Contact:
Sharon Motta
412-362-2000 x1308
info@msa.com
First Nationally Projected Vending Data
PITTSBURGH, PA - February 4, 2004. Management Science Associates, Inc. (MSA) has released the first projected national and regional data tracking vending sales. "We are pleased to extend our expertise in forecasting and projection methodology to the benefit of the vending industry," said Suzanne Silliman, Vice President of MSA's Information Management Solutions (IMS) Division. "Product suppliers of snack and confectionery categories can now manage their product portfolio and vend channel customers with the same information-based rigor that has been successfully applied to retail channels for decades. Filling this information gap also brings manufacturers one step closer to total Marketplace measurement."
The projected services will provide two years of sales history on confectionery and snack brands sold through the vending channel. VendScapeā machine-item weekly sales data for the vending industry are utilized as input to the projection system, which is based on machine movement data from approximately 20,000 glass-front vending machines. MSA is providing this comprehensive information to consumer packaged goods manufacturers. These data are being used by market research, brand and sales groups. This information provides the first view of national product sales through this channel, yielding unbiased insights into vending trends within various classes of trade and six regions across the United States. Manufacturer totals and categories (chocolate, gum, chips, pretzels, crackers, cookies, etc.) at the UPC level of detail are available. The item-machine-level data will also be made available for queries about micro marketing efforts.
ABOUT MSA
Since its incorporation in 1963, MSA has established itself as the foremost developer and supplier of effective data solutions to manufacturers and distributors within various CPG trade channels, including the vend channel. Its core business competencies are analysis of consumer buying behavior, business analysis, information management solutions, and knowledgeware and media products. With more than 950 employees, MSA provides marketing solutions for over 300 clients, including some of the largest U.S. and foreign corporations and institutions. MSA also has offices in New York; Chicago; Atlanta; High Point, NC; United Kingdom; and Malaysia.
ABOUT VENDSCAPE®
MSA and Validata Computer and Research Corp. of Montgomery AL have jointly developed the VendScape® service utilizing machine-item information exported from Validata's RouteSail Millennium Software. The sample consists of over 50,000 vending machines and tracks item-level detail for confections, snacks and beverages. VendScape® reports dollar and unit sales to product manufacturers and vend operators and includes operational measures such as over or short, and sales measures such as distribution and turns.
VendScape® is a registered trademark of the Validata Computer and Research Corp and product of Management Science Associates, Inc.
