American multinational food and beverage leader
KFC US will shift from PepsiCo to Coca‑Cola beverages starting January, with full rollout by Q1 2027. International KFC locations will keep PepsiCo drinks. Taco Bell and KFC international stores will also serve Coca‑Cola products.
PepsiCo has reported a mixed second quarter, with North American volumes flat or down and international markets driving overall growth. Revenue rose 6.4% to $24.18 billion, but North American beverage volumes fell 4% and per-share earnings narrowly missed expectations. The company has signaled a slower but steady recovery in North America as inflation pressures persist.
The United States has set 10% to 12.5% tariffs on imports from 60 countries accounting for 99% of U.S. imports, arguing that they fail to enforce bans on goods made with forced labour. The tariffs take effect as prior global levies expire, with India and others qualifying for lower rates after tightening enforcement.
Northern Ireland is considering measures to curb obesity by restricting where unhealthy foods are placed in shops and online, mirroring policies in England and Wales. The Department of Health and the FSA have launched a consultation, arguing that price, placement and marketing influence purchases and contribute to obesity. Critics warn about effects on low-income families.
A Guardian report shows the food and drink industry has filed hundreds of lawsuits since 2010 to slow government measures against ultra-processed foods. Led by Coca‑Cola, PepsiCo and Mondelez, the litigation totals 595 years and accompanies warnings from the WHO about health costs. The industry argues moderation but evidence links ultra-processed foods to rising obesity and diet-related disease.
Presley Gerber, son of Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber, has died at a rehab facility in Los Angeles. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has not disclosed a cause of death. Presley had publicly discussed mental health and addiction struggles, and his family has asked for privacy during this difficult time.
Companies are reviewing coverage for GLP-1 weight-loss drugs as costs rise. Some have already trimmed benefits, while others cite long-term employee health benefits as a reason to maintain or adjust coverage. The trend could raise healthcare costs for employers and influence benefits strategies.
Tesla has officially opened high-volume production of the Semi in Sparks, Nevada, with a plan to build up to 50,000 trucks a year. The event showcases new design changes, a charging network, and cost considerations as diesel prices rise and fleets eye emissions reductions. CEO Elon Musk is attending a state dinner abroad, while executives highlight lowered battery weight and improved efficiency.
PepsiCo has initiated a class II recall after undeclared Yellow No. 5 and/or No. 6 dyes were found in several Gatorade flavors. The recall covers 28-ounce bottles distributed across 37 states. Consumers are advised not to drink affected products and to seek refunds; the FDA classifies the risk as mid-level.
PepsiCo has announced price hikes for certain snacks and beverages in the single-digit range to offset rising costs in fuel, aluminum, and agricultural inputs. Despite earlier price cuts ahead of the Super Bowl, third-quarter results show weaker North American soda sales and a shift toward international growth, with the company guiding modest earnings growth for the year.