Del Monte Cultivating Vending Machines? SlashFood

Del Monte Cultivating Vending Machines? SlashFood


There's been an unexpected spike in vending-machine news this month (yes, Slashfood counts two noteworthy changes in that industry as a "spike" ). Last week it was about touch-screen technology on the outside, now it's about the snacks contained inside.

College students at Notre Dame have another weapon in fending off the notorious "freshman fifteen": Del Monte fresh fruit and vegetables are currently available in vending machines all over campus, offering a healthier alternative to the usual corn-syrup and salt-laden options. The machines will also be introduced at The University of Miami and Miami-Dade College.

The snack packs -- which are specially packaged to ensure you don't bite into a limp veggie or soggy piece of fruit -- include bananas, pineapple chunks, apple slices, grapes, baby carrots, celery and tomatoes (and some include low-fat dips as well). All of them are 120 calories or less.

"We are excited about the launch of Del Monte Fresh Produce Company's fresh fruit and vegetable vending line at Notre Dame," said Dennis Christou, Vice President of Marketing, N.A. at Fresh Del Monte to Slashfood. "With the rates of obesity among children and adults rising, and the increasing emphasis on the benefits of fresh fruits and vegetables, it is important to give consumers healthier options in as many venues as possible."