Meat vending machine opens in Paris
Sausages, carpaccio, and filet steaks can now be purchased round the clock in the French capital
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Parisians who need raw meat 24/7 are now well catered for after the city installed its first meat-dispensing vending machine.
The machine was installed outside a butchers shop in the 11th Arrondissement of the French capital and offers products including a faux-filet of beef, Bayonne ham from the Basque country, and beef carpaccio.
Local media report the machine sells products at market prices - with the cost of two pork chops around £3.85.accepts - and accepts credit and debit cards.
Owner of the Basque butcher's shop L’Ami Txulette, Florence Pouzol, told the Telegraph: “The vending machine offers a selection of our products which we prepare and vacuum-pack ourselves. We wanted to give our customers an additional service when the shop is closed.”
The vending machine is not the first to dispense food other than snacks in Paris. In 2011, baguette vending machines became popular after a baker installed one next to his boulangerie.
The rise of vending fresh food from machines is a reaction to France’s reluctance to open stores seven days a week, coupled with the desire for easily accessible fresh produce.
The machine cost around £10,000, and follows the launch of four other meat vending machines in the French provinces. While a cheese vending machine opened in 2015 in the eastern town of Pontarlier, the rise of fresh-produce machines is concerning critics who worry for the state of the French high street.
Emmanuel Gripon, an official of the French Bakers’ Federation, told the Telegraph:“I oppose these machines because they stop people coming into our shops. It’s contributing to the desertification of the countryside and it harms the social life of communities.”
However, many people welcome the machines as a convenient source of fresh produce. Comments on Facebook have been overwhelming positive. User Veronique Houdebert said it was an excellent idea and that she would use it this weekend, while another customer said the butchers should be "very proud."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments