The fried chicken chain announced the new Coca-Cola partnership in a news release on Thursday, Oct. 15. Coca-Cola products will begin replacing Pepsi beverages in January 2027, and the change is expected to be completed at all US locations by the end of March.
The switch ends a relationship dating back to 1986, when PepsiCo purchased KFC. The chain continued serving Pepsi products even after PepsiCo spun off KFC, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell into what became Yum! Brands.
Some international KFC restaurants already serve Coca-Cola drinks, but the switch will mark the first time in decades that Coke products will be offered at the chain's US locations.
"I'm incredibly excited to bring KFC and Coca-Cola together," said Catherine Tan-Gillespie, president of KFC US. "These are two originals, with deep consumer love. This partnership is about more than what's in the cup. It is another step in our work to evolve KFC, strengthen our restaurants, menu offerings and create a more relevant experience for today's customers. Coca-Cola shares our ambition for the future of this brand, and I'm excited about what we can create together."
The change comes as KFC works to win back customers amid growing competition from Chick-fil-A, Popeyes, and Raising Cane's. KFC slipped from second to fourth place, with its share of the US chicken fast-food market dropping from 16% in 2021 to 9.4% in 2024, CNBC reported.
The Coca-Cola partnership is part of KFC's broader turnaround plan called the "Kentucky Fried Comeback." The company has expanded its menu with new chicken items, sauces, and specialty drinks.
KFC recently introduced a lineup of iced coffees, boba drinks, and shakes at its Open House innovation restaurant in McKinney, Texas. The chain also launched snack-sized Go Buckets nationwide on Monday, Oct. 5, starting at $3.49.
The switch is part of a larger battle between Coca-Cola and Pepsi for restaurant customers.
Coca-Cola has also replaced Pepsi at Arby's, Culver's, and Panda Express in recent years. Pepsi took over Subway's US beverage partnership in 2024.
KFC has about 30,000 restaurants worldwide, including more than 3,700 in the US.
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