US 3 / – Coca-Cola tests new iced tea machine

MILAN – Coca-Cola is testing a machine for restaurants that can brew more than 18 different kinds of iced tea in portions to boost sales volume by offering more variety.

The ‘Flex Fresh’ machine is expected to boost sales volume by offering more variety, and will brew tea using the company’s Gold Peak black or green tea leaves.

Coca-cola said that instead of brewing one batch and disposing of the rest, users will now be able to customise their tea-making process, choosing to make tea by the glass, pitcher or gallon, and decide if they want to add sweeteners and flavours.

The company noted that most restaurants that stock Coca-Cola tea offer just one type of iced tea and provide it sweetened or unsweetened. It also estimates that restaurants throw out 20% of the tea they brew.

The Flex Fresh machine is being used at 40 restaurants, and the company said testing began in July.