Patna, September 24: Bihar’s traditional sattu drink has received a technology-driven upgrade with the launch of an automated vending machine in Patna.
Developed by Auric Mills, the machine was unveiled by Bihar Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit on Thursday. Auric Mills co-founder and director Vishal Anand was also present at the launch.
The company said it chose Bihar for the initial launch because of sattu’s long-standing association with the state. Following the Patna launch, it plans to expand the product to other parts of India in phases.
Sattu Meets Automated Vending
According to Auric Mills, the machine is designed to prepare pre-mixed sattu drinks automatically, offering consumers a convenient way to access the traditional beverage.
The company has described it as India’s first sattu drink vending machine, although this remains a company claim.
The machine is intended to bring a modern serving format to a traditional beverage and could be deployed in locations where quick, ready-to-serve drinks are required.
Three Flavours Available
The machine will offer sattu drinks in three flavours, with almonds included in the formulations.
Auric Mills has described the options as chatpata, teekha and sweet.
The company said its three pre-mixed flavoured sattu products are aimed at providing consumers with different taste options while retaining sattu as the base ingredient.
Focus On Convenience And Nutrition
The company said the pre-mixed sattu is natural and protein-rich, and can be prepared quickly through the automated system.
Sattu is traditionally consumed in Bihar as a drink and food ingredient, particularly as a preparation made from roasted gram. Its recipes and ingredients can vary depending on the preparation.
The vending machine format is designed to make the beverage available in a more standardised and convenient form.
Chief Secretary Highlights Sattu’s Heritage
Speaking at the launch, Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit highlighted sattu’s long-standing place in Bihar’s food culture.
He said generations of families and farmers have relied on sattu as an affordable and natural source of nutrition and energy.
Amrit also welcomed Auric Mills’ decision to launch the vending machine in Bihar before expanding it to other markets.
Company Plans Nationwide Rollout
Auric Mills director Vishal Anand said the company wants to provide modern infrastructure for traditional Indian foods and make sattu accessible to consumers across the country.
He said the vending machine is part of the company’s effort to take sattu beyond its traditional markets.
The company plans to expand the machines and its pre-mixed flavoured products in phases after the Patna launch.
Sattu Also Featured In BRICS Kit
The press release said sattu was also included in a kit distributed at a BRICS meeting, as part of efforts to showcase Bihar’s traditional beverage.
The company said the inclusion helped highlight sattu beyond its traditional regional market.
With the new vending machine, Auric Mills is now attempting to combine the traditional beverage with automated food-service technology, beginning with its launch in Patna.
