lovesouthernsocial.com

There are already about 900 spread across Brazil. By the end of 2017, another 500 will be installed in supermarkets

The Ambev brewery has just invested R$ 1.5 million in the development of its own machine for collecting returnable bottles, which will further facilitate the exchange of these containers for consumers. The investment in technology, which was previously imported, will generate savings of up to 70% in the logistical costs of this operation. With this, Ambev will further increase the presence of machines on the streets. Today, the company already has around 900 pieces of equipment in supermarkets across the country. By the end of 2017, another 500 machines will be available in the main capitals of Brazil.

The collection machines allow the exchange of glass bottles in a simple and practical way: after buying the first bottle, the consumer only needs to take the empty shell to the machine and, thus, withdraw a discount ticket for the purchase of another one returnable. Savings with these bottles can reach up to 30%, since, after the first purchase, the customer does not pay for a new package. In other words, with the returnable, the consumer saves on the price of beer and also generates less impact on the environment.

Ambev also invested in the development of a basket, to facilitate transport during the exchange of containers. The idea came after a survey commissioned by the brewery indicated that among consumers who still do not opt ​​for the returnable bottle at the supermarket, 35% precisely point out the difficulty in transporting. The basket helps the consumer to gather their hulls, change in the machine and take new beers home in an even easier way. Consumers will be able to purchase their baskets in large retail chains, such as Carrefour.

This same survey also showed that 70% of respondents have already realized that returnables are the cheapest option and 21% consume this type of container because they see its sustainable advantages. This result shows that expanding the supply of returnable glass bottles is a strategy that has worked.

In 2017, the sale of Ambev beers in these packages grew 64% in supermarkets. Today, one in every four bottles sold by the brewery in this channel is already returnable. Therefore, the company continues to invest in processes that facilitate the exchange and transport of these containers and also in the expansion of its portfolio, with the bet on mini-returnables, the 300 ml bottles. This format, which already had the Skol, Brahma and Antarctica brands, has now gained yet another boost: consumers can already find the new Bohemia mini version in supermarkets.