A new initiative is bringing the beloved Plátano de Canarias (Canarian bananas) into school vending machines, offering pupils a healthier and more nutritious snacking option, and the response from students has been overwhelmingly positive.
The project, a joint effort between the Association of Canary Banana Producers (ASPROCAN) and Valencian vending machine company TARECA, is designed to make healthy eating more accessible to young people in schools and colleges.
It also aligns with the Spanish Ministry of Social Rights and Consumer Affairs' ongoing efforts to reduce the availability of sugary snacks and drinks in educational settings.
Part of the EU-backed “Proper Diet” programme, the initiative tackles a common issue: while unhealthy snacks are easy to find, fresh fruit often isn’t. By placing refrigerated vending machines stocked with Canarian bananas, the scheme aims to close that gap and make grabbing a banana just as convenient as reaching for a packet of crisps or a chocolate bar.
Sergio Cáceres, Marketing and Communications Director at Plátano de Canarias, stressed the importance of accessibility in encouraging better food choices: “To boost fruit consumption, we must meet consumers where they shop. Vending machines are a great way to help build healthy eating habits.”
The move has been met with enthusiasm from both students and educators. Pupils are enjoying the convenient and nutritious alternative, especially after physical education classes or during long school days.
Teachers and administrators are also backing the initiative, recognising its potential to support healthier habits among young people. Martín Almendros, head of IES Campanar, one of the schools taking part, encouraged families to embrace the change and support healthier choices at home.
Nevertheless, incorporating fresh fruit into vending machines is not without challenges. Bananas require proper storage conditions to remain fresh, and food safety regulations must be met. To address this, the machines used in the pilot scheme in Valencia have been specially equipped with refrigeration and the bananas are sold in protective packaging to maintain hygiene and quality.
While acknowledging the logistical hurdles, Sergio Cáceres remains optimistic: “Our aim is to understand and overcome these barriers, although making fruit a regular vending machine option across the country is a big task.”
This innovative step reflects a broader commitment to tackling childhood obesity and creating healthier school environments. If successful, the trial in Valencia could pave the way for similar initiatives across Spain, including in the Canary Islands, bringing Plátano de Canarias to even more students nationwide.
