Plátano de Canarias, in collaboration with the vending company Tareca, has launched the first phase of its initiative to promote the consumption of fresh fruit in schools and colleges through vending machines. This innovative program aims to make it easier for young people to choose bananas over ultra-processed products typically found in schools.
The rollout begins in the cities of Valencia and Castellón, featuring a total of 135 vending machines that showcase Plátano de Canarias IGP. This is the initial phase, with room for expansion, targeting all the machines adapted for this product that Tareca has in the region in the medium term.
© Plátano de Canarias
"This marks a new phase in our effort to incorporate vending channels into the regular sales of Plátano de Canarias. It will be challenging and require a step-by-step approach due to logistical and cost hurdles, but I believe we've developed a unique model that makes what was once just a project now feasible. Undoubtedly, Tareca's dedication to our product, the outstanding response during the pilot test at the centers, and the support from the Valencian Community have been crucial to this project," stated Sergio Cáceres, Manager of Plátano de Canarias.
Sergio Ferrando, Tareca Vending's Purchasing and Logistics Director, emphasized that they are "very proud to promote this project together with Plátano de Canarias, a partner that has shown a great commitment and capacity for collaboration to overcome the challenges involved in bringing fresh fruit to the vending channel. Our goal has always been to provide users with healthy options. Thanks to our joint efforts, we can now provide thousands of students with access to a natural and nutritious alternative in their daily lives."
© Plátano de CanariasBeyond the fruit: A shift in how young people perceive it
The introduction of Plátano de Canarias in vending machines not only broadens the options available through vending but also influences how students perceive them. Seeing fruit in a space traditionally filled with ultra-processed foods or sugary energy drinks makes the banana an attractive choice for young people, as some of them comment: "After Physical Education, what we want is to eat something, so we don't always fall for chocolate or fats. It's better to be able to choose fruit that tastes good."
Teachers and families welcome this initiative, which supports the educational efforts on healthy eating promoted by schools and regional policies. A mother observed, "Offering national fruit in vending machines can influence consumption habits because children and adolescents, when choosing snacks, can opt for healthier options and support local production." Educators at a school with these new machines also emphasized their educational value, saying, "It serves as a tool for teaching healthy habits, as we discuss nutrition in class, and now students can practice this by choosing fruit from the machine when they see it available."
Guaranteed freshness and quality
This partnership between Tareca and Plátano de Canarias is expected to complete its first phase by the end of the year. After that, the results analysis will guide the planning of further expansion into other regions.
Asprocan encourages interested distribution companies to contact the association to evaluate implementation options. The organization believes the model can succeed and hopes it will encourage adoption in other autonomous regions, especially through collaboration with sector companies that have not yet considered it feasible.
For more information:
Plátano de Canarias
Ruth Molero
Tel: +34 619 85 42 01
Email: [email protected]
Nuria Moreno
Tel: +34 689 100 847
Email: [email protected]
https://platanodecanarias.es
Tareca
Marcos Boscá
Email: [email protected]
https://www.tarecavending.com/