ecoSPIRITS Releases Intelligent Circular Retail Technology With Proof & Company and DFI Retail Group

SINGAPORE 12 September 2022 ecoSPIRITS has announced the release of the latest innovation in its Intelligent Circularroadmap and its first foray into circular packaging solutions for the retail channel. The innovative SmartKiosk™ technology allows consumers to sustainably reuse branded spirits bottles in a secure, digital shopping experience. The new SmartKiosks will be pioneered by Proof & Company, ecoSPIRITS’ largest licensed operator in Asia Pacific, and DFI Retail Group, a leading pan-Asian retailer operating more than 10,200 outlets across the region. Additional SmartKiosks will be deployed in ecoSPIRITS markets around the world in the coming months.

The patent-pending SmartKiosk 1.0S. An interactive, planet-friendly consumer shopping experience like no other

The new SmartKiosk 1.0S is an intelligent circular retail technology that makes it possible to securely and sustainably reuse branded spirits bottles for the first time. Wifi-enabled and powered by ecoSPIRITS’ cloud-based CircularONE software platform, each SmartKiosk 1.0S is equipped with a large high-definition touchscreen, bottle and brand authentication through a unique Verified Sustainable Refill™ feature, and fast, accurate refills using ecoSPIRITS’ existing SmartPour™ technology. As an extension of ecoSPIRITS’ existing portfolio of closed loop technologies, the SmartKiosk enables retailers to leverage existing ecoTOTE distribution in their local market and offer a scalable, cost effective refill solution to consumers.

Each SmartKiosk 1.0S unit supports sustainable refills for a range of six spirit products, with a two-level merchandising display for branded refill bottles and a rear cabinet for convenient restocking of ecoTOTEs. SmartKiosks feature a Microsoft Windows CE-based operating system and live content and data powered by the CircularONE software platform. This software integration makes a range of intelligent features possible, including displaying live content on the 125cm touch screen display, NFC-based bottle authentication via Verified Sustainable Refill, and fast, accurate dispense. Kiosks also feature programmable dispense volumes, stainless steel drip trays and locking wheels for ease of handling.

Cold Storage & CS Fresh, a popular household name and Singaporean icon

Proof & Company, ecoSPIRITS’ Licensed Operator for Singapore, Hong Kong SAR, China, Australia and New Zealand, will be the first partner in the world to own and operate a fleet of SmartKiosks. For the Asia Pacific launch of the new technology, Proof & Company has partnered with DFI to deploy the new SmartKiosks in five CS Fresh supermarkets around Singapore from September 2022. This technology debut with Singapore’s leading premium grocer is aligned with the city state’s Singapore Green Plan 2030, which commits to reducing landfill waste by 30% by 2030.

CS Fresh SmartKiosks offer refills of six different spirits. One tree is planted for each sustainable refill

The new CS Fresh SmartKiosks will offer Singapore’s shoppers access to refills of a selection of craft spirits brands, including gins from Singapore’s own Brass Lion Distillery. Other spirits on offer will include Tried & True Straight Wheat Vodka, Widges Gin, Mackintosh Blended Malt Scotch Whisky and Los Arcos Destilado de Agave. Each refill will offer the shopper significant environmental benefits, eliminating an average of 550g of carbon emissions and more than 700g of single use packaging waste, as well as significant cost savings of up to 20%, compared with the same spirit in its traditional single use packaging format. As part of the collaboration, for each refill purchased ecoSPIRITS, Proof & Company and DFI will jointly plant one tree in the dedicated CS Fresh forest under the ecoSPIRITS Forest Program.

CS Fresh SmartKiosks offer refills of six different spirits. One tree is planted for each sustainable refill

The new CS Fresh SmartKiosks will offer Singapore’s shoppers access to refills of a selection of craft spirits brands, including gins from Singapore’s own Brass Lion Distillery. Other spirits on offer will include Tried & True Straight Wheat Vodka, Widges Gin, Mackintosh Blended Malt Scotch Whisky and Los Arcos Destilado de Agave. Each refill will offer the shopper significant environmental benefits, eliminating an average of 550g of carbon emissions and more than 700g of single use packaging waste, as well as significant cost savings of up to 20%, compared with the same spirit in its traditional single use packaging format. As part of the collaboration, for each refill purchased ecoSPIRITS, Proof & Company and DFI will jointly plant one tree in the dedicated CS Fresh forest under the ecoSPIRITS Forest Program.

