Coca-Cola Freestyle Launches Virtually on Facebook

To familiarize consumers with how Coca-Cola Freestyle works before their first real-world experience with the unit - which can be found in more than 1,000 outlets in more than 60 U.S. markets - as well as drive awareness and trial in areas where the machines are popping up, a new Facebook app gives Coca-Cola Freestyle fans the chance to become online "mixologists."

A digital interface that is nearly identical to the sleek, touch-screen machine includes a display of the most popular brands. Consumers can choose from more than 100 sparkling and still beverages to customize their own drink by pressing and holding down the Push button. Once the cup is full, users can name their drink and share it with fellow mixologists on Facebook.

The app can be accessed by "liking" the Coca-Cola Freestyle Facebook page, which keeps a running tab of new outlets, complete with photos and market reports.

"Fans on Facebook have said they are willing to drive over an hour to get to a Coca-Cola Freestyle location, so we built this virtual app to give both diehard fans and consumers who don't have one in their market the ability to interact with the fountain, share their drink creations with friends and help spread the word," said Scott Cuppari, Senior Marketing Manager, Coca-Cola Freestyle.

Social media and mobile marketing have played a big role in accelerating both awareness and engagement with Coca-Cola Freestyle. Coca-Cola Freestyle currently has more than 42,000 fans on Facebook, and another 1,000 "like" the fan page every 10 to 15 days. The most popular feature is the locator map that allows consumers to find a Coca-Cola Freestyle near them.

The rollout of the Facebook app follows the January launch of the free PUSH!+Play mobile app, an interactive memory game for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and Android devices that highlights Coca-Cola Freestyle's drink choices via touchscreen buttons set to musical patterns. After watching several brand logos light up, users are challenged to repeat the sequence and move up the leader board. The app has been downloaded to iPhones alone more than 13,000 times.

Firehouse Subs recently became the first national restaurant chain to roll out Coca-Cola Freestyle system-wide. Read the press release.

Create your own drink at www.facebook.com/cocacolafreestyle.