KENYA – Soft beverage manufacturer, Coca-Cola Kenya has launched a home delivery service dubbed ‘DialACoke’ aimed to avail a wide range of its products including sodas, water, juices and energy drinks to its customers in a convenient, efficient and safe way.

The mobile friendly web platform is initially targeting consumers in larger towns i.e. Nairobi, Nakuru, Mombasa, Eldoret, and Kisumu before further expansion.

“We have developed the DialACoke.com platform to ensure our consumers continue to access and enjoy their favorite Coca-Cola drinks from the convenience of their homes,” said Theuri Chege, Commercial Manager, East and Central Africa.

Featuring its brands such as Coca-Cola, Fanta, Sprite, Dasani, Keringet and Minute Maid, the company has offered a 20% discount on products order via the platform, reports TechMoran.

The move by the beverage company which has expansive reach to its customers via its network of distributors, has been triggered by the need of availing its products safely to consumers in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition, the company has posted reduced sales during the pandemic, as a bulk of its sales were pegged on entertainment spots, dining out and events, all of which have been disrupted as social distancing restrictions remain in place.

According to reports by Business Daily, Coca-Cola has so far compensated distributors over Sh32 million for expired soft drinks across the country as dead stock lay idle at depots.

The beverages, which usually have a shelf-life of about three to four months are returned to the manufacturer after the expiry date.

“We have developed the DialACoke.com platform to ensure our consumers continue to access and enjoy their favorite Coca-Cola drinks from the convenience of their homes.”

Commercial Manager, Coca-Cola East and Central Africa – Theuri Chege

How DialACoke works

To place an order, consumers will need to go to the platform and select the Coca-Cola products they want and place them into the shopping cart. A minimum of Ksh. 500 of orders is required.

Once they have selected the item(s), the customer will indicate preferred location and date for delivery, with payment made via money transfer service, M-Pesa. Deliveries are on same day basis or as dictated by customer.

The DialACoke team made of Coca-Cola’s distributors have undergone training and certification to safely handle all deliveries.

The company has also ensured that they are equipped with the necessary Personal Protection Equipment including gloves, facemasks, and hand sanitizers.

“We have also invested in quality packaging that ensures that all consumer orders are insulated and safe,” said Theuri Chege, Commercial Manager, Coca-Cola East and Central Africa.

“The home delivery service, coupled with our wide national reach through our distributors, will ensure delivery of orders across the country. Through this elaborate engagement platform, we will be able to listen to our consumers and deliver orders at their doorstep and with utmost regard to safety”, emphasized Theuri.

Bidco Africa, a leading consumer good company in East Africa also recently launched its ‘Bidco Duka on Wheelzzz’ which avails its wide range of products of edible oils, hygiene, food and beverage to customers at factory prices.

The company’s movable shop sets base in a particular neighbourhood upon the request by the resident for up to 4 hours allowing them to shop all Bidco Africa products availed while following all government regulations on Covid-19.

“Our new initiative takes to the frontline and supports communities by bringing essentials directly to you at factory prices and no delivery cost,” said Bidco.

The company’s brands include Noodies, Planet juice, Kimbo, Elianto etc.

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