Shaking it up: Westomatic launches contactless, customizable sports nutrition drinks vending machine

08 Jan 2021 --- UK manufacturer Westomatic is launching the Evolve, a completely contactless dispenser for sports nutrition drinks at national gyms and fitness studios. 

“The machine accommodates any flavor of sport nutrition supplements and any plant-based supplements,” Michael Hoban, marketing manager for Westomatic, tells NutritionInsight.

With the wave of a finger in front of the monitor, the vending machine customizes protein, branched-chain amino acids (BCAA), electrolytes, meal replacement and weight loss powders via a system of separate pipes and nozzles. 

This is also attractive for certain consumer groups looking to avoid specific ingredients, such as vegans omitting dairy-based ingredients. Moreover, the contactless function avoids unnecessary screen touching amid these times of hyper-awareness of personal hygiene and safety.

Getting through COVID-19 contactless
The Evolve prototype didn’t initially feature the touchless “Hover Select” technology, which became an important requirement during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Now, the finished product is completely contactless and has zero physical touchpoints, giving users complete peace of mind that it is COVID-19-safe,” Hoban explains.

Contactless use and payment on vending machines have previously created traction in the UK sports nutrition scene. While retailers are currently struggling to get customers in the door, such machines can be appealing in ways that are difficult to replicate online.

The Evolve’s slimline frame is ideal for where floor space is tight due to COVID-19 safety measures and social distancing.Anticlimactic launch?
Despite the COVID-19 crisis shutting down several social gathering and entertainment facilities worldwide, the Evolve launch remained scheduled for January 4, 2021. 

“Here in the UK, January is a month when many people strive to ‘get fit,’ go to the gym and make a real effort to live a healthier lifestyle, so we always felt that January was a good month to launch the Evolve,” notes Hoban.

However, just hours after the launch – when many UK gyms were still open – Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a new nationwide lockdown. 

Regardless, there has still been a “tremendous” response and level of interest in the Evolve worldwide, Hoban maintains. 

“The Evolve will be ready and waiting in gyms, leisure centers, hotels and training facilities when it is safe for people to return to them.” 

The machines are currently launched in the UK, but are available for export globally.

Thinking vertically
It took nearly two years for the Evolve to progress from initial concept and research to product development, refinement and launch. 

The free-standing machine was specifically designed with gyms, leisure centers and elite training facilities in mind. 

It has a slimline frame, making it easy to install where floor space is tight due to COVID-19 safety measures and social distancing. 

Innova Market Insights highlights that sports nutrition launches witnessed an average annual growth of 23 percent globally between 2015 and 2019. The market researcher consequently sees this space as “no longer a self-contained, specialist segment aimed solely at dedicated athletes.”

From selecting a drink to cashless payment and dispensing, there are zero physical touchpoints.Bring your own bottle
Designed to be used with a refillable bottle or shaker only, the Evolve is eco-friendly, reducing the impact on the environment by eradicating the need for single-use plastic bottles or cups. 

“I have trained people and worked out in gyms all over the world and I have never seen anything like this,” says personal trainer Katherine Brinsley and Westomatic’s in-house project manager for the development of the Evolve.

“I am never without a shaker bottle – in my car, bag or at work. But when I leave the house, I nearly always forget to fill it.” 

“Being able to dispense chilled nutritional drinks at the gym or on the move while saving the planet at the same time is a winner.”

With the contactless function, customizable ingredients and refillable-only beverage container option, the Evolve “ticks all the boxes” to shake up the market, adds Brinsley. 

“It is the future of today’s on-the-move sports nutrition.”

By Anni Schleicher

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