Automatic oyster vending machines in France

French people can now easily buy live oysters like buying a bottle of water at the vending machine.

Tony Berthelot, an oyster farmer on the island of Île de Ré, off the southwest coast of France, pioneered the sale of live oysters through vending machines . Berthelot's vending machines work both day and night, providing fresh oysters rich in quality, size and types for customers, Reuters reported on Aug. 3.

Tony Berthelot, an oyster farmer, is turning his oysters into a vending machine shop on the island of Île de Ré, southwest of France. (Photo: Reuters)

The automatic oyster machine is equipped with refrigeration and mirror doors, helping customers see the products are sold. Customers use bank card to pay.

"In the middle of the night, we could still buy oysters if we were craving." This service is great, the oysters are very fresh, " said Christel Petinon, a 45-year-old tourist on the island.

Fishermen usually sell oysters in outdoor markets, sell their oysters to supermarkets, seafood stores, and some have set up small street side kiosks to sell fresh oysters.

Tony Berthelot put oysters in the vending machine. (Photo: Reuters)

"Selling in a traditional way seems to make us lose a lot of sales while closing the store," said Berthelot, who has 30 years of experience in oyster farming.

"Of course, we have to spend money on machinery, but we pay." In theory, I can say that all calculations are true and business is running well. "

However, this new form of business is also risky, as oysters can cause poisoning if they are not kept refrigerated or in the saltwater environment for too long.

According to Berthelot, the new service is especially appealing to young consumers who are used to shopping online and prefer the feeling of freedom when there are no shopkeepers.