Dispensing apparatus and method

A dispensing apparatus for dispensing a beverage preparation ingredient from a pod, the apparatus comprising:

• a pod support region configured to support the pod;
• an actuator configured to engage with a corresponding actuator engagement region of the pod;
• a rotation mechanism comprising a motor for rotating the pod;
• a mixing chamber, the mixing chamber comprising an inlet for receiving at least one beverage preparation ingredient from said pod;
• and
• a mixing device provided in the mixing chamber for mixing the at least one beverage preparation ingredient;
• wherein said motor is coupled to the pod support region and coupled to the mixing device for actuating the mixing device;
• wherein the apparatus is configured to:
• cause an actuation member contained within the pod to cause an opening to be formed in the pod supported by the pod support region;
• and
• cause the rotation mechanism to cause the pod to rotate about an axis of rotation during a dispensing operation, so as to cause the beverage preparation ingredient to be released from the pod into the mixing chamber via said opening.