Gourmet News

Everest Ice and Water Systems Giving Vending Machine Away

Published April 25, 2024

Everest Ice and Water Systems, a leader vending technology, is announcing a giveaway contest for a brand new Everest ice and water vending machine. Hosted entirely online, the competition is intended for new entrepreneurs in the ice and water vending industry, with the goal of helping the winner launch a new venture in this overlooked but rewarding space.

Everest’s proprietary technology transforms the way ice and water is sold, helping entrepreneurs maximize income from vending machines while minimizing numerous expenses and offering a superior customer experience. By gifting one of its vending machines to the winner, Everest will provide an entrepreneur with the necessary equipment to create a profitable and reliable source of passive income.

Entrepreneurs of all experience levels are encouraged to participate, though previous experience in related fields such as foodservice or retail is preferred. Applicants must submit a basic operational plan outlining which areas they intend to target and how they will serve their customers. Likewise, applicants must propose a legally permissible location for the vending machine in the United States. Selected candidates will be interviewed by the Everest team, with the winner to be announced in June.

Since 2016, many entrepreneurs have taken advantage of the low capital investment, ease of installation, and minimal maintenance required for Everest’s vending machines to start side hustles and generate a quick return on investment. The giveaway also aligns with Everest’s overarching mission of harnessing its cutting-edge technology to accelerate the growth of small businesses and solo ventures.

According to Ben Gaskill, Everest’s VP of sales, “The essence of entrepreneurship lies in spotting wise investment opportunities. Our vending machines stand out in their ability to generate income, day and night.”

Dan Doromal, VP of operations, adds, “We’re honored to help entrepreneurs reach a new level of financial prosperity by capitalizing on the incredible convenience and efficiency of state-of-the-art ice maker technology.”

In the coming years, Everest aims to play a central role in establishing ice and water vending as a lucrative and growing industry for entrepreneurs who want to build financial independence while minimizing the time, effort, and money involved.

Everest Ice and Water Systems, headquartered in Apopka, Fla., since 2019, with its patented, innovative, and eco-friendly technology, has made the company’s Everest VX series the best-selling ice and water vending machine in the United States. Everest uses the most advanced proprietary components to replace the typical ineffective ice delivery service with an eco-friendly alternative.

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Bell Flavors & Fragrances Heads to ‘Big & Bold’ Sweet & Snacks Expo

Published April 25, 2024

The 2024 Sweet & Snacks Expo, hosted by the National Confectioners Association, returns with a theme that’s more “Big & Bold” than ever before. The trade show will take place at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis from May 14-16, bringing together thousands of manufacturers, retailers and suppliers in the confectionery and snack industry for unique insights, cutting-edge product innovations, and powerful connections.

Bell Flavors & Fragrances, Inc. will join nearly 200 exhibitors at the Supplier Showcase from May 13-14 and hit the Trends & Innovation stage alongside presenters during eight must-see education sessions.

Join Vice President of Marketing & Industry Affairs Kelli Heinz and Senior Director of Marketing David Banks as they hit the Trends & Innovation Stage on May 15 at 1 pm ET and May 16 at 11 am ET to reveal Flavor Trends in Confections. This discussion will explore novel and soon-to-be-big trends in confectionery, with a focus on global and regional consumer behaviors influencing these trends and how different generations respond to new flavors in the marketplace.

Trends we are seeing this year encompass products that play off popular culture fads and a return to the classics,” Banks said. “These provide consumers a small indulgence or sense of security that comes from enjoying the regional and nostalgic treats from their youth.

“At the heart of confectionery trends lie two core elements – renovation and innovation. Whether it’s renovation of the classics to make products better for you with cleaner label ingredients, colors, and added benefits or innovation by adding a modern twist or brand partnership, the industry has the key ingredients to drive consumer engagement.”

For more information on this must-see session, click here.

Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in five tastings, each spotlighting one of Bell’s five global consumer Macro Trends as part of the Spark–Ignites Creativity, Inspires Senses Platform:

t’s always a treat to present Bell’s Spark Trends to the attendees of the Sweets & Snacks Expo.” Heinz said. “Our Spark Trends platform not only identifies what’s up and coming for flavor trends, but identifies what’s at the root of Macro and Micro trends impacting the confectionery industry as a collective whole. Each Macro trend presented will be supported by a unique tasting, so be sure to catch one of the presentations!”

