Coca-Cola European Partners invests in countertop dispensing machines company Lavit
Currently available in the US and Canada, Lavit’s globally patented technology lets consumers make and pour a drink in seconds, through customizable options for flavor and carbonation.
The investment (value of which has not been disclosed) has been made via CCEP’s innovation and investment arm, CCEP Ventures. CCEP says the partnership with Lavit will further the company’s ambitions to explore and test new dispensed delivery solutions as a key strategic route towards eliminating packaging waste and reducing its carbon footprint, while providing consumers with the convenience and choice.
Lavit, meanwhile, will use the investment to test and develop new product capabilities and explore growth opportunities, as well as scaling up more quickly and benefiting from CCEP’s commercial expertise.
Graham Stokhuyzen, Vice President of New Business development at CCEP said: “Lavit is an ambitious business with an advanced, commercialized dispensing technology and system.
“Decreasing our packaging use and waste is a core part of CCEP’s strategy to reduce our carbon footprint. We will continue to develop and invest in “drinks on demand” dispensed delivery innovations to offer consumers choice, personalization and convenience in the most sustainable ways possible.
"This will also enable us to reduce our use of single use packaging.”
Lavit
Based in New York, Lavit produces on-demand water coolers which offer still or sparkling water, with 25+ flavor options. Drinks are unsweetened or with 10 calories or less, using natural flavors, and a number of options are complemented with vitamins and minerals.
The cooler eliminates the need for plastic bottles, cans or jugs. It uses EcoCaps, which are made from 100% aluminum and are recyclable.
“Our drinks are better for you, our system is better for the environment,” summarizes the brand.
CCEP recently announced targets for net zero emissions by 2040: through reducing GHG emissions; turning to sustainable packaging initiatives; and investing €250m in decarbonization initiatives.
In September it acquired a 25% stake in Chicago-based Innovative Tap Solutions (ITS), investing in the company’s self-pour, self-pay drink dispensing technology. It plans to introduce the system for hospitality venues in Western Europe, starting with a trial in Spain. This system lets consumer pour their own beverages such as beer, wine, cold brew and kombucha.
