A new 24-hour bakery vending machine launched by Shropshire-based Coopers Gourmet Foods has proved an immediate hit with local customers, with the team having to restock it three times in its first three days.

The family-run bakery launched the machine to give people a simple way to buy Coopers products directly at any time of day, with a selection including sausage rolls, pork pies, cookies and traybakes.

Every item in the machine is priced at £3, with customers also able to pick up four items for £10.

Coopers products are already enjoyed across cafés and hospitality venues throughout the region, meaning many customers may be more familiar with the bakery’s products than they realise.

Jordan Watkiss, Managing Director of Coopers Gourmet Foods, said: “A lot of people will already have come across our products through cafés and other businesses that we supply, so the vending machine gives us another opportunity to bring those products directly to customers.

“The fact it is available 24 hours a day means people can come straight to us, see what we have available and pick up some of their favourites whenever it suits them.”

The response since opening has exceeded expectations, with demand meaning the machine needed to be replenished three times within its first three days.

India Carter, Commercial Director added: “We hoped people would like the idea, but the response in the first few days has been brilliant. Having to restock it three times in three days certainly wasn’t something we were expecting straight away.

“It has been great seeing people coming down, trying different products and then coming back again.

“For us, it is another way of making what we produce more accessible. We make these products here in Shropshire and send them out to customers across the country, so it is nice to have something that also gives people on our doorstep the opportunity to enjoy them 24 hours a day.”

Coopers Gourmet Foods has grown significantly since it was established in 2009, developing a range of savoury and sweet bakery products supplied to customers throughout the UK.

The business has become particularly well known for its gourmet sausage rolls, alongside a wider range including pies, pork pies, pasties, quiches and sweet bakery products.

The vending machine will continue to be regularly stocked with a changing selection from the Coopers range, giving customers the opportunity to try different products and flavours.

Jordan said: “We want to keep it interesting and keep giving people a reason to come back. There are lots of different products we can put through the machine, so the range will continue to change.

“The first few days have shown there is definitely an appetite for it, and hopefully it gives even more people the chance to enjoy Coopers products directly from us whenever they want.”