Case Study: Affordable Cooking Oil for Everyone – Powered by H-TECH Oil ATMs
In Kenya and across Africa, cooking oil is a staple commodity in every home and food outlet. Yet, for many low-income families, purchasing pre-packaged oil in large bottles is unaffordable. Shopkeepers often resort to breaking bulk manually using funnels and soda bottles — an approach that is messy, wasteful, and unhygienic.
Herritech Ventures Ltd., through its H-TECH Cooking Oil Vending Machines, is introducing a smart, automated, and profitable solution that empowers vendors to serve their communities with accuracy, hygiene, and affordability.
The Challenge
In 2023, a small retail shop owner in Nairobi’s Eastlands area observed that many customers were asking for oil worth KES 5 or KES 10 — amounts too small for bottled packaging. However, manually dispensing oil using jugs and recycled containers posed several issues:
-
Frequent oil spillage and loss
-
Inconsistent measurements and complaints about pricing fairness
-
Health concerns due to reused containers
-
No way to track daily oil sales or profits
-
Limited ability to scale or build customer trust
The shopkeeper needed a cleaner, safer, and more professional system to sell cooking oil in micro quantities.
The H-TECH Solution
After engaging with Herritech Ventures Ltd., the retailer acquired a compact H-TECH Cooking Oil ATM, tailored to her store size and average daily oil demand. The solution included:
-
A PLC-powered controller for accurate quantity dispensing
-
MPESA and coin-based payment options for flexibility
-
Stainless steel oil tanks with food-grade contact surfaces
-
Ability to sell oil from as little as KES 1
-
Real-time reports showing liters dispensed and revenue earned
-
Branding and LED signage to attract walk-in customers
The machine was placed at the shop entrance, enabling self-service or assisted operation for every customer.
Results Achieved
Within the first month of installation:
-
Cooking oil sales increased by over 60%
-
Average daily revenue grew to KES 3,000+
-
Over 500 customers used the machine regularly
-
Zero complaints about quantity, pricing, or hygiene
-
Full return on investment achieved in under 3 months
-
Theft, misuse, and spillage were eliminated through automation
The retailer also began supplying oil in bulk to two nearby kiosks and was featured in a local entrepreneur spotlight as a pioneer in “Clean Bulk-Breaking Business Models.”
Why H-TECH Cooking Oil Vending Machines Work
H-TECH oil ATMs are not just machines — they’re tools for economic empowerment and retail innovation. These machines:
-
Break bulk with precision and cleanliness
-
Allow vendors to serve the underserved at fair prices
-
Increase profit margins while improving transparency
-
Reduce packaging waste and operational headaches
-
Build vendor credibility and customer loyalty
Herritech Ventures Ltd. offers comprehensive support: from machine configuration, delivery, and installation, to training, digital branding, and system maintenance.
Conclusion
In today’s economy, every drop counts — and every shilling spent must deliver value. The H-TECH Cooking Oil ATM allows retailers to sell quality oil in small, affordable amounts, while ensuring hygiene, profitability, and business growth. Whether you're in a supermarket, kiosk, or wholesale outlet, our oil ATMs give you a competitive edge.
Call to Action
Are you ready to start your own cooking oil refill station?
📞 Contact Herritech Ventures Ltd. now for a customized quote and consultation.
Gallery
