A discharge valve for a bottle or other container associated with a fluid dispensing system that substantially prevents spillage of fluid composition from the container when it is withdrawn from the dispensing system is provided according to the invention. A valve body contained within the discharge valve is engaged by a hollow probe extending from the dispensing system when the container is operatively connected to the discharge system to automatically open the valve. When the container is withdrawn from the fluid dispensing system for, e.g., replacement or servicing, the probe of the dispensing system disengages the valve body, and a biasing means such as a compression spring within the valve assembly closes the valve very quickly. The valve body and valve seat of the valve assembly are designed in such a fashion that proper alignment and closure of the valve body with respect to the valve seat is achieved to provide a fluid-tight seal without use of a gasket or other elastomeric seal disposed between the valve body and valve seat to facilitate the fluid-tight seal.