SANTA MONICA, Calif. -- U-Vend Inc., a consumer products and technology company that develops, distributes and markets next-generation self-serve electronic kiosks in a variety of retail environments across North America, has developed a proprietary, premium ice cream novelty product for the retail market called Pucks Premium Ice Cream.
And it has just secured a North American licensing agreement with the National Hockey League. The agreement includes usage of NHL team branded marks on U-Vend's ice cream.
"Pucks is geared to the hockey fan and is a creamy vanilla ice cream dipped in sweet dark chocolate in the shape and color of an actual hockey puck, and is mounted on a collectable replica mini hockey stick. … We believe that our Pucks Premium Ice Cream will establish a branding foundation with which to subsequently launch additional unique consumer goods," said Paul Neelin, U-Vend founder and COO, and creator of the Pucks concept.
Initially, Pucks Premium Ice Cream will be offered in Canada through U-Vend's automated retail kiosks and merchandiser freezers located within convenience stores and other high traffic locations. As part of U-Vend's overall branding initiatives for the Pucks Premium Ice Cream line, the company will add a "red light" to both the automated, self-serve kiosks and merchandisers, simulating the scoring of a goal when a Pucks product is sold.
"The introduction of our innovative Pucks product line represents a strategic entry into the multi-billion dollar North American ice cream market. The Pucks concept brings a wide assortment of potential licensing, sponsorship and related-product opportunities for U-Vend. We are very excited about offering Pucks to the consumer in both the U.S and Canadian markets through multiple sales channels including amateur and professional hockey arenas, local convenience stores, national retail stores and at special events," said Raymond Meyers, CEO of U-Vend, Santa Monica, Calif.
And this summer, fans across Canada will be able to purchase puck-shaped ice cream bars featuring NHL-branded hockey stick-shaped sticks from retail freezer merchandisers, located in convenience stores and large national retail grocery stores. Beginning in the summer of 2016, the Pucks Premium Ice Cream product will expand to the United States, and will be available to fans from vending machines and self-serve kiosk freezers in both countries.
"Our new partnership with the National Hockey League--a global brand--is a significant event for U-Vend. We are very excited to not only be named the Official Ice Cream of the NHL, but to also be joining an elite group in the NHL family," Meyers, said. "This partnership affords tremendous opportunities for us to amplify our brand."
Unique to U-Vend, these ice cream pucks will be available in specialty self-serve vending machines and 'grab-and-go' kiosks, each with built-in digital product and advertising screens and featuring NHL branding. Both machines will carry the team-branded Pucks Premium ice cream exclusively.
Members help make our journalism possible. Become a CSP member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.