Coca-Cola is to invest millions in developing new counter-top dispensing machines which could hasten the demise of single-use plastic bottles.
Coca-Cola European Partners (CCEP), the world’s largest independent Coca-Cola bottler, announced today it had completed an investment in Lavit, a start-up which has been growing rapidly in the US by creating multi-beverage counter-top dispensing machines.
The technology globally patented by Lavit lets consumers make and pour their drink in seconds, using “on-demand” portions as well as offering customisation of flavour and carbonation.
CCEP said the partnership would allow it to explore and test new dispensed delivery solutions to help it eliminate packaging waste and reduce its carbon footprint, while providing consumers with the convenience, choice and experience they expect from drinking Coca-Cola beverages.
The funding and partnership with CCEP will help Lavit test and develop new product capabilities and explore growth opportunities by gaining further insight into consumer demand for dispensed solutions.
The investment in Lavit was led by CCEP Ventures, CCEP’s innovation engine and investment arm. It follows CCEP Ventures’ recent acquisition of a 25% stake in Innovative Tap Solutions (ITS), investing in the company’s self-pour, self-pay drink dispensing technology.
Last week CCEP announced a commitment to reach net zero emissions across its value chain by 2040, and a 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
“Lavit is an ambitious business with an advanced, commercialised dispensing technology and system,” said Graham Stokhuyzen, CCEP VP of new business development.
“Decreasing our packaging use and waste is a core part of our strategy to reduce our carbon footprint. We will continue to develop and invest in drinks-on-demand dispensed delivery innovations to offer consumers choice, personalisation and convenience in the most sustainable ways possible. This will also enable us to reduce our use of single-use packaging.”
Lavit CEO John Uhlein said: “We are delighted to have CCEP Ventures as a partner. This partnership will enable us to scale more quickly, combining CCEP’s industry experience and commercial expertise with Lavit’s innovative technology.”
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