Diageo expands trial of its smart keg-and-dispense system ahead of the festive rush

Diageo is extending the trial of its Everpour keg-and-dispense platform, a system designed to streamline spirits service in pubs while supporting reductions in single-use glass packaging. The expanded rollout comes ahead of the busy festive period in Ireland, when speed of service and stock visibility are key considerations for operators.

The initial Everpour trial began last year in the Dublin area, using a bespoke refillable keg system for Smirnoff vodka. The company has now introduced an updated phase of the trial with additional units placed in pubs in the run-up to Christmas. The system is intended to assist bar staff with more efficient dispensing and improved operational oversight.

Everpour consists of a stainless-steel keg linked to a dispensing unit that automatically refills branded spirit bottles as they are placed in the holder. The kegs, available in 5-litre and 20-litre formats, are designed for repeated use over an estimated 25-year lifespan. Once empty, each keg is returned to Diageo, cleaned, refilled and redistributed to participating venues.

The latest stage of the trial will initially involve ten pubs, with a further fifteen expected to join early next year. This phase introduces enhanced technological features aimed at improving the system’s functionality, including:

• real-time dispense tracking
• updated safety mechanisms
• keg monitoring and location tracking

Alongside operational benefits, the Everpour system forms part of Diageo’s efforts to reduce reliance on single-use glass bottles and associated carbon emissions. According to the company, lifecycle analysis suggests that a fully scaled rollout of Everpour in Ireland could eliminate the need for at least 500 single-use 70cl bottles per unit over its lifetime. Diageo also reports potential packaging-related carbon footprint savings of up to 83 per cent.

Pub owner, Danny Kenny, said: I’m delighted to take part in the second stage of the Everpour trial having used the system last year during its initial trial period. The Everpour solution reduces our labour costs with a neat keg system that is far easier to store and manage versus cases of traditional glass bottles. It also reduces glass waste and the system now has a clear stock control display which makes stocktaking much easier.

The trial is expected to run until Summer 2026.