JA Farm Stand Introduces Vending Machines: 24/7 Sales of Produce and Processed Goods at 'Machimarche Mikage'

Pulsar Co., Ltd., through its 'Jidohanbaiki JP' service, has installed a total of three vending machines—one refrigerated locker-type machine (F-40LVM) and two freezer-type machines (F-7FVM-J)—at 'Machimarche Mikage,' a farmers market operated by JA Hyogo Rokko. This establishes an environment where customers can purchase local agricultural and processed products 24/7, even after the market closes.

Expanding sales opportunities for local produce to meet off-hour demand

As the agricultural workforce ages and labor shortages intensify, staffed farm stands face challenges in providing off-hour sales and capturing opportunities. Rising labor costs, including minimum wage increases, are also critical issues for agricultural management.

In August 2023, JA Farm Rokko was entrusted by JA Hyogo Rokko with farm stand operations and has been working to revitalize regional agriculture. Against this backdrop, they decided to introduce vending machines to create a sales system unrestricted by operating hours and to expand market access for regional producers.

Two-machine system (refrigerated and frozen) accommodates diverse goods

- 24/7 sales realized: Customers can now purchase local vegetables, fruits, rice, meat, fish, and processed goods outside of store hours. - Refrigerated and freezer combo: By combining locker-type and freezer machines, the facility supports a wide range of products, from refrigerated goods like tomatoes and puddings to various frozen foods.

Message from Machimarche Mikage

We offer a variety of products, from fresh local vegetables to frozen processed fish and meat. We also provide discounted off-spec products. As the vending machines are open 24/7, we welcome new visitors to Machimarche Mikage.

An advanced case study for JA and agricultural stakeholders nationwide

Through this initiative with JA Farm Rokko, Jidohanbaiki JP aims to further expand the potential of vending machines in the agricultural and farm-stand sectors, contributing to market expansion for JA and agricultural stakeholders across the country.