KFC Chooses Coca-Cola for U.S. Drinks, Ending Pepsi Partnership
KFC expects Coca-Cola beverages in all U.S. restaurants by early 2027, while PepsiCo remains a partner internationally and across parts of Yum Brands.
Key takeaways
- KFC plans to replace PepsiCo drinks with Coca-Cola in U.S. restaurants.
- KFC expects the switch to reach all U.S. locations by the end of the first quarter of 2027.
- PepsiCo remains a beverage partner for KFC’s international markets.
KFC will replace PepsiCo drinks with Coca-Cola beverages at its U.S. restaurants, ending a partnership that began about four decades ago. The chain expects the transition to reach all U.S. locations by the end of the first quarter of 2027.
The change reverses a long-standing arrangement that continued after PepsiCo spun off KFC in 1997. KFC’s U.S. restaurants had served Pepsi products since Pepsi acquired the chicken chain in 1986.
KFC U.S. President Catherine Tan-Gillespie said the new beverage partnership would support efforts to refresh the chain’s offerings and give customers more reasons to visit. The company has recently introduced drinks including iced coffees and shakes at its innovation restaurant in Texas.
PepsiCo will remain a partner for KFC’s international markets, and the companies recently renewed agreements covering Taco Bell and KFC International stores, according to a PepsiCo spokesperson cited by Reuters. Coca-Cola products are also expected to be available at KFC U.S. restaurants by spring 2027, according to The Business Times. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
This article was produced with the help of AI technology. Based on reporting by the outlets listed above.
