Vending

Meal solutions provider introduces vending service in Canada

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November 30, 2020

UpMeals, a provider of prepared-meal solutions for businesses, has launched its first SmartVending Meal Solution in British Columbia, according to a press release.

Meals are available 24/7 through touchscreen vending machines or traditional fridges in retail locations. The company has raised $400,000 CAD ($307,890) to date with participation from high-profile investors such as Robert Angel, the creator of Pictionary, and private equity investors.

Drew Munro, a Vancouver-based caterer, and Ryan Angel, a Red Seal chef and registered holistic nutritionist, developed the UpMeals concept. Freshly made meals are delivered weekly to each refrigerated vending machine that can be monitored remotely via an app.

UpMeals uses proprietary software, powered by SMRT1 Technologies, to provide automation for the production, ordering and delivery processes. Users can monitor their SmartVending machine remotely, create plans for meals nearing their expiry date and build menus based on the popularity of food items.

The technology supports instant promotions and an intelligent scan system stores best "before" date of each product.

The refrigerated machines feature a 49-inch, 4K interactive screen with a built-in computer module and custom management software.

The technology can also retrofit into most major vending machine manufacturers' models.

UpMeals menu items are created by chefs and nutritionists that focus on incorporating local, seasonal ingredients. All meals are sustainably packaged in compostable or recyclable containers. Any meals that are not sold within their freshness time frame can be donated to local charities that distribute meals to the homeless or sold at a discount. Each meal is good for three to four days and the food is replaced by the UpMeals team as it gets close to its expiry date.

In Vancouver, UpMeals partnered with Vancouver Food Runners who distribute unused meals to those in need. Businesses that use UpMeals can partner with any charity they choose.

In addition to the current round, UpMeals recently secured support from the Canadian government through The National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program to develop and bring to market the UpMeals app. They also won the Kobe City prize at the international Shibuya FoodTech Challenge for Social Innovation. They will work with the city of Kobe, Japan in launching their product across the Pacific.

UpMeals has provided meal solutions to Vancouver-based businesses including Body Energy Club, SPUD.ca, Waves, FreshPrep, Telus, and plant X since 2018.