Coca-Cola Automates Custom Drinks Amid Fast-Food Margin Squeeze

Coca-Cola is reportedly leveraging its innovation labs to automate the preparation of trendy customizable beverages, including 'dirty soda' and refreshers.

The effort comes as longtime restaurant partners such as McDonald's and Wendy's expand their beverage menus to strengthen profit margins, signaling a potential shift in how fountain drinks are made and served.

Coca-Cola is exploring ways to streamline what has historically been a labor-intensive process at fast-food counters, allowing its restaurant partners to deliver consistent, high-quality custom drinks at speed.