How to Get Connected with Social Pepsi

When the whole cyber world is going the social way, PepsiCo wants to be at the forefront. The company has launched its Social Vending System, a networked unit that features full touch screen interactive vending technology.

It will enable consumers to better connect with PepsiCo brands right at the point of purchase. A prototype of the Social Vending System will debut 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 use of telemetry with the Social Vending System also delivers 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.

“Our vision is to use innovative technology to empower consumers and create new ways for them to engage with our brands, their social networks and each other at the point of purchase,” said Mikel Durham, chief innovation officer at PepsiCo Foodservice.

The Social Vending System was conceived by PepsiCo’s newly formed Equipment Innovation group, whose mandate is to leverage emerging technologies to deliver relevant brand experiences for consumers through equipment.

The design and UI were created in collaboration with Milwaukee, WI based DCI Marketing and Protagonist, located in Venice Beach, CA.