Draft:Cotton Candy Vending Machine

Cotton Candy Vending Machine

ShenZhen NanShan cotton candy vending machine

The cotton candy vending machine is made by a 24-hours machine and serves delicious cotton candy, so that customers can enjoy watching the cotton candy making process. It has been popular in China since 2018. In 2022, Hong Kong also has been promoted.

Operating Process

It is operating as a beverage vending machine that customers can choose from a variety of cotton candy shapes, then put in coins at the indicated price, and the machine will automatically start making them. The production process takes about two minutes. It becomes popular in the new generations because of its covenient payment and unlimited shopping paces. Obviously, its eye-catching appearance can not be ignored. These machines offer a wide range of customization options.Through the glass window, customers can see thecotton candy grow larger and larger in the machine, pressing different patterns and forming different color layers (the colors represent different flavors, such as strawberry and passion fruit). After the production is completed, the small window on the left side of the machine will be opened, then customers can take out the finished product. It is worth noting that if the cotton candy has not been collected after a certain period of time, the machine will automatically recycle!

Locations

Generally speaking, the machine covers an area of leass than 1 square meters, occupying a smell space, so there are many places for putting the machine, for example, parks, shopping malls, theme parks, cinemas. The profits of an cotton candy vending machine per day often lies in the location of it. It can be imagine that it is usually best sold in busy areas with holidays and high population turnover, but the rent of the placing venue will also be relatively high.

Price and Types

There is a company, Red Hare, which is a technical company that mainly sell cotton candy vending machines in China. Most of the cotton candy vending machines are produced by this company.

Some cotton candy vending machines in Hong Kong are also purchased from this company.

Red Hare Company sells eight types of cotton candy machines. Eight types of those machines sell at the price of RMB5000. Besides having Chinese versions, there are also English versions for the cotton candy machine.

Payment methods of the Machines

Cotton candy vending machines produced by Red Hare Company accepted cash, Alipay, WeChat Pay. However, the cotton candy vending machines in Hong Kong only accept cash.

Benefits and Challenges

Benefits

1. Revenue Generation: Cotton candy vending machines can be a lucrative source of income. They attract customers with their novelty and ability to produce freshly spun cotton candy on-demand.

2. Convenience: Cotton candy vending machines offer a convenient and self-serve option for customers to enjoy this popular sweet treat. Users can quickly and easily obtain cotton candy without the need for manual preparation or assistance from staff.

3. Minimal Labor Requirements: Unlike traditional cotton candy production, which often requires trained operators, cotton candy vending machines can operate with minimal human intervention. This reduces labor costs and allows operators to focus on other aspects of their business.

4. Space Efficiency: Cotton candy vending machines are typically compact and designed to occupy minimal space. This makes them suitable for a wide range of venues, including small concession stands, kiosks, or even mobile setups.

5. Versatility: Many cotton candy vending machines offer customization options, allowing users to choose from various flavors and colors. This versatility appeals to a broader customer base and enhances the overall experience.

Challenges

1. Maintenance and Cleaning: Cotton candy vending machines require regular maintenance and cleaning to ensure proper functioning and hygiene. The spinning head, heating element, and collection bowl need to be cleaned and sanitized regularly to prevent clogs and maintain food safety standards.

2. Supply Management: Managing the supply of sugar, flavorings, and cones can be a challenge for operators. It is essential to monitor and restock these items to ensure uninterrupted operation of the vending machine.

3. Equipment Malfunctions: As with any machinery, cotton candy vending machines can experience technical issues or malfunctions. Operators need to be prepared to troubleshoot and address these problems promptly to minimize downtime and customer dissatisfaction.

4. Seasonal Demand: Cotton candy vending machines may experience fluctuating demand throughout the year, with peak seasons during fairs, festivals, and other events. Operators need to plan accordingly to meet the demand during busy periods and manage inventory during slower periods.

5. Safety Considerations: Operators must adhere to safety regulations and guidelines to ensure the safe operation of cotton candy vending machines. This includes proper electrical wiring, heat control, and addressing any potential hazards associated with the machinery.

Example of Businesses and Location

Ranya Cotton Candy

This London company operates the city's first cotton candy vending machine

The inspiration for starting the company come from visiting a manufacturer's factory in China and being impressed by the delicious taste and variety of vending machines available.

Blueprint Vending Warehouse

They provide training, online support, and a fully automated cotton candy vending machine that is available around-the-clock. Australia's malls have successfully employed this equipment to sell cotton candy for nine dollars a piece.

