22nd Feb., 2001

Vitasoy introduces Octopus service at vending machines

Vitasoy International Holdings and Creative Star Limited signed a co-operative agreement today to incorporate Octopus service at Vitasoy vending machines located at convenient locations throughout Hong Kong.

The new Vitasoy Octopus vending machines will be installed within the next few months at KCR Light Rail stations and selected MTR stations, in schools, public libraries and universities, public cultural and recreational centers, hospitals, etc.

With Octopus friendly vending machines, purchases will become easier and more convenient. Consumers buying Vitasoy beverages from the Octopus vending machines will simply select the price, "beep" the Octopus card on the reader, and select the drinks. They will no longer need to worry about tendering coins as the appropriate amount will be deducted from their Octopus card and the purchased drink delivered instantly.

The new service represents Vitasoy’s appreciation of its customers’ need for more convenient means to buy Vitasoy drinks, famous for their nutritious value and wholesome taste. The Vitasoy products available from the Vitasoy vending machines include VITASOY and VITA tetra pack items including soyamilk, teas, juice and milk, and plastic bottled VITA distilled water and green tea.

Mr. Fransis Kong, Managing Director of Vitasoy International Holdings Limited, and Mr. Rob Noble, Chief Executive Officer of Creative Star Limited, agreed that the two companies will continue to work together and explore other ways of co-operation to bring the Octopus service to more Vitasoy customers.

The contract signing marked the second time the two companies have co-operated to bring the convenience of coin-less transactions to the people of Hong Kong. The Octopus payment service in school tuck shops, operated by Vitaland the catering service arm of Vitasoy International Holdings, was launched in June last year.

The Octopus was launched in September 1997. To date, more than 7 million cards are in circulation, accounting for nearly 6 million transactions a day. Octopus is now extending its service to other low value, high transaction volume businesses, including fast food, convenience stores, off-street parking, parking meters and recreational facilities, but its core focus will remain on public transportation

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For more information, please contact:
Stella Lung
Public Relations Manager
Vitasoy International Holdings Limited
Tel: 2468 9644 Fax: 2465 1008
e-mail:pubrel@vitasoy.com

Creative Star Limited
Ms. Joan Ng, Director of Marketing
Tel: 2266 2226 or
E-mail :mediahotline@octopus.com.hk