Drink machines maker Fresh Healthy Vending International has expanded its presence in Minnesota with the appointment of Steve and Misty Paparella as franchise owners for Ramsey region in Minnesota.

Currently, the company's 26 machines are operated by franchisees in Minnesota. The new franchise owners have acquired the company's 23 machines for placement within a 35 mile radius of the Ramsey region.

Eleven of the new machines were installed last month, while the remaining will be installed by the end of January 2014.

The new machines, which will take the company's franchises in the region to 49, will provide locals access to smoothies, natural juices, fruit, granola bars, baked chips and natural sodas.

Fresh Healthy Vending CEO Alex Kennedy said, "With nationwide laws taking effect in 2014 banning junk food from school vending machines along with other new health programs on the upswing, our new and existing franchisees are seeing even more attractive opportunities for healthy vending options in locations throughout their communities and beyond."