PepsiCo announced the launch of its Social Vending System, a state-of-the-art networked unit that features full touch screen interactive vending technology, enabling consumers to better connect with PepsiCo brands right at the point of purchase. A prototype of the Social Vending System is debuting at the National Automatic Merchandising Association’s One Show in Chicago, April 27-29.
Using digital technology, PepsiCo’s Social Vending System enables any user to gift a friend by selecting a beverage and entering the recipient’s name, mobile number and a personalized text message. There’s also the option to further personalize the gift with a short video recorded right at the machine. The gift is delivered with a system code and instructions to redeem it at any PepsiCo Social Vending system. When the recipient redeems their gift, they’re given the option of either thanking the original sender with a gift of their own or paying it forward and gifting a beverage to another friend.
PepsiCo’s innovative use of telemetry with the Social Vending System also delivers tremendous operational benefits, allowing operators to closely manage inventory levels and delivery scheduling remotely, and easily update digital content online, enabling them to change messaging and media content as needed.
Social Vending also enables ‘Random Acts of Refreshment’—the ability to buy a drink for a complete stranger through any other Social Vending system. For example, a consumer could send a symbol of encouragement to a city that’s experienced some challenging weather, or a congratulatory beverage to a university that just won a championship. The platform holds potential to extend all PepsiCo’s digital and social programs, including Doritos ‘Crash the Super Bowl’ Takeover, Pepsi Refresh Project and DEWmocracy, beyond consumers’ own devices all the way to the point of purchase.
«Our approach to technology innovation is driven by what we know consumers want. We’re working with some of the best minds in the business to develop equipment that provides customization, personalization and choice,» said Christine Sisler, VP, Equipment Innovation, PepsiCo. «Our Social Vending System delivers on those insights and more—it’s also visually engaging, fast, intuitive and satisfying to use. Further development of the Social Vending System platform is underway, and PepsiCo anticipates testing the concept with key strategic partners later this year.”