Refreshing generosity: Pepsi promotes giving

Purchase, New York – Pepsi is developing a Social Vending System that enables users to buy drinks as gifts for friends.

After selecting a drink from the vending machine, a buyer types in the recipient’s name, mobile number and a personalised message, and a code is sent to the recipient’s mobile phone. The gift can then be redeemed at any PepsiCo social vending system. Gifts can be personalised further by recording a short video.

The technology also provides a Random Acts of Refreshment service, which enables users to buy a stranger a drink through any other social vending system. This can include sending congratulatory gifts to institutions such as universities, or even cities.

For more on how creating game-like activities for consumers can strengthen brands, read our Gamification micro trend.