OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE HEALTHY

IT SEEMS healthy is the new black, with nutritious foods replacing sugary snacks in vending machines across Australia, according to QUT consumer behaviour expert Dr Gary Mortimer (pictured).

"Companies like Melbourne based Füd Revolution and Brisbane's All Real Food are leading the way in providing healthy alternatives to time-poor consumers," Mortimer says.

"In the past five years, we have seen significant growth in the 'fresh prepared foods' segment and supermarkets have been quick to respond, offering fresh, semi-prepared choices.

"Australians are now more focused than ever on sugar consumption, trans-fats, childhood obesity and BMI indexes, and as such their shopping behaviour has changed.

"These machines dispense healthy choices such as freshly prepared salads, falafels, free-range boiled eggs, seeds, chopped fruit and yoghurts to give busy office workers and commuters fast, fresh and convenient options as well as paleo, gluten-free, vegan, sugar-free choices."

Mortimer says US research consultancy firm A.T. Kearney predicts sales in the US$26 billion fresh prepared foods sector will grow 6 to 7 per cent by 2017.

"This is up from its 5 to 6 per cent in the 2007 to 2012 period. This growth will outpace the anticipated 2 to 3 per cent in retail grocery food and beverage," he says.

"These healthy 'vending machines' are a great example of innovative and entrepreneurial firms responding to consumer behaviour changes.

"We should expect to see these vending machines popping up in office tower foyers, train station platforms, transit hubs, gyms and campuses around Australia."

Mortimer says the vendor's design tapped into the mind of health-conscious consumers.

"Gone are the big flashy, brightly lit machines. In their place are machines with earthy, warm colours and recycled timber facades," he says.

"It is vitally important for businesses attempting to capture the health conscious, time-poor consumer to use materials that portray rustic, authentic and artisan messages and as well sustainable, re-usable packaging.

"Placing fresh salads in non-recyclable containers and selling them from oversized ostentatious machines, simply sends the wrong messages.

"Further pushing their social agenda, most companies distribute unsold inventory at the end of the day to charity groups and the homeless."

He says the machines offer PayPass tap-and-go services to improve convenience for consumers grabbing healthy snacks.

"I would certainly expect to see further extensions to these types of vending machines once the 'fresh' message has been established," he says.

"We can expect to see fresh Vietnamese rolls, sushi, sandwiches and even heated options, like soup and Asian inspired laksas."

Although growth in the healthy vendor channel is foreseen, Mortimer says such food options aren't compatible with all local demographics.

"I think there will always be a place for vending machines with energy drinks, salty snacks and sweet treats."