Coke is winning the Pepsi challenge as KFC becomes the latest brand to switch

Coke has scored another victory in its ongoing war with Pepsi. Starting in January, fast food chicken chain KFC will be offering Coca-Cola products in its U.S. locations. All 3,600 locations nationwide should have made the switch by the spring, Coca-Cola said in the announcement. “I’m incredibly excited to bring KFC and Coca‑Cola together,” KFC U.S. president Catherine Tan-Gillespie said in a statement. “These are two of the greatest originals, with deep consumer love and a shared belief that the best brands continue to evolve.” Tan-Gillespie continued: “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.” A long history The shift comes after 40 years of PepsiCo offerings at the fast food chain. PepsiCo bought KFC in 1986 as part of an expansion into food that also included ownership of Pizza Hut and Taco Bell. However, the drink company spun off its food brands into what is now Yum Brands in 1997. KFC offered Coca-Cola products before the sale. “Most of Kentucky Fried Chicken’s outlets serve Coke products from their fountains, but Peps…

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