Hello COOK Vending!
Problem: how can busy people in hospitals, offices, apartment blocks, colleges or transport hubs get easy access to nutritious, home-COOKed meals, 24 hours a day, with zero waste?
Solution: COOK Vending.
Our pioneering vending machines put nutritious, award-winning, frozen meals within reach of hungry people 24/7.
Meals vend frozen for customers to either cook on site using a microwave or take home to cook later.
A slick touch screen lets customers browse the meals on offer, explore ingredients and nutrition and select for dietary preference. All meals cook from frozen in a microwave.
The first machines were launched in 2023 and have been getting rave reviews.
Jonathan Pinnick, who leads catering at East Kent NHS Trust, said:
“The COOK 24/7 vending machines have been filling an irreplaceable out of hours meal service for us.”
How our Vending model works:
Our vending machines are leased on monthly payment terms with maintenance, platform and all external running costs covered. Stock for the machine needs to be stored on site in additional freezers. You are responsible for keeping the machine stocked. We’ll deliver to you on an agreed timetable and there’s a minimum order amount, depending on location.
If you’re interested, email Ben at vending@cookfood.net
About COOK
COOK meals and puddings have picked up scores of Great Taste Awards and are prepared by hand in our four big kitchens. You can find COOK shops on 100 high streets nationwide and our meals are stocked in branded freezers in 1,000+ independent retailers.
Over the years, we’ve set out to become a better kind of company. One that cares as much about doing what’s right for people and planet as about making a profit. It’s why we run carbon neutral kitchens and support people into work after prison, homelessness or mental health challenges through our RAW Talent scheme. In 2013 we became one of the UK’s first B Corps, independently certified as using our business as a force for good.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the machine vend frozen?
Creates maximum flexibility for the end customer – they can either cook on site if microwaves are available; take back to their work station/ward/apartment; or take home.
Vending hot meals would simply take too long at peak times.
Our food is at its absolute best when cooked in domestic microwaves which can’t be installed in vending machines.
Are all the meals in the vending range microwavable?
Yes.
What type of microwaves are needed?
Domestic 850W / 900W
Do I need back up freezer space to store stock?
Yes.
How long is the lease for?
We don’t want to trap you into a long contract before we know the partnership is strong, so initially for 6 months and then 3 years.
Why should we choose COOK over other options?
Award-winning, hand-prepared meals made from great ingredients.
Pioneering ethical business and founding UK B Corp.
Named ‘Best overall meal delivery service 2023’ by BBC Good Food.
Winner of the Queen’s Award For Enterprise for promoting opportunity 2022.
Can we have meals without price on pack?
Afraid not – the meals are exactly the same ones we stock in our own shops and concessions, all with price on pack.
How many meals do I need to sell for the machine to be cost neutral?
About 100 meals a week.
For more details, email Ben at vending@cookfood.net
