Coca-Cola European Partners (CCEP), the world’s largest independent Coca-Cola bottler, has completed an investment in Lavit, a leading maker of multi-beverage, counter-top dispensing machines.
Using globally patented technology, the Lavit system lets consumers make and pour their drink in seconds, by dispensing a range of cold beverage options “on-demand” at the tap of a button and offering customisation of beverages based on carbonation and flavour. The funds will be used by Lavit to test and develop new product capabilities. The company will also explore growth opportunities offered by gaining further insight into customer and consumer demand for dispensed delivery solutions.
The investment aligns with CCEP’s vision of dispensed delivery solutions as a key strategic route towards eliminating packaging waste and reducing its carbon footprint, without impacting aspects such as consumers’ convenience, choice and expected drinking experience. It follows CCEP Ventures’ recent acquisition of a 25% stake in Innovative Tap Solutions (ITS), investing in the company’s self-pour, self-pay drink dispensing technology.
Packaging represents 43% of CCEP’s value chain carbon footprint The company is committed to reducing this footprint by using less packaging where it can and increasing the use of recycled materials in packaging.
“Decreasing our packaging use and waste is a core part of our strategy to reduce our carbon footprint. We will continue to develop and invest in “drinks on demand” dispensed delivery innovations to offer consumers choice, personalisation and convenience in the most sustainable ways possible,” Graham Stokhuyzen, Vice President of New Business development at CCEP said.
The investment in Lavit was led by CCEP Ventures – the innovation engine and investment arm of Coca-Cola European Partners.