Simple Delights

This company has collaborated with a range of establishments, including schools, carnivals, hospitals, and toy stores. The inclusion of the cotton candy vending machines has improved foot traffic and profitability, according to its partners. For instance, the cotton candy machine at one hospital has improved the ambiance and become popular with the younger patients.

Hygiene

in the past, cotton candy could only be made by labour, but now it can be replaced by machine which is full braking and closed production, so it should be more faster and more hygienicnthan in the manual era. However, the government take priority of protecting the public health. For the cotton cndy which is produced by an automatic vending machine, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department has set the requirement in order to ensure that the cotton candy is prepared in a hygienic manner: a permit for food sold by means of a vending machine is required for the food business.

Cotton candy vending machine in Hong Kong

The first licensed cotton candy machines emerged in Hong Kong in 1982,which is a brand called FRP According to the document of Food and Environmental Hygiene Department of Hong Kong ,there are 35 licensed cotton candy machines from 1982 to 2023.

Licensing requirements in Hong Kong

From 1982 to 2001, the standard set by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department to obtain a license is ambiguous as not every manufacturers are permitted with license with the same requirement .Hence,the conditions set by Food and Environmental Hygiene Department for manufacturers to obtain licenses vary in the early years.Yet, after 2001,a set of requirements for licensing started to emerge.The machine that are licensed mostly follow 5 rules.

1. When the cotton candy machine is sold to users, it must be accompanied by cleaning instructions;
2. All parts of the cotton candy machine must be cleaned and disinfected every day;
3. The cotton candy machine must be disinfected using a type of fungicide approved by the Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene;
4. Adequate precautions must be taken to ensure that the sticks used for eating marshmallows are not contaminated. Sticks must be supplied to customers in the manufacturer's original packaging or other dust-proof container; and
5. The cotton candy machine must be equipped with a protective cover or protective box when operating.

Pop Culture References

Pop Culture Depictions: Cotton candy vending machines have made appearances in various forms of popular culture, including movies, TV shows, and music videos. These depictions often contribute to the imaginative and fantastical portrayal of the candy-making process.

1. In the 2005 film "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," a cotton candy vending machine is featured in the whimsical candy factory.
2. In the music video for Katy Perry's hit song "California Gurls" cotton candy vending machines are featured as part of the candy-filled wonderland, adding to the sugary and playful atmosphere.
3. Cotton candy vending machines are frequently included in movies set in carnival or circus settings. These films often depict vibrant and bustling scenes with cotton candy being made and enjoyed by characters. Examples include movies like "Big Fish" (2003) and "Water for Elephants" (2011).

Social Media and Internet Memes: Cotton candy vending machines have also gained attention and references in online communities and social media platforms. People share photos and videos of these machines in action, capturing the mesmerizing process of spinning sugar into cotton candy. Memes and humorous content featuring cotton candy vending machines can also circulate online, further highlighting their cultural presence.

1. Mesmerizing Videos: Cotton candy vending machines have gained popularity on social media platforms, particularly video-sharing platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. Users share mesmerizing videos of these machines in action, showcasing the process of spinning sugar into fluffy cotton candy. These videos often feature close-up shots, capturing the colorful transformation and creating a visually captivating experience for viewers.
2. ASMR Trend: The soothing and satisfying sounds produced by cotton candy vending machines have contributed to their popularity in the ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response) community. ASMR enthusiasts create videos that focus on gentle and calming sounds, and the sound of the cotton candy machine's spinning head and the crackling of the sugar can create a relaxing and pleasurable ASMR experience.
3. DIY and Hacks: Social media users often share DIY (Do-It-Yourself) videos and hacks related to cotton candy vending machines. These videos showcase alternative ways to use the machine or creative ideas for customizing the cotton candy experience. For example, users may experiment with different flavors, mixtures, or even use the machine to create unique edible creations.
4. Memes and Humorous Content: Internet memes featuring cotton candy vending machines have emerged, often with humorous captions or captions that playfully exaggerate the fascination with this sweet treat. These memes can circulate on various social media platforms and contribute to the lighthearted and humorous side of the cultural references to cotton candy vending machines.
5. Influencer and Brand Collaborations: Influencers and brands often collaborate to create content featuring cotton candy vending machines. Influencers may showcase the machines as part of sponsored posts or collaborations, highlighting the fun and indulgent aspects of these treats. This type of content helps expand the reach of cotton candy vending machines and adds to their online presence.

References

6. https://www.fehd.gov.hk/english/howtoseries/doc/bafseis_cotton.html

7. https://world.taobao.com/item/683831919160.htm?spm=a21wu.11804641-tw.shop-content.10.5fa01b83LZV9ld

8. https://www.gzchitu.com/