Spectrum

When we hear the words “innovation” and “entrepreneurship” we don’t always think of well-established brands like Coca-Cola. However, Coke is one of the world’s leaders in developing new beverages and cutting-edge technologies to deliver them to customers. Chris Hellman, global vice president and general manager of the Coca-Cola Freestyle Division, is the embodiment of innovation within the highly competitive beverage industry. Hellmann says it is Coke’s goal to be a “total beverage company” that can bring innovations, new products, and new ideas to market quickly. He leads a multidisciplinary team of marketers, engineers, and computer experts to redesign how Coke products presented to consumers. The Freestyle concept “reinvented the beverage fountain experience” using “micro-dosing” technology to deliver almost 200 different drink options with 117 being either low calorie or no calorie beverages, says Coca-Cola. It is a dispenser that emphasizes choice and customization for each consumer. It started as a “d