Coffee Point has installed 27 machines at Newcastle International Airport to provide a convenient 24-hour refreshment service for passengers and staff.
Newcastle is the largest airport in the North East of England, flying to more than 85 worldwide destinations and hosting over 5.5 million passengers per year.
Les Wright, the airport’s Commercial Executive said a high quality vending service plays an important role in the airport’s continued expansion.
“Good quality and reliable equipment is vital. Everything was installed within a day and there were very few teething problems with disruption kept to a minimum.”
He continued: ”High quality vending is essential to a 24/7 operation when our catering outlets close. It gives the customer choice and the ability to avoid queues during very busy times.”
Regarding Coffee Point, he remarked: “They are local and proactive and provide a response to problems that is second to none.”
Les, who said the most popular items dispensed are water and then chocolate, added: “We view vending as a revenue generator and a service to our customers, in equal terms. With Border Vending we feel we have an excellent partner who can move forward with us.”
Coffee Points Northern Sales Manager, Stephen Drysdale, said the contract went live after the airport’s busiest period so it will be very interesting to monitor sales next Summer.
He said: “We are constantly working with the airport to maximise sales and turnover. The contract will be worth in the region of £2.2 million over the course of the contract. We stock and fill the machines with one member of staff completely dedicated on site seven days per week.”
Hot beverage machines operate alongside glass fronted bottle dispensers and combined bottle and confectionery units to ensure a very diverse product choice.
“We have placed machines in 18 key areas throughout the airport, but these locations are carefully monitored and can be moved if required, following regular review meetings,” Stephen added.
“Around 80% of products sold are water based which reflects the airport’s philosophies of ensuring passengers do not dehydrate. Boiled sweets and ‘grab bags’ are also big sellers. The client was keen to work with a local company that can deliver high levels of customer service and we look forward to working with the airport on a long term basis.”
Stephen concluded: “This is a new sector of business for us and reflects how the Coffee Point continues to grow and prosper - and attracting high profile clients like Newcastle Airport keeps us flying high and enhances our reputation for service excellence. On the back of this contract we have recently secured another major airport client in a different part of the country.”
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