KFC Renews Pepsi Deal Abroad, Switches to Coke in U.S.
KFC will keep serving PepsiCo beverages in eight international markets while moving thousands of U.S. restaurants to Coca-Cola.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Dining Out
KFC has renewed its beverage contract with PepsiCo in several international markets, including Australia, India, the U.K., Spain, Germany, France, the Netherlands and Belgium. At the same time, KFC, a division of Yum Brands, struck a deal to switch from Pepsi to Coca-Cola at thousands of U.S. restaurants.
Why it matters
The split arrangement shows how a major fast-food chain can run different beverage partnerships by region. For diners worldwide, it means the cola served with their meal may depend largely on where they are eating.
The renewed PepsiCo arrangement covers 8 international markets, while the U.S. switch to Coca-Cola affects thousands of restaurants. The exact restaurant count and contract terms were not disclosed in the available details.
The players
KFC
KFC is a global fried chicken restaurant chain and a division of Yum Brands, known for its menu and franchise network across many countries.
PepsiCo
PepsiCo is a multinational food and beverage company whose brands include Pepsi, and it supplies drinks to restaurant chains worldwide.
Coca-Cola
The Coca-Cola Company is a global beverage manufacturer and the main rival of PepsiCo in the soft drink market.
The details
PepsiCo will work with KFC to tailor beverage selections and menu offerings to local tastes and help expand the beverage lineup to appeal to Gen Z. The international renewal keeps Pepsi drinks at KFC locations in the listed markets.
Timeline
- November 6, 2026: KFC renewed its Pepsi beverage contract in international markets.
Industry Dynamics
Beverage deals at major fast-food chains have long been part of the Pepsi-Coca-Cola rivalry for fountain drink placement. This split arrangement, with Pepsi kept abroad and Coca-Cola adopted in the U.S., shows the rivalry playing out differently by region.
If you order a soft drink at KFC, the brand you get will depend on whether you are in the U.S. or one of the markets where Pepsi continues. Readers planning a meal can check the menu at their local KFC for the drink on offer.
The takeaway
Beverage choices at a restaurant are often set by regional business deals rather than a single global standard. Checking the drink menu where you eat can help avoid surprises.
Further reading
For more on restaurant chains and how they choose their menus, see Dining Out.
