Having made their debut at AVEX, Pladis were on parade at Old Trafford – and Why Nut?
Launching in 2016, Pladis incorporates what was United Biscuits, suppliers of the UK’s number one crackers and Cheddars brand, McVities. McVities Nibbles was the first product launched by Pladis in March 2016 and was the first of its kind in the biscuit category, combining the best of biscuits and confectionery.
To build on the success of McVities Nibbles, in June 2017 Pladis launched a 37g Handypack that was perfect for the vending channel, especially as biscuits are the second highest affinity, (after cake!) to enjoy with a hot drink.
At Vendex, though, they had something rather different to introduce: Why Nut?
‘Why Nut? has just been launched’, Rick Dinsmore said. ‘It’s a healthier snacking alternative, made of 100% natural fruit nut and seeds, and it’s been attracting a lot of interest.
‘Why Nut? delivers healthy energy into your body thanks to pistachios, cashews, quinoa and cranberries and we’re hoping for big things from it. The product is in its infancy at the moment, there’s just a small production unit – but we’re ready to ramp it up’, Rick added.
Why Nut? isn’t a bar as you might expect. Actually, it consists of four tasty, mouth-size balls. I know this, because I’ve just opened the sample pack that’s pictured and scoffed it down, as an accompaniment to coffee. And very nice they were, too. Rick is hoping that Automatic Retailing will take on Why Nut? for distribution.
Then, in January, Pladis will launch Meredith and Drew, a pack of two posh biscuits. I didn’t have the presence of mind to snaffle a pack so I can only tell you that it looks like an up market, premium product intended to compete with the Borders of this world. They’re not aimed at vending machines, but they’d look great stationed next to a B2C machine in a corporate break-out area…
PV recommends you keep an eye on Pladis; they’re getting serious about vending operators and why not?
