Abstract: A product delivery system is provided wherein consumer products are delivered in bulk to the retail site and can be dispensed to individual containers at the retail site. The consumer products can include products in concentrated form that may be diluted prior to dispense or use. The consumer products can include, for example and without limitation, foodstuffs, beverages, household products and automotive products. The product delivery system can include manufacture and/or blending of one or more consumer products at a product manufacturing site, said one or more consumer products being filled into bulk shuttle reservoirs, said one or more bulk shuttle reservoirs being transported to the retail site, and the consumer products contained in said bulk shuttle reservoirs being transferred to individual storage containers for retail to the consumer.

Abstract: A reusable container which comprises therein one or more electronically and/or optically readable identification means; and a process for the monitoring and recordal of product information during the filling or refilling of a reusable container, which comprises reading an electronic and/or optical identification means on said reusable container and storing the information obtained therefrom in a storage means that is capable of being interrogated to extract and optionally process said information. The information can include customer data, such as buying frequency, quantity, product type, produce customisation characteristics, and/or other consumer related data.

Abstract: A process is provided for the customization of consumer products, wherein said consumer products are prepared according to selections of product characteristics and made by a consumer, optionally reconstituted with one or more other components, and dispensed from a vending system at the point-of-sale of said consumer products. A vending system is also provided for the customization of consumer products, wherein said consumer products are prepared according to selections of product characteristics and made by a consumer, optionally reconstituted with one or more other components and dispensed from said vending system at the point-of-sale of said consumer products.

Abstract: A reusable container which comprises therein one or more electronically and/or optically readable identification means; and a process for the monitoring and recordal of product information during the filling or refilling of a reusable container, which comprises reading an electronic and/or optical identification means on said reusable container and storing the information obtained therefrom in a storage means that is capable of being interrogated to extract and optionally process said information. The information can include customer data, such as buying frequency, quantity, product type, produce customisation characteristics, and/or other consumer related data.

Abstract: A product delivery system is provided wherein consumer products are delivered in bulk to the retail site and can be dispensed to individual containers at the retail site. The consumer products can include products in concentrated form that may be diluted prior to dispense or use. The consumer products can include, for example and without limitation, foodstuffs, beverages, household products and automotive products. The product delivery system can include manufacture and/or blending of one or more consumer products at a product manufacturing site, said one or more consumer products being filled into bulk shuttle reservoirs, said one or more bulk shuttle reservoirs being transported to the retail site, and the consumer products contained in said bulk shuttle reservoirs being transferred to individual storage containers for retail to the consumer.

Abstract: A vending system is provided for the dispensing of products, wherein said vending system comprises means for sampling the sensory characteristics of a product, prior to the dispense of the product. A process is provided for the dispense of a product from a vending system, wherein the consumer or user selects the product to be dispensed from the interface of the vending system and said product is dispensed from the vending system into a storage container located in the dispense point of the vending system, wherein prior to the dispense of the product, the consumer or user may sample the sensory characteristics of said selected product. The sensory experience may be commenced with the use of a product experience button on a vending system, prior to dispense of a product from the vending system.