Brandon Grusd, General Manager, Southeast Asia, Proof & Company

Proof & Company is proud to be the very first operator of the SmartKiosk technology globally. Having first pioneered ecoSPIRITS in the on-premise channel back in 2018, its a natural fit for our growing network of retailers across Asia Pacific. It also provides a wonderful opportunity for our brand partners, such as Brass Lion Distillery and True Believers, to be at the forefront of consumer innovation. DFI and CS Fresh should be commended for their sustainability leadership in pioneering such a unique shopper experience.

Gwen Cheong, Head of Corporate and Consumer Affairs, SEA, DFI Retail Group

DFI is very proud to partner with Proof & Company and ecoSPIRITS in this initiative as part of our sustainability efforts.  With a mission to do the right thing for our customers and the environment, the deployment of these SmartKiosks is a clear step towards how we can support the sustainable consumption of wine and spirits while still providing our customers with the products they seek. This deployment is also timely and in line with changing customer behaviours – sustainability has become a powerful value proposition to increasingly conscious consumers and we remain committed to delivering on what our customers have asked for.

Paul Gabie, CEO, ecoSPIRITS

Circular retail for spirits and wine presents enormous opportunities, and equally great challenges. Retail purchases make up the largest volume segment for our industry, and the largest source of single use glass waste. As such, it is incumbent upon all of us to find more sustainable ways to serve consumers. Helping shoppers adapt to novel consumption patterns is not easy, but in the face of a global waste and climate crisis adaptation is a must. Together, we can build a future beyond single use packaging.

Parties interested in learning more about ecoSPIRITS’ global Intelligent Circular network, the new SmartKiosk technology or opportunities to join the ecoSPIRITS Climate Partner Program as a brand or distributor may reach out to [email protected]. For more information on Proof & Company and its leading Asia Pacific spirits distribution platform, please contact [email protected]. For more information on DFI Group or CS Fresh, please contact [email protected].


About DFI Group

DFI Retail Group (the ‘Group’) is a leading pan-Asian retailer. At 30th June 2022, the Group and its associates and joint ventures operated over 10,300 outlets and employed some 220,000 people. The Group had total annual sales in 2021 exceeding US$27 billion.

The Group provides quality and value to Asian consumers by offering leading brands, a compelling retail experience and great service; all delivered through a strong store network supported by efficient supply chains. The Group (including associates and joint ventures) operates under a number of well-known brands across food, health and beauty, home furnishings, restaurants and other retailing. The Group’s parent company, DFI Retail Group Holdings Limited, is incorporated in Bermuda and has a primary listing on the London Stock Exchange, with secondary listings in Bermuda and Singapore. The Group’s businesses are managed from Hong Kong by DFI Retail Group Management Services Limited through its regional offices. DFI Retail Group is a member of the Jardine Matheson Group.

For more information, please visit https://www.dairyfarmgroup.com/en-US/


About Proof & Company

Proof & Company is one of Asia Pacific’s leading independent spirits companies, merging a disruptive approach to independent spirits distribution with a team of highly regarded bartenders and educators, a customer-focused mindset, and the region’s leading hospitality clients. From offices in Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Auckland and Christchurch, Proof & Company manages the exclusive distribution of a portfolio of independent spirits, craft cocktails ingredients, and premium bar tools and glassware. Proof Creative’s award-winning team of Senior Bar Consultants is one of the most well-regarded creative teams in the cocktail and spirits community globally. Together they guide the development of bars for clients across Asia Pacific. Four of these bars ranked in the World’s 50 Best Bars list of 2020 and eight in the Asia’s 50 Best Bars List 2021, including Proof & Company’s own cocktail bar, 28 HongKong Street in Singapore.

For more information, please visit https://proofandcompany.com/


About ecoSPIRITS

ecoSPIRITS is a circular economy technology company that has developed the world’s first low carbon, low waste distribution technology for premium spirits and wine. Our patent-pending closed loop system nearly eliminates all packaging waste in the supply chain. By dramatically reducing packaging and transport, ecoSPIRITS provides both a powerful cost advantage and a transformative carbon footprint reduction. Founded in Singapore in 2018, the ecoSPIRITS technology is now available in more than 14 countries and 30 cities across Asia Pacific, Europe and the Americas. More than 1,000 leading bars, restaurants and hotels have adopted the technology, including Michelin-starred restaurants, World’s 50 Best and Asia’s 50 Best bars and iconic hotels. ecoSPIRITS is now rapidly building a global network of closed loop service, with coverage to grow to 18 countries worldwide by late 2022.

Together with our brand partners, importers, distributors, wholesalers and venues, we are already making a difference. Each year, ecoSPIRITS and our partners are eliminating hundreds of tons of single use glass waste, planting tens of thousands of trees, and inspiring others to change.

For more information, please visit www.ecospirits.global