The Planet Vending team descends on The Theatre of Dreams for Vendex North 2012.
We had a great time meeting the usual suspects and some new kids on the block and tasting some of the new products on view, from a purely professional perspective, of course! (Somebody’s got to do it). We were well impressed with Vendman’s ‘Target Golf Challenge’, too (even though we didn’t win… ). It was a lot more difficult than it looked, but they raised a good few quid, so well done them. We’ve listed our Vendex favourites (below), but before we get down to it we must thank Katie Alexander on the N&W stand for keeping us supplied with excellent lattes, (dispensed btw, by a Necta Korinto).
Here’s a rundown of our five favourites from the show… PS: Nobody paid us to include them, that’s not our style here at PV. We answer to no-one!
1, Burts ‘Guinness Flavoured’ Hand Fried Potato Chips
Walking on to the Burts stand and meeting Mark Lamble (New Business Development) was an eye-opener. It’s fair to say that we’d not seen anyone quite so pumped up about a new product in quite a while. He was buzzing; he couldn’t wait to tell anyone who’d listen all about ‘the world’s finest artisan crisps’.
The packaging design is fantastic and we think it’ll be a major factor in its success. Perfectly pitched at the professional 25-40 something male, Mark told us he was intrigued to learn about the unexpected, but welcome, female numbers these crisps are crunching. “Maybe it’s because some ladies may not want to be seen holding a pint of the black stuff”, he said. We say it’s probably because they taste so good.
Mark proceeded to wax lyrical about the sales figures since the launch just a matter of weeks ago, but we’re sorry to say we were too busy stuffing our faces to pay any attention. Get in touch Mark and we’ll write something up.
You can find out more about this alchemic blend of Irish Stout and Potato Chips at www.burtschips.com.
2, Caramel Waffle by Single Source Portions
Described as ‘a tasty treat with coffee and tea’, this moreish biscuit (which is actually two biscuits sandwiching a layer of soft caramel) is designed to sit on top of your brew for a minute or so. The heat softens the caramel, releasing tantalising wafts of cinnamon and vanilla into the air. O, M, G!
Absolutely gorgeous, perfect for when you put your feet up with a cuppa.
For more information contact Single Source Ltd
3, Warburtons Baked Naan & Pitta Chips
The Bolton based breadmakers have charged into the snacks market with their new Naan & Pitta Chip ranges. The Naans are available in two Indian inspired flavours, whilst the pittas come in five options: chilli jack, oriental BBQ, sea salt & cracked black pepper, sour cream & chive and sea salt & malt vinegar.
We tried the Fiery Madras Naan Chips. They had an authentic taste and were crunchy like crisps, whilst retaining something of the texture of a traditional naan bread – very, very nice!
For more information contact Warburtons
4, Sanden Vendo ‘One Shot’ Ice Cream Vending Machine
We were a bit naughty when we linked PV readers to the One Shot launch video. (It is a collector’s item, though 🙂 you can see it here ).
True to our word, we made our way to the Sanden Vendo stand, had a nice chat with Stephan Searle and Steve Garsden and then, at last, we got to taste the merchandise.
Mmmm…
That’s all we need to say isn’t it? In fact, were so impressed that we’re going to write all about it, just as soon as we’ve completed our comparative taste test, using the Ben & Jerry’s lurking menacingly in the PV freezer.
5, Snyders Pretzel Pieces
Getting towards the end of the day we did one last circuit of the room to see if we’d missed anyone. We had. Simon Roberts from GFT Retail coaxed us over with the promise of Pretzel Pieces. Not something we’ve tried before, but, in for a penny and all that… They’re available in Honey Mustard & Onion, Cheddar Cheese, Jalapeño, Sea Salt & Cracked Pepper and Hot Buffalo Wing (which Simon stressed is not made from wings. Or buffalos). Between us we tried the Hot Buffalo and the Jalapeño, both were tasty with, let’s call them ‘robust’ flavours. The texture was good, with a crunch and hardness similar to pork scratchings, which then melts down to a consistency that’s more like a potato based snack.
For more information contact Simon Roberts from GFT Retail.
