Beverage or foodstuff preparation system

A machine for preparing a beverage and/or foodstuff from a container, the machine comprising:

• a code reading system to read a code of the container;
• a processing unit for processing precursor material of the container, and;
• electrical circuitry to control the processing unit based on the preparation information read from the code,
• wherein the code reading system includes a code reader and a positioning mechanism to deform a body portion of the container from an undeformed configuration to a deformed configuration,
• wherein the positioning mechanism is adapted to deform the body portion in the deformed configuration to effect subsequent deformation of the closing member so that the closing member presents a comparatively more uniform surface for reading the code.

A container comprising:

• a body portion with a storage portion comprising a cavity that extends in a depth direction for containing a precursor material;
• a closing member to close the storage portion, wherein a flange portion connects the storage portion and the closing member;
• and
• a machine-readable code storing preparation information, the code arranged on a central region of the closing member,
• wherein the container is deformable from an undeformed configuration to a deformed configuration in which the code is readable by a code reader,
• wherein in the deformed configuration the central region of the closing member is displaced in a counter depth direction by 2-6 mm when the container is subject to a three point bending in a lateral direction, which comprises:
• supporting the container at left and right sides of the flange portion and applying a force between the left and right sides of the container in the counter depth direction at a base of the storage portion of 15-120 N,
• wherein the central region is a region of the closing member that includes at least the geometric centre and is separate from a peripheral region which includes the peripheries.