Bell joins nearly 200 exhibitors at the Supplier Showcase on May 13 from 1-5 pm ET and May 14 from 9 am – 1 pm ET. Attendees can visit Bell Flavors & Fragrances at booth #3405 to explore innovative flavor trends and discover taste technology solutions (e.g., sugar reduction, flavor masking) that elevate confectionery, bakery, ice cream and savory snack portfolios. Bell’s cross-functional experts, including Sales, Sweet Applications and Marketing, will be onsite to discuss a tailored approach to pushing product development boundaries with taste.

To schedule an in-person appointment with our experts in advance of the show, reach out to info@bellff.com.

Bell Flavors & Fragrances, Inc. is a leading supplier of flavors, fragrances, botanical extracts and ingredient specialties to the food and beverage industry, as well as the household care and personal care industries, offering over 110 years of exceptional customer service and experience. Bell has 11 manufacturing plants worldwide including the United States, Canada, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Germany, India, Singapore, and China, with sales offices in more than 90 countries. Bell’s global presence allows flexibility in the world marketplace while constantly responding to emerging industry trends with solutions that bring added value and business opportunities to our customers.

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Bridgetown Mushrooms, RPG Coffee Launch Kind Coffee Cooperative

Published April 24, 2024

Bridgetown Mushrooms, renowned for its commitment to organic farming and sustainable practices, is partnering with RPG Coffee in launching the innovative Kind Coffee Cooperative. This unique collaboration, which also includes the involvement of the nonprofit kindness.org, brings to the market a coffee blend designed to support global kindness initiatives and research and promote well-being and environmental sustainability.

Kind Coffee Cooperative will introduce its on-the-go, mushroom-and-aloe-infused coffee for the first time to attendees of Festival International de Louisiane in Lafayette, La., April 24-28.

The cooperative is a fusion of exceptional coffee craftsmanship and the healing power of nature, featuring RPG Coffee’s expertise in coffee blending, Bridgetown Mushrooms’ organic lion’s mane mushrooms, and the benefits of aloe. A portion of the proceeds from every sale will be donated to kindness.org to support research into the science of kindness, reflecting our collective dedication to making a positive impact on humanity.

Chris Capozzoli, CEO of RPG Coffee, shared his perspective: “Our collaboration with Bridgetown Mushrooms, incorporating their lion’s mane mushrooms into our coffee and structured aloe is more than just innovative—it’s transformative. The result is a coffee with a truly unique and delicious flavor profile that yields myriad health benefits. There’s nothing else quite like it.”

Rana DiOrio, chief product officer of Bridgetown Mushrooms, expressed excitement about the launch: “We are thrilled to launch our latest product at Festival International de Louisiane, an event that not only celebrates the vibrant spirit and power of global music but also embodies the very essence of community and kindness. This launch represents our commitment to fostering a healthier and kinder world, and we can’t wait to share it with you at Festival.”

Jaclyn Lindsey, CEO of Kindness.org, also shared her enthusiasm: “We are deeply honored to be a part of this initiative with RPG Coffee and Bridgetown Mushrooms. The Kind Coffee Co-Op is more than a beverage; it’s an embodiment of a shared commitment to fostering kindness and well-being across the globe. Each purchase contributes to our efforts to spread kindness through research and programs worldwide.”

For those looking to indulge in a unique coffee experience while contributing to a kinder world, pre-orders for Kind Coffee Cooperative™ are now available at www.choosekindcoffee.com. Enter the code FESTIVAL at checkout to receive 20% off your purchase through May 31.

Bridgetown Mushrooms is a leading producer of gourmet and functional mushrooms in the Pacific Northwest. The company cultivates an array of high-quality organic mushrooms, catering to both commercial enterprises and individual consumers. In addition to diverse mushroom offerings, they develop and distribute mushroom-based products throughout the nation. Bridgetown also provides a comprehensive range of mycology supplies, supporting the expanding needs of commercial mushroom farmers across the United States.

Real People Giving (RPG) Coffee is a distinguished, veteran-owned and operated enterprise that is making waves in the wellness industry. Specializing in the development of whole food ingredients-based supplements and exceptional coffee, RPG Coffee exemplifies a deep-rooted commitment to giving back. RPG generously allocates a portion of its profits to support nonprofits that resonate with its mission of promoting positive impact and community upliftment.

Kindness.org is a non-profit fueled by the belief that kindness is humanity’s greatest asset. Grounded in leading-edge research, kindness.org uses science to create solutions that help people everywhere build a kinder world.

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