Coca-Cola has figured out a way to save its highly profitable fountain soda business from becoming extinct at the germy hands of COVID-19.
The solution: QR codes and your smartphone.
Coca-Cola said Monday it has made its popular Freestyle soda machine — which could be found at scores of fast-food restaurants such as Wendy’s and McDonald’s and corporate offices — completely contactless. By updating the machine’s software package, a consumer will be able to hold their camera up to the machine’s display which will auto-scan a QR code. That then connects to the cloud and brings the machine’s user interface direct to your smartphone. The drinker then selects from the full menu of options and hits pour. No app download will be required.