KFC switches from PepsiCo to Coca-Cola in U.S. restaurants
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 15 Oct, 21:38 · Archive
KFC is switching its beverage supplier from PepsiCo to Coca-Cola at its U.S. restaurants for the first time in decades.
KFC has announced it is switching from PepsiCo to Coca-Cola as its beverage supplier for U.S. restaurants, ending a relationship that has lasted since PepsiCo acquired KFC in 1986. Although KFC serves Coca-Cola products in some international markets, its U.S. restaurants have remained loyal to PepsiCo even after the company spun off KFC and its sister chains Pizza Hut and Taco Bell to form Yum Brands. The transition will be complete by the end of the first quarter of 2027 across all 3,718 KFC U.S. locations.
KFC's U.S. President Catherine Tan-Gillespie described the decision as 'a critical step in the Kentucky Fried Comeback'. In a memo to franchisees and employees, she said the new partnership with Coca-Cola 'gives us a platform to innovate, meet changing tastes and give customers more reasons to choose us'. The move reflects broader industry trends, with fast-food chains increasingly using beverages as a way to attract consumers through expanded drink offerings.
The change comes as KFC aims to compete with rivals like Chick-fil-A and Popeyes, who have gained market share. The loss of KFC's beverage contract is significant for PepsiCo, which has been struggling to improve sales in the U.S.
How it is being reported
- KFC signs Coca-Cola on as new beverage partner, ditching PepsiCoLosing a beverage partnership would come as a blow to PepsiCo, which is struggling to improve sales in the country.New York Post · 15 Oct, 21:29
- KFC to switch to Coca-Cola beverages in U.S. restaurants for the first time in decadesKFC is switching from PepsiCo to Coca-Cola as its beverage supplier for U.S. restaurants.CNBC · 15 Oct, 21:10
In this story: KFC · Coca-Cola · PepsiCo · Yum Brands · Chick-fil-A · Popeyes · United States · Catherine Tan-Gillespie
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