Coca-Cola Oceania and Coca-Cola Europacific Partners New Zealand (CCEP NZ) are expanding their AI-enabled vending technology with the nationwide rollout of Coke&GO smart coolers.

Following a trial in 2024, several hundred Coke&GO units will be installed across New Zealand through 2025 and 2026, making it one of the largest deployments of the system globally.

The coolers use computer vision and image recognition to identify products taken from the fridge. Customers unlock the door by scanning a QR code or tapping a card, select their drinks and have the payment processed automatically.

Terry Burbidge, general manager of vending at CCEP NZ, said: "Coke&GO is a game-changer for how we think about vending. We're combining smart technology with simplicity to create the best experience for consumers. It's about making refreshment more intuitive, more accessible, and more aligned with how Kiwis live today."

Victoria University of Wellington, which took part in the trial, reported positive feedback from students and staff, citing speed, ease of use and loyalty rewards as key benefits.

CCEP said Coke&GO is part of a wider strategy to modernise its vending operations, which also includes smart inventory tracking to reduce out-of-stocks and a digital payment platform, Vendswift, that offers rewards to repeat customers.