Summary
Brands chain, KFC, said it was dropping Pepsi in favor of Coca-Cola at its U.S. restaurants, ending a beverage relationship that lasted roughly four d…
PepsiCo and Taco Bell are extending their decades-long partnership for another 11 years, keeping Pepsi beverages — including the fan-favorite Mountain Dew Baja Blast — at participating U.S. restaurants through 2036.
The partnership covers Taco Bell, Taco Bell Cantina and Live Más Café locations nationwide, PepsiCo announced Thursday.
By renewing their longstanding partnership, PepsiCo and Taco Bell have ensured that one of their most recognizable products will remain on the menu.
Taco Bell and PepsiCo announced an 11-year extension of their beverage partnership, keeping Pepsi products at participating U.S. restaurants through 2036. (Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images / Getty Images)
Mountain Dew Baja Blast – the popular beverage created through the Taco Bell-PepsiCo partnership that has grown into a billion-dollar brand – will remain available alongside Pepsi, Pepsi Zero Sugar, Mountain Dew, Starry and Baja Midnight.
"Some of PepsiCo’s best foodservice innovations have come from partnerships that challenge us to think differently, and Taco Bell has always brought that energy," PepsiCo Global Away from Home President Anne Fink said in a statement.
Mountain Dew Baja Blast Midnight, a popular beverage created through the Taco Bell-PepsiCo partnership, will remain on the fast-food chain's menu under a new 11-year agreement. (Taco Bell)
"Together, we have co-created products consumers love, from the iconic Mountain Dew Baja Blast to DORITOS Locos Tacos," Fink continued. "What makes this partnership special is how we bring together Taco Bell’s connection to culture with PepsiCo’s consumer insights, culinary capabilities and beverage expertise to create what’s next. We’re excited about what we can build together over the next 11 years."
The partnership has also led to one of Taco Bell's most recognizable menu items: Doritos Locos Tacos. The product will celebrate its 15th anniversary in 2027, and PepsiCo said additional flavors are planned.
Taco Bell President Meg Farren also welcomed the renewed agreement.
"PepsiCo has been a trusted partner for over two decades, and we look forward to continuing to work hand-in-hand to drive long-term growth for the Taco Bell brand," Farren said.
PepsiCo secured an 11-year extension of its partnership with Taco Bell, covering beverages at Taco Bell, Taco Bell Cantina and Live Más Cafe locations. (Reuters / Fox News)
The announcement comes after another major Yum! Brands chain, KFC, said it was dropping Pepsi in favor of Coca-Cola at its U.S. restaurants, ending a beverage relationship that lasted roughly four decades.
The fried chicken chain said it would begin transitioning to Coca-Cola products in January 2027, with the new beverages expected to be available across KFC's roughly 3,700 U.S. restaurants by spring.
Source: Fox Business
