KFC is replacing Pepsi with Coca-Cola at nearly 3,700 U.S. locations by next year, marking its first major beverage supplier switch in nearly four decades.
In a joint statement released Thursday, October 15, KFC and Coca-Cola confirmed that the transition will begin in January 2027, with Coca-Cola products expected to be available at all U.S. locations by spring.
“This exciting new partnership brings Coca‑Cola and KFC together across the U.S. for the very first time,” said Dagmar Boggs, President of Foodservice & On-Premise, North America, The Coca‑Cola Company. “By pairing KFC’s iconic food and flavors with the breadth of Coca‑Cola’s beverage portfolio and innovation capabilities, we have an incredible opportunity to make every visit more refreshing, create memorable consumer experiences, delight KFC guests, serve KFC Restaurant Teams, and unlock new growth possibilities together.”
KFC Partners With Coca-Cola, Ditches Pepsi
Meanwhile, KFC U.S. President Catherine Tan-Gillespie said the partnership with Coca-Cola would help modernize the chain and enhance its restaurants and menu offerings.
“I’m incredibly excited to bring KFC and Coca‑Cola together. These are two of the greatest originals, with deep consumer love and a shared belief that the best brands continue to evolve,” Tan-Gillespie said in a statement. “This partnership is about more than what’s in the cup. It is another important step in our work to evolve KFC, strengthen our restaurants and create a more relevant experience for today’s customers. Coca‑Cola shares our ambition for the future of this brand, and I’m excited about what we can create together.”
PepsiCo acquired KFC in 1986 and separated its restaurant businesses in 1997. However, it continued supplying beverages to KFC under its parent company, Yum Brands, Reuters reported.
What Drinks Will KFC Offer Under Its New Coca-Cola Partnership?
KFC’s switch from Pepsi to Coca-Cola will bring a new lineup of beverages to U.S. restaurants next year. While the full menu has yet to be announced, the partnership could give customers access to Coca-Cola’s beverage portfolio.
Coca-Cola offers a range of beverages, including Sprite, Fanta, and Dasani. However, KFC has yet to confirm which products will be available at its U.S. locations once the transition begins.
Despite losing KFC’s U.S. beverage business to Coca-Cola, PepsiCo and Yum Brands have renewed their agreements covering Taco Bell and KFC International stores, a PepsiCo spokesperson told Reuters.
PepsiCo also supplies beverages to sandwich chains Subway and Jersey Mike’s Subs, as well as operating the soda fountain at Pizza Hut.
Meanwhile, Coca-Cola has long-standing beverage partnerships with McDonald’s and Wendy’s.
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