Coca-Cola has signed an agreement with digital asset platform Centrapay to enable consumers in Australia and New Zealand to use bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies across its vending network.
With the new partnership, consumers across the two countries will have the option to use their Sylo Smart Wallet to pay for items at one of Amatil’s 2000+ vending machines using cryptocurrency.
The new digital option aims to address hygiene concerns amid the Covid-19 pandemic, as consumers only need to touch the vending machine once to complete the purchase.
Vending machines will be equipped with QR code stickers which will accept payments in digital currency with a scan of a user’s phone camera (considering the Sylo Smart Wallet is installed).
The Sylo Smart Wallet is a next-generation app that combines a private messenger with a digital wallet, meaning users can send and receive digital currencies in chat and store bitcoin.
Centrapay CEO, Jerome Faury, said that integration complexity and poor user experiences are barriers to adoption of Web 3 technology, such as digital identity and assets.
“We have solved both these issues. Centrapay is pioneering the way to enable this new internet of value and bring its benefits to both consumers and merchants,” he said.
Faury continued: “And it comes with the added benefit of reducing physical contact and addressing the hygiene concerns we’ve all become acutely aware of due to Covid-19.
“At Centrapay, we’re working to create a future where individuals are in control of their own data and digital identity. Brands can connect directly and ethically with people, empowering them to make the right purchasing decision, whilst also supporting their retail and other distribution partners.
“Now we’ve shown how it can work in Australia and New Zealand, we’re looking to grow the business globally. We’ve established a presence in North America and will be targeting the US market next with some world-first innovations.”
