The Garfield of Chocolate Candy Bars

MilkyWays consistently underperform for me; yet somehow this candy has established fair notoriety amongst chocolate candy brands. *See comments for important update.

I don’t get it. What demographic hungers for Milky Ways?

This question led me on the search for vending machine statistics. I was not successful. Regional vending machine histograms? Very little free info. I even registered on the National Automatic Merchandising Association website to try and dig up info. But the most interesting thing on their site is a design your own vending machine flash tool.

There is some info available for a fee.
One report by the global vending machine industry for $4900. More research by an independent company for $129. Another provides research for $30/chapter.

I would think with the number of vending companies this information would be more available to the public. Candy sales vs. candy position? Popularity of candy by time of day/month/year?

Perhaps it will remain a closely guarded trade secret – data shrouded from the public view to reduce immunity to vending machine psychology. Or perhaps regional/taste differences are too volatile to ever stabilize and provide meaningful execution of candy strategies without major research investment?

I’m not sure. If anyone knows someone in the vending machine business, I’d love to interview them.

4 thoughts on “The Garfield of Chocolate Candy Bars

  • 12/14/2012 at 9:49 pm
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    I love Milky Ways. I really don’t like peanuts in candy bars, I like nougat, I like carmel, love them together.

    Reply
  • 12/15/2012 at 4:41 pm
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    WAIT! I AM COMPLETELY WRONG.

    I confused Milky Way and Three Musketeers. It’s the Three Musketeers candy that I hate.

    I will leave the post un-edited as an emblem of my stupidity.

    Reply
    • 12/16/2012 at 7:57 pm
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      You know what I love Three Musketeers too, light fluffy, chocolaty.

      Reply
  • 10/20/2013 at 9:56 pm
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    I also love both Milky Way and Three Musketeers.

    Reply

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