The Coca-Cola Co. is rolling out contactless, triggered via smartphone, for its Freestyle self-service dispenser used in restaurants, as the coronavirus pandemic continues to reshape the foodservice industry and consumer behavior overall, according to a press release.

"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 press release. "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."

The new contact-free Coca-Cola Freestyle solution allows consumers to choose and pour a drink from their phones 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 with any smart device, the company said.

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

The team developed the touch-free option in just over a week, it said, as coronavirus lockdowns took effect. The system builds 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, the company said.

For an update on how the coronavirus pandemic is affecting kiosks, click here.

Copyright © 2020 Networld Media. All rights reserved., source Industry News