Regiomat – The Fresh Food Vending Machine For Farmers
Filed Under: Environmental News on October 14, 2009
This was the idea of put together by a German company called Stuewer and a farm called Peter-und-Paul-Hof. All I can
say is that it’s frikkin’ brilliant.
These specially-designed machines (called Regiomats for “regional materials” or goods) hold stuff like fresh eggs, sausages, butter, cheese, potatoes, carrots, you name it. Of course, the fresh farm products are wrapped in cellophane and packaging, but the idea itself is pretty awesome.
The idea began originally as a milk delivery service in which the PPH farm would deliver milk to consumers directly. This was costly and time-consuming, however, so the farm switched to a “come and get it” model in which customers would come collect their milk from refrigerators in a distribution center near the farm.
Through that, the farm began selling related goods such as cheese and butter and it began to grow. Operating the distribution center (which was fast becoming a grocery store) was expensive, however, so the farmers looked for a cheaper alternative. They found one with the Regiomat.
Now, these handy machines are throughout the area and someone from the farm visits them every day or two to refill the stocks, rotate out old stuff, and so forth.
So far, the machines are catching on and locals love the easy 24/7 access to their favorite foods. The farmers, meanwhile, are making more money from their produce than they would have selling direct to markets.
Very cool idea!
