Situated in the heart of Glasgow, the University of Strathclyde is one of the UK’s leading international technological institutes, with around 20,000 students from more than 100 countries. Providing catering on such a scale requires a wide range of food and drink options; made available through a choice of locations on campus from a variety of outlets. Understandably, vending is a key on-site facility.
With vending machines located across the campus, students and staff can purchase confectionery and hot and cold drinks, 24/7. For the provision of hot vended drinks, the Pour Moi Coffee-to-Go Sigma Touch vending machine from Aimia Foods dispenses a selection of popular, premium quality hot beverages.
Manufactured in the UK by Westomatic, the Pour Moi Coffee to Go Sigma Touch is operated by Abercromby Vending, ‘Scotland’s first fresh food vending company’. The Company has worked with the University for eight years. Director Thomas Smith told PV: “The installation of the Pour Moi Coffee to Go Sigma Touch at the University of Strathclyde follows feedback from students about the services they expect on campus – the demand and expectation to be able to get an exceptional cup of coffee whilst studying in the library was a common request.”
In its library location, the machine enjoys high footfall and periods of extended stay. Exam periods and the run up to deadlines are peak times for the library, and see many students use the facility throughout the day.
“These days consumers expect to be able to purchase and enjoy a quality beverage all over the campus”, Thomas said. “By installing the Pour Moi system, coffee shop quality can be bought from a vending machine. In fact, the most popular vended drink dispensed from the machine is a latte, closely followed by mocha latte and hot chocolate.”
The Pour Moi machine can also vend milkshakes, which are made by combining Aimia Foods’ Milfresh granulated skimmed milk product, with syrup. As such, consumers have even more choice when it comes to ordering a drink, with a choice of premium quality hot and cold options to choose from.
Pricing and payment are key considerations for any vending service, as Thomas explained. “The price of all drinks within the University’s vended offering are standardized in comparison with the University coffee shops. Pour Moi customers have a choice of different payment methods; cash, card and contactless. Utilising card and contactless system Nayax is vital for vending facilities within the university as it drives increased sales and shows proven uplift.”
Explaining the reasons behind Abercromby’s decision to install the Pour Moi Coffee to Go Sigma Touch at the University, Thomas told us: “We’re keen to support UK manufacturing and businesses. The quality of the machine is exceptional – aesthetically, it looks great; and technically, it performs extremely well. The benefits offered by the machine’s touchscreen encourage ease of use, help to promote choice and provide the chance to feature imagery and branding. Users know that the machine will be easy to operate and the visuals enhance the buying experience and encourage purchase. There is also the option to feature a variety of different languages, which is especially key to a university site where students come from various countries around the world. All combined, the machine ensures that the facility is able to satisfy the demands and expectations of all its users – adding to their overall experience.”
All of which is music to the ears of Westomatic MD Richard Brinsley. “The Sigma Touch Coffee To Go beverage system has been designed to offer a range of excellent quality drinks to compete with those offered on the High Street”, he said. “The machines use the very latest interactive touch screen technology and are able to provide information and media advertisements on-screen, which customers find interesting and informative. The machine is fitted with timed periods when electricity consumption can be reduced if the machines are not being used, and all lighting is with LEDs. The chiller and refrigeration system is a flash cooler. All of these components contribute to low electrical running costs.”