Diageo Unveils Everpour: A Game-Changing Innovation for Circular Keg and Dispense Systems
In a major step towards sustainable innovation, Diageo has launched Everpour, its first in-house developed circular keg and dispense system designed for the on-trade industry. The system, which debuted with Smirnoff, the world’s number one vodka brand, promises to revolutionize how bars serve spirits while drastically reducing carbon emissions.
The Everpour system is built around an innovative refill mechanism that automatically replenishes bottles placed in the unit, drawing from reusable stainless-steel kegs. Available in 5 and 17.5-litre sizes, these kegs pipe spirits directly to a sleek dispenser, offering a practical, eco-friendly alternative to traditional single-use glass bottles. Early estimates suggest Everpour could reduce carbon emissions by over 50% per litre of Smirnoff vodka compared to conventional serving methods.
Developed by Diageo’s Breakthrough Innovation team in collaboration with Hodges & Drake, Everpour is designed with both sustainability and convenience in mind. Bars benefit from reduced time switching bottles, less storage space required, and a seamless integration into their workflow. Once a keg is empty, it is returned to Diageo for cleaning, refilling, and redistribution, creating a closed-loop system that embodies circular economy principles.
Each keg is anticipated to eliminate the need for at least 500 single-use glass bottles, significantly lowering both waste and environmental impact. This not only helps reduce CO2 emissions but also supports Diageo's broader ESG action plan, Spirit of Progress, which focuses on sustainable operations across its portfolio.
“Everpour is a fantastic innovation that aligns with our commitment to sustainability while offering practical benefits to our on-trade partners,” says Stephanie Jacoby, Global Vodka Senior Vice President at Diageo. “Smirnoff is proud to lead the way in this exciting trial, which pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in the drinks industry.”
The trial, conducted in seven bars across Dublin, ran for six weeks and focused on technical feasibility and customer feedback. The data collected during the trial will help refine Everpour’s design for future releases, with Diageo aiming for broader adoption in the coming years.
Dave Lutkenhaus, Global Sustainability Innovation Director at Diageo, notes, “Everpour marks a pivotal moment for Diageo as we look to scale circular solutions in the on-trade. This innovation is built on our deep understanding of the bar environment, designed to improve operational efficiency and reduce environmental impact, all while maintaining product quality.”
Everpour represents just one of Diageo’s many sustainability initiatives, joining efforts like the ecoSPIRITS rollout and bulk delivery trials that are transforming how the drinks industry addresses its environmental footprint.
