COCA-COLA DEBUTS PORTFOLIO OF BEVERAGE PROFIT SOLUTIONS AT NRA ‘23

The annual National Restaurant Association Show (NRA) has always been looked at as the hub of industry innovation. It brings together professionals from all sectors, showcasing the latest trends, technologies, and products. The show’s aisles are packed annually with innovative food & beverage menu ideas and cutting-edge kitchen equipment. It encourages individuals to push boundaries and create unique experiences for their dining customers.

With that goal, The Coca-Cola Company helped foodservice operators at the recent NRA ’23 delight guests and streamline their operations through innovative solutions as inflation, labor and supply chain constraints continue to add pressure to consumers and operators.

“We are thrilled to demonstrate Coca-Cola’s commitment to innovative beverage solutions for foodservice operators at the show this year. Our booth stands out from anything we have previously done, with a restaurant like design that leads visitors through three key areas: Loved Brands. Done Sustainably. Delivered Digitally,” said Amy Chaffin, Group Director, On Premise Channel Strategy. “From unveiling Coca-Cola Flex powered by Freestyle to showcasing sustainable packaging solutions and custom digital solutions, we are committed to delivering more options for more people, during more occasions throughout the day.”

Coca-Cola Flex powered by Freestyle is a new beverage dispenser that offers an enhanced guest experience while reducing operational complexities. With more than 40 beverage choices available in the same footprint as standard 6 valve fountain dispensers, CocaCola Flex combines the benefits of traditional fountain dispensers with the innovation and vari- ety offered by Coca-Cola Freestyle.

Coca-Cola conducted two rounds of consumer testing and then worked with several customers and bottling partners to understand which features and benefits would optimize the fountain occasion. With its sleek design, user-friendly interface, cutting edge technology and over 40 beverage choices, Coca-Cola Flex creates an exciting beverage pouring experience for foodservice guests while providing a simple transition and maintenance for operators.

Among the key features with the new Flex unit is the ability to add carefully crafted beverage recipes to a restaurant or foodservice operator’s beverage menu. Coca-Cola’s PurePour Technology features micro dosing pumps to dispense the proper ingredients at the point of pour. The result is quality, fresh beverages from every pour.

The new design is made for the smaller operator looking to create signature beverages. The new dispenser boasts a 15” HD touchscreen display for smoother navigation and an engaging consumer experience. The unit also offers Improved Crew Operations. Using and maintaining the Flex is easier than ever with a new userfriendly interface, easier access to inventory alerts, quicker diagnostics and improved ergonomics. The small, eco-friendly SmartPAK cartridges are easy to change and take up less space than the traditional bag in box syrup.

“The new Flex solution offers expanded beverage variety that dining guests love,” added Chaffin. The Flex offers more than beverages across six categories and nine beloved Coca Cola brands, including more than 23 low and no calorie options and over 25 caffeine-free choices.

The annual industry event in Chicago also saw the launch of an expanded portfolio of coffee solutions from Coca-Cola. That included Costa Coffee’s new propriety coffee dispenser. Ideal for restaurants, the Schaerrer Soul 10 features a graphical user interface, which allows staff to launch the preparation of common orders almost instantaneously. It also offers a variety of options that multiply con- continued on page 126