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Coca-Cola To Install Vending Machines In Venice
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RENEE MONTAGNE, Host:
Our last word in business is about another alliance between Italy and an American corporation. The word is fizz fight. Officials in the Italian city of Venice have struck a deal with Coca-Cola. In return for about $2.7 million, Venice is allowing Coke to install dozens of vending machines around the city. The money will go towards preserving Venice's cultural heritage, but some residents of that city and retailers are furious. They say it's tacky and unfair competition, and they don't want the city known for gondolas to be swamped by vending machines.
STEVE INSKEEP, Host:
I'd be more interested if the...
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MONTAGNE: Swamped.
INSKEEP: ...gondolas were swamped themselves by a vending machine, up in the bow or something.
MONTAGNE: Well, city officials do insist the vending machines will be discreet. They won't even bear the Coca-Cola logo. Well, I would kind of wonder what's the point. But that's business news on MORNING EDITION from NPR News. I'm Renee Montagne.
INSKEEP: And I'm Steve Inskeep. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
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