Burger King Considers Switch from Pepsi to Coca-Cola Partnership

Burger King is currently in negotiations with Coca-Cola to establish an exclusive beverage partnership, potentially ending its decade-long collaboration with PepsiCo.

The executives have indicated that the agreement will be finalized and publicly disclosed by the conclusion of the upcoming quarter.

Burger King has had an affiliation with PepsiCo since its inception in India back in 2014.

One executive mentioned, "Coca-Cola has been actively promoting its 'Coke with meals' initiative and holds a 15 percent ownership stake in the food delivery platform Thrive. Thrive, which competes with Swiggy and Zomato, boasts a substantial network of over 14,000 restaurants. This collaboration is mutually advantageous for both restaurants and the beverage manufacturer, and it played a significant role in sealing the agreement with Coca-Cola."

Another executive stated that the level of involvement with PepsiCo at the highest level was constrained.

In India, Burger King has maintained an exclusive collaboration with PepsiCo, despite its global alignment with Coca-Cola. Similarly, KFC and Pizza Hut in India have exclusive agreements to offer PepsiCo's beverages.

This arrangement will provide Coca-Cola with instant access and a strong presence in more than 391 Burger King outlets, including its coffee and beverage subsidiary "BK Cafe" throughout India.

In April of this year, Coca-Cola India made its inaugural investment in an Indian startup by acquiring a share in Thrive, a venture owned by Hashtag Loyalty.