PepsiCo has locked in a new 11-year distribution agreement with Taco Bell to remain its exclusive beverage provider through 2036. This long-term contract renewal comes shortly after sister restaurant chain KFC decided to switch its main American soda supplier to Coca-Cola.
- PepsiCo has secured an 11-year exclusive beverage distribution deal with Taco Bell, extending their partnership through 2036.
- This renewal follows KFC's decision to switch its main U.S. soda supplier from PepsiCo to Coca-Cola, despite both chains being owned by Yum Brands.
- PepsiCo still has strong international partnerships with Yum Brands’ portfolio, maintaining its presence outside the U.S.
- Taco Bell will keep serving exclusive PepsiCo beverages like Mountain Dew Baja Blast in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Ireland, and Thailand.
Both fast-food chains are operated by parent company Yum Brands, which originally spun off from PepsiCo back in 1997. Despite KFC ending its domestic arrangement with the soda giant, PepsiCo continues to maintain strong international ties across Yum Brands' global portfolio.
In an internal company memo obtained by CNBC, KFC U.S. President Catherine Tan-Gillespie stated that Pepsi remains "an important partner for Yum and the chain's international markets".
Under the extended terms, Taco Bell restaurants will keep offering exclusive branded drinks such as Mountain Dew Baja Blast while serving customers across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Thailand.
President Traoré cracks down on illegal imports of banned German beverages in Burkina Faso
In West Africa, President Ibrahim Traoré has issued a stern warning to traders illegally smuggling prohibited alcoholic beverages.
During a high-level government meeting in Ouagadougou, regional leaders discussed the serious health dangers that illegal drugs and alcohol pose to young citizens.
Back in June 2024, Burkinabe authorities officially outlawed the production, sale, and possession of alcoholic energy drinks, specifically targeting the imported German beverage brand Vody.
Despite these strict regulations, border customs officers continue to intercept secret shipments of contraband beverages every day.
Addressing the ongoing enforcement challenges in statements reported by La Nouvelle Tribune, President Traoré emphasized that "the ban is not enough; traffickers are still managing to bring these products in, and customs seizes concealed shipments every day".
He further cautioned government officials that "a nation cannot be built on a sick youth, lacking clarity and direction," urging regional governors to increase efforts to protect public health through new local sports initiatives.