Coca-Cola, Pepsi Innovate at the Fountain

PURCHASE, N.Y. -- Consumers just got more choices at the fountain.

Purchase-based PepsiCo Inc. is debuting Pepsi Spire, a portfolio of fountain beverage dispensers that allow consumers to create more than 1,000 customized beverages. Pepsi Spire is available in select U.S. locations and will continue to roll out through 2014.

"We are in the middle of an exciting evolution of personalization. The 'maker movement' has influenced the way people relate to brands and one another, and design has infiltrated everything we consume," said Brad Jakeman, president of PepsiCo Global Beverages Group. "What better way to empower consumers to make their own personalized drinks than by giving them the chance to create more than 1,000 beverage combinations with one simple touch of our sleek, engaging, modern Pepsi Spire."

The portfolio currently consists of three touchscreen fountain unit models that allow consumers to create their own personalized beverages. Pepsi Spire dispenses a wide range of brands from PepsiCo's diverse lineup of carbonated and non-carbonated beverages, including Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Sierra Mist, Brisk Iced Tea and SoBe Lifewater, as well as an assortment of zero-calorie flavor shots including cherry, lemon, vanilla, strawberry, raspberry and lime. 

The Pepsi Spire portfolio includes three models, each designed to meet a specific set of foodservice customer needs:

• Pepsi Spire 1.1 is a countertop self-service unit that allows consumers to create up to 40 beverage combinations using a 10-inch touchscreen.
• Pepsi Spire 2.0 is a countertop self-service unit that allows consumers to create up to 500 beverage combinations using a 15-inch touchscreen. This equipment is also available as a countertop crew-service unit for restaurant staff.
• Pepsi Spire 5.0, launching soon, allows consumers to create more than 1,000 beverage combinations using a 32-inch touchscreen. This equipment will be available as both a self-service countertop unit or a freestanding unit.

"Not only does Pepsi Spire bring the fountain beverage experience to life for consumers in a dynamic way with the brands they love, but it meets the varying business needs of our foodservice operators," said Kirk Tanner, president of PepsiCo Foodservice. "Our customers want flexible solutions and a portfolio of equipment choices, while also being innovative, fresh and fun. The Pepsi Spire portfolio offers something for everyone and it will play a key role in our broader foodservice growth strategy."

The new equipment evolved from the Pepsi Touch Tower, which was piloted in the United States in 2013 and is available in Europe, Central America and the Caribbean.

In related news, Atlanta-based The Coca-Cola Co. is introducing three new Coca-Cola Freestyle dispensers in designs that fit on countertops. The dispensers will be piloted by the end of the year.

"Since Coca-Cola Freestyle made its debut in 2009, it has proven to be a game-changer," said Jennifer Mann, vice president and general manager, Coca-Cola Freestyle. "People are amazed by the variety of choices, and our customers see increased sales. Through a relentless focus on innovation, we are now able to provide a Coca-Cola Freestyle dispenser appropriate for the unique needs of customers while still giving the same great beverage experience."

This expanded lineup of Coca-Cola Freestyle dispensers will include two designed for medium-volume locations that are able to dispense 80 different beverage choices. The third unit is designed for locations such as work break rooms or cafes and provides more than 35 drink options.

All three are designed with touchscreen interfaces and will be available to customers globally.