KFC Joins Coca-cola as Pepsi Faces Brand Shift in US
WHO:
Fast Company - KFC U.S. president Catherine Tan-Gillespie announced the partnership with Coca-Cola.
IJR - KFC operates 3,718 U.S. locations.
WHAT:
Fast Company - KFC will be offering Coca-Cola products in its U.S. locations starting in January 2027.
Fast Company - Coca-Cola stated that all 3,600 KFC locations nationwide should have made the switch by spring 2027.
IJR - KFC operates 3,718 U.S. locations, which is an increase from the previously mentioned 3,600 locations.
Fast Company - KFC will drop Pepsi for Coca-Cola at all 3,718 U.S. locations starting in January 2027.
IJR - KFC operates 3,718 U.S. locations, which is an increase from the previously mentioned 3,600 locations.
Fast Company - KFC will switch from Pepsi to Coca-Cola products at all U.S. locations.
IJR - The announcement was made on October 15, 2026, and KFC plans to implement the switch starting in January 2027.
Fast Company - Coca-Cola stated that all 3,600 KFC locations nationwide should have made the switch by spring 2027.
Fast Company - PepsiCo's shares fell as YUM Brands (KFC's parent company) rose by 2.82% following the announcement.
WHERE:
Fast Company - The switch will occur at KFC locations across the United States.
WHEN:
IJR - KFC will begin offering Coca-Cola products in January 2027.
Fast Company - The complete switch is expected to be finalized by spring 2027.
WHY:
Fast Company - Catherine Tan-Gillespie stated, “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.”
Fast Company - Catherine Tan-Gillespie stated, “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.”
Fast Company - Catherine Tan-Gillespie stated that the partnership aims to evolve KFC, strengthen its restaurants, and create a more relevant experience for customers.
HOW:
Fast Company - The transition involves KFC dropping PepsiCo products after 40 years of partnership, returning to Coca-Cola, which it previously offered before the 1986 acquisition by PepsiCo.
(UPDATED October 16, 2026 22:59 UTC)
KFC will begin offering Coca-Cola products in its U.S. locations starting in January 2027, with all 3,718 KFC locations expected to make the switch by spring 2027. Catherine Tan-Gillespie expressed her excitement about this partnership, highlighting that both KFC and Coca-Cola are beloved brands that continue to evolve. This collaboration marks a significant change for the fast-food chain as it enhances its beverage offerings.
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(UPDATED October 16, 2026 14:01 UTC)
KFC will switch from Pepsi to Coca-Cola at all of its 3,718 U.S. locations starting in January 2027, marking an increase from the previously reported 3,600 locations. Catherine Tan-Gillespie emphasized that this partnership goes beyond just the beverage choice, as it plays a crucial role in evolving KFC and enhancing the customer experience. The move aims to strengthen the restaurants and create a more relevant offering for today's diners.
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(UPDATED October 16, 2026 13:07 UTC)
KFC has announced a significant partnership with Coca-Cola, marking the end of its 40-year relationship with PepsiCo as it prepares to switch to Coca-Cola products at all U.S. locations. The transition will begin in January 2027, with the goal of having all 3,600 KFC locations nationwide fully switched by spring 2027. Following the announcement, YUM Brands, KFC's parent company, saw its shares rise by 2.82%, while PepsiCo's shares fell.