FOOD & BEVERAGE
Pernod Ricard sees connected cocktail glasses as a valuable data source
Marketers want to use data to understand their customers more, and alcohol maker Pernod Ricard has a new tactic: adding data-tracking capabilities to cocktail glasses and booze bottles. For the latest test, which is in a bar in Paris over summer, Havana Club-branded glasses are equipped with near field communication enabled chips that connect to a web app and allows customers to place their order when scanned by a smartphone. (Read More)
Chick-fil-A is getting into the meal kit business
The fast food chain announced on Monday that it will test a meal kit service from late August through mid-November at 150 participating locations in Atlanta. The meals include chicken flatbread, crispy dijon chicken, chicken parmesan, chicken enchiladas and pan-roasted chicken. (Read More)
Madison Square Garden Company and PepsiCo announce exclusive partnership
Effective in September, PepsiCo will become the exclusive non-alcoholic beverage and salty snack partner across various MSG venues, select TAO Group properties, the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes, Counter Logic Gaming, and all of MSG’s sports franchises (including New York Rangers, New York Knicks, and Westchester Knicks). (Read More)
SPORTS
How the NBA is using augmented reality to transform the fan experience
Before the start of the 2017-18 NBA season, the league launched an augmented reality app, NBA AR, to try to bring fans closer to the game. At first the app featured just a virtual pop-a-shot, but during the playoffs, the league added 360-degree portals. (Read More)
TECHNOLOGY
New Era for Bike-Share in New York: Dockless and Electric Bikes
New York is introducing dockless and electric bicycles like the one above in neighborhoods in the Bronx and Staten Island as part of its effort to expand transportation options. A company called Jump Bikes will offer dockless electric bikes that give riders a boost when they pedal, topping out at 20 miles per hour. (Read More)