PepsiCo renews KFC partnership across international markets
PepsiCo will keep pouring at KFC restaurants in several of the chicken chain’s biggest international markets. The food and beverage giant has renewed its long-standing partnership with KFC across eight countries, just weeks after losing KFC’s U.S. drinks business to rival Coca-Cola. The deal also signals a bigger focus on new drinks and menu innovation as KFC looks to win over younger customers. Here’s what the renewal means.
Which Markets Are Included?
Announced on 6 November 2026, the renewal keeps PepsiCo as KFC’s beverage partner of choice in eight markets:
- Australia
- India
- United Kingdom
- Spain
- Germany
- France
- Netherlands
- Belgium
The agreement builds on a decades-long global relationship between the two companies, with PepsiCo already serving KFC restaurants across the Middle East, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and other regions.
A Focus on Local Tastes and Gen Z
Under the partnership, PepsiCo and KFC will continue to tailor drink selections and menu items to local tastes and dining occasions in each market. A key focus is supporting KFC’s growing beverage strategy, especially new drinks designed to appeal to Gen Z consumers.
PepsiCo says it will draw on its wide portfolio of brands and its innovation expertise to help, from culturally relevant flavour collaborations to emerging trends in crafted, functional and energy drinks. Eugene Willemsen, CEO of International Beverages at PepsiCo, said KFC is “building great momentum across its international markets” and that PepsiCo is proud to continue building on their long-standing relationship.
The timing fits with KFC’s recent drinks push. In Australia, for example, KFC has just launched KWENCH, a permanent speciality drinks range featuring Krunch Shakes, Boba Refreshers, Sparkling Lemonades and Frozen Spiders.
More Than Just Drinks: Doritos Loaded
The partnership isn’t limited to what’s in the cup. PepsiCo and KFC also collaborate on menu innovation, combining their brands to create exclusive items. One example is Doritos Loaded, available in select markets, which pairs KFC’s crispy chicken tenders with Doritos tortilla chips and Mexican-inspired toppings. Availability varies by country.
Why the Renewal Matters After the U.S. Split
The international renewal comes shortly after KFC switched its U.S. drinks supplier from PepsiCo to Coca-Cola, ending a partnership of around 40 years that covered more than 3,700 U.S. locations. The new Coca-Cola contract is set to begin next year.
Keeping KFC’s business in major international markets is an important win for PepsiCo. It also follows another recent boost: in October, KFC’s sister brand Taco Bell expanded its ties with PepsiCo in a deal covering the U.S., Canada, Ireland, Thailand and the UK. Both KFC and Taco Bell are owned by Yum! Brands.
PepsiCo and KFC Partnership at a Glance
| Detail | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Announcement date | 6 November 2026 |
| Renewed markets | Australia, India, UK, Spain, Germany, France, Netherlands, Belgium |
| Existing PepsiCo regions | Middle East, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and more |
| Focus areas | Local tastes, Gen Z drinks, crafted, functional and energy beverages |
| Menu collaboration | Doritos Loaded in select markets |
| U.S. status | KFC switching to Coca-Cola, with the new deal starting next year |
| Related deal | Taco Bell expanded its PepsiCo partnership in October 2026 |
What It Means for Customers
For KFC fans in the eight renewed markets, little will change at the soda fountain. PepsiCo drinks will remain on the menu, and customers can expect more new drinks, local flavours and possibly more co-branded menu items in the future. In the U.S., however, KFC customers will see Coca-Cola products replace Pepsi once the new contract begins.
The Bottom Line
PepsiCo has secured its partnership with KFC across eight key international markets, including the UK, Australia and India, keeping its drinks on the menu despite losing KFC’s U.S. business to Coca-Cola. With a focus on Gen Z-friendly drinks, local flavours and menu collaborations like Doritos Loaded, the renewed deal aims to help KFC grow its beverage business around the world.
FAQ
Which countries are included in the PepsiCo and KFC renewal?
The renewal covers KFC restaurants in Australia, India, the United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, France, the Netherlands and Belgium.
Is KFC switching from Pepsi to Coca-Cola?
In the U.S., yes. KFC is moving to Coca-Cola, with the new contract starting next year. In the eight renewed international markets, PepsiCo remains KFC’s beverage partner.
What is KFC Doritos Loaded?
Doritos Loaded is a menu item available in select markets that combines KFC’s crispy chicken tenders with Doritos tortilla chips and Mexican-inspired toppings.
Who owns KFC?
KFC is owned by Yum! Brands, which also owns Taco Bell.
Bolded anchor phrases to link: PepsiCo, KFC, Coca-Cola, Australia, India, United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, France, Netherlands, Belgium, beverage strategy, Gen Z, KWENCH, Doritos Loaded, Taco Bell, Yum! Brands.
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