Coca-Cola with its U.K based subsidiary Costa Coffee Is Launching “Costa Smart Cafes” coffee vending machines
July 13 - 2022
Coffee Geography Magazine
The Coca Cola plans to introduce highly innovative coffee vending machines called "Costa Smart Cafes." The units provide autonomous coffee at "the touch of a button," completely barista-free.
The Smart Cafes are the world's first coffee machine of its type and it can produce both hot and cold beverages, with over 500 different types, from "ice coffees to iced fruit cordials." While it's not clear where in the U.S. the units will first appear, the vending machines are used in convenience stores and grocery stores, retail outlets, as well as lodging and leisure areas.
In 2019, the soda company acquired the UK coffee chain Costa Coffee and has been expanding it throughout Europe since. Most recently, Coca-Cola announced plans to launch those products in the U.S. by the end of the year.The coffee chain founded in London in 1971 is well rooted across Europe and Asia but the brand is unknown in the US. It is believed that Coca Cola’s push to introduce Costa in the U.S might affect the entire coffee market in the country.
As a total beverage company, Coca-Cola has offered a variety of coffee solutions in the US over the years, including options from multiple brands and in various formats. Costa Coffee’s US debut marks the first time it is bringing in a premium coffee offering with an established, global fan base. The soda company is transforming the perception of coffee from a functional beverage to a premium, quality experience for fast moving Americans.
Currently, Costa’s US portfolio spans a number of options, although the main launch focus will be on its coffee machines. Costa Smart Café is a revolutionary piece of autonomous equipment that provides barista-quality coffee at the touch of a button – essentially an unmanned coffee shop in a box. The hot and cold drinks are always crafted using fresh beans, which are ground inside the machine, and fresh milk, which is frothed by the machine. Designed to dispense over 100 drinks before any human assistance is needed, Smart Café is a huge asset in crowded ball parks and other busy terminals.