https://cointelegraph.com/news/australians-new-zealanders-can-now-use-bitcoin-in-vending-machines
https://www.copyright link/companies/retail/now-you-can-buy-a-coke-with-bitcoin-20200609-p550vz
Sue MitchellSenior reporterJun 9, 2020 – 4.44pmCoca-Cola Amatil vending machines have started taking bitcoin in yet another sign the volatile virtual currency is starting to gain acceptance in the real economy.
Auckland-based digital payments start-up Centrapay has signed agreements with Coca-Cola Amatil to enable consumers to use bitcoin and other crypto currencies at about 1200 vending machines in Australia and New Zealand.
Coca-Cola Amatil vending machines have started accepting bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. AP
Vending machines fitted with QR code scanners will accept digital currency payments with a scan of the user's phone camera when New Zealand company Sylo's smart wallet is installed.
The Sylo smart wallet is an app that combines a private messenger with a digital wallet. Users can make secure audio and video calls, send messages, send and receive digital currencies in chat, and store bitcoin and other tokens.
CCA said it built the infrastructure to accept mobile wallets a number of years ago.
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"We originally applied the QR codes to service Alipay and WeChat Pay customers in tourist hotspots. We want to ensure customers can transact with us in their preferred currency, so accepting digital assets is the next step for us as digital assets become more popular," a CCA spokesman said.
Centrapay chief executive Jerome Faury says digital currency transactions reduce physical contact with vending machines, a major concern for consumers during the COVID-19 pandemic. People only need to touch the vending machine once, when they take their purchase.
CCA is paid in Australian or New Zealand dollars at the time of the transaction and Centrapay takes the exchange rate, so the bottler is not exposed to crypto currency volatility.
CCA said it would work with Centrapay to make the technology available in other markets.
“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,” Mr Faury said.
Sue Mitchell is a senior Companies reporter and writes about retail, consumer products and fast-moving consumer goods. Connect with Sue on Twitter. Email Sue at suemitchell@copyright linkClick on tags to see all coverage of the topic areas that matter to you.
