually put other tropical fruit in machines at universities, hospitals, schools and other public places."
"While a banana vending machine may just be a gimmick, there are positive values to the concept that must not go unnoticed. For one, it highlights the importance of nutrition whereas vending machines with soda, chips or candy promote opposite values. For those that do not have time to make it to a market during a lunch break, the vending machine also poses a convenient, yet health option," Thomas Hoey concludes.
ABOUT:
Thomas Hoey is a proven business professional whose history extends from a long line of successful fruit merchants. Hoey is currently the owner of Long Island Banana Corp., which specializes in importing bananas--as well as a full of line of other produce items--from Central and South America to the New York metropolitan area. This company is known for ripening its produce directly at the Long Island Banana Corp. facility, thus guaranteeing that each piece of fruit is delicious and perfect, ready for the consumer to enjoy.
