Wawa rides Freestyle soda wave

Wawa will become the first national retailer in the convenience retail channel to offer Coca-Cola Freestyle soda fountains chain-wide.

The Coca-Cola Freestyle machine is a touchscreen soda fountain that features over 100 different Coca-Cola drink products and custom flavors.

"Part of our commitment to fulfilling customers' lives every day, includes creating new and compelling fresh food and beverages that are convenient and always delivered with consistent quality and care," said Mike Sherlock, Wawa's VP of fresh food and beverage. "Coca-Cola Freestyle supports this goal adding something unique to our beverage offer and delivers great quality and variety through proprietary micro-dose mixing technology."

Some consumers have taken to the Internet to voice complaints about the wide adaptation by retailers of Coca-Cola Freestyle machines, saying the soda fountains infuse beverages with the wrong flavors. Other consumers say they love the fact that Coca-Cola Freestyle offers sparkling beverages, flavored waters, sports drinks, lemonades and teas, including hundreds of brands. A new app also lets customers create and save their favorite mixes, or share them with a friend.

Wawa operates 670 retail stores (over 400 offering gasoline) in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia and Central Florida.