Foodservice

Coca-Cola introduces smartphone ordering from Freestyle beverage machines

August 7, 2020

Coca-Cola Freestyle is rolling out its latest technology innovation: contactless self-serve pouring from a smartphone in response to the coronavirus pandemic, the company announced on its website.

"All Coca-Cola beverage dispensers are safe with recommended care and cleaning," Chris Hellmann, vice president and general manager, Coca-Cola Freestyle, said in the announcement. "But given these uncertain times, people may prefer a touchless fountain experience. It has been exciting to see our team continuing to innovate — mostly from home — to meet the evolving needs of customers and consumers. Our partners are doing everything they can to maintain a safe and hygienic dining environment, and we're doing all we can to ensure they can continue to pour the beverages their guests desire on a platform they love."

The solution allows consumers to choose and pour a drink from their phone in just a few seconds, without having to sign up for a membership or download an app. The mobile web experience, which was piloted earlier this summer at select Wendy's, Five Guys and Firehouse Subs restaurants in Atlanta, works on any smart device.

Coca-Cola Freestyle app users can, however, opt to scan the QR code in the app for a similar experience, with the ability to pour pre-saved mixes.

The team developed the touch-free offering in just over a week as coronavirus lockdowns took effect, building off the Coca-Cola Freestyle Operating System introduced in 2019.

The software will be pushed to more than 10,000 Coca-Cola Freestyle dispensers this summer. All Freestyle dispensers will be contactless-compatible by the end of the year.

Research shows that 60% of restaurant guests prefer to pour their own fountain drink versus having a crew member do so, according to a quantitative study from Civic Science. Customization is the primary driver for self-serve fountain fans, but more than 40% strongly agree that they feel safer when in control of their drinks.

Additionally, the Coca-Cola Freestyle team is patenting a touch-free, optical dispensing solution for legacy fountain dispensers. Sensor-enabled levers will detect the presence of a cup under the nozzle and pour the drink. When the cup is removed, pouring will automatically stop.

Coca-Cola also is giving customers access to a wide array of touch-free safety solutions, such as hand sanitizer, disposable wipes, disposable stylus pens and more.

For an update on how the coronavirus pandemic has affected convenience services, click here.

Photo courtesy of the Coca-Cola Co.