Vending machine for local produce
FOUR food and drink producers have shown an interest in a novel vending machine to be located in high profile locations in Gwynedd.
Instead of sweets and fizzy drinks, it will offer products such as local milk, Welsh water, cheese, jams and preserves.
Two more producers have been left disappointed as the machine lacks the freezing capacity for ice cream and will not have a licence to sell alcohol.
More applications for the sixmonth pilot project were expected by Arloesi Gwynedd Wledig (AGW) before Monday’s (April 23) deadline.
Rural business agency Arloesi Gwynedd Wledig (AGW) has a sixmonth pilot project and plans to operate a 20-locker vending machine in two locations for three months each, between June and November
Two potential locations, at Portmeirion in Porthmadog, and Plas Heli, the Welsh National Sailing Academy in Pwllheli, have expressed an interest in hosting the machine.
National Trust Wales is also said to be considering its options.
Project manager Rachel Roberts said it had the potential to be a unique way of delivering fresh produce.
“We’re still undecided on our exact market,” she said.
“It could be tourists who are looking for Welsh produce, or perhaps local people wanting to pick up a pint of milk on their way home from work.
“Much will depend where we chose for it to be located.”
Increasingly, vending machines are being ordered from all over the UK specifically to offer local produce.
But AGW said it was unaware of any operating in North Wales.
The idea originated from Agrisgop meetings of the North Wales Dairy Sheep Group, whose members hope to sell their ewe’s milk cheese this way.
“According to some, vending has a key role to play in the future, and we feel we need to be at the forefront,” said Rachel.
Around 20% of the sales prices will go towards the running of the machine, which will be made specifi- cally by Scottish firm JSR Services.
This will help pay for a co-ordinator, who will receive automatic text messages from the machine when it recognises that stock levels are getting low in individual lockers.
The co-ordinator can then alert producers, who will be responsible for restocking the machine.
Producer identities will be confirmed next month and the machine is due to start operating in June.