VendingMarketWatch.com |

Kraft Foods, Crane Merchandising Systems, Samsung and Digitas have partnered to develop a 21st century vending machine experience for consumers. Consumers can have a dramatically improved vending experience simply through the touch of a screen. Kraft Foods, Crane Merchandising Systems Samsung and Digitas have created a state-of-the-art snack vending machine that features an embedded networked computer and a 46-inch Samsung LCD touch-screen panel, collectively known as uVending technology, which will transform snack vending machines into an interactive marketing communication network.

"We're excited about this opportunity to provide consumers with a more engaging, contemporary vending experience," said Frank Guzzone, business development manager, new strategies and innovation for vending and OCS at Kraft Foodservice in a prepared statement. "Samsung, Crane Merchandising and Digitas have been terrific partners and we look forward to seeing how consumers respond to this innovation."

"The Kraft, Samsung, Crane, and Digitas partnership will create a new channel of interaction between manufacturers and their customers through vending machines," said Susan Canvari, executive vice president, marketing at Digitas. "It's been exciting for Digitas to be a part of this transformation, and we're thrilled with the way the user interface, design, and media strategy will influence consumers current and future purchase decisions."

The "diji-touch" machine, featuring Samsung's uVending technology, can:

• Deliver animated and interactive advertising – both banner and full-screen, as well as video advertising and promotional offers, that can change dynamically based on scheduling or on a machine-by-machine basis.
• Virtually showcase products with 360-degree views and nutrition and ingredient information.

The consumer experience will be enhanced, as they'll have access to special promotions and the ability to see relevant product details before making a selection.

"Samsung is thrilled to be a part of this initiative with Kraft and Crane. Working with partners that are as enthusiastic about innovation as we are has made this a great experience for Samsung," said JH Kim, president of Samsung Electronics America information technology division. "We are proud to be a part of something that has the potential to revolutionize the vending industry."

The first machines will be fully stocked with sweet and savory snacks featuring Kraft products like Oreo cookies and Planters Peanuts, and can be seen in-person at the National Automatic Merchandising National Expo at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas April 16 and April 17 at the Kraft Foods booth and the Crane Merchandising systems booth.

A market test will be launched in the second half of 2009.