About Pepsi
Pepsi stands as one of the world's most iconic soft drink brands, delivering cola refreshment to consumers across the globe since 1893. Owned by PepsiCo Inc., the American multinational food and beverage corporation, Pepsi serves as the company's flagship product and the second most valuable soft drink brand worldwide. The famous "cola wars" rivalry with Coca-Cola has defined the carbonated beverage industry for over a century, driving innovation and marketing creativity that benefits consumers everywhere. The Pepsi story began in 1893 when pharmacist Caleb Bradham created "Brad's Drink" in his drugstore in New Bern, North Carolina. In 1898, Bradham renamed his creation Pepsi-Cola, believing the drink aided digestion (the name derives from pepsin, a digestive enzyme, and cola nuts used in the recipe). The Pepsi-Cola Company was incorporated in 1902, and Bradham began franchising bottling operations across the United States. Early years proved challenging for Pepsi. The brand went bankrupt in 1923, struggling against the already-established Coca-Cola. However, businessman Charles Guth purchased the company and reformulated the syrup, reviving the brand's fortunes. During the Great Depression of the 1930s, Guth implemented a brilliant value strategy: offering larger bottles at lower prices than Coca-Cola. This competitive positioning resonated with cost-conscious consumers during tough economic times and established Pepsi as a viable alternative to the market leader. In 1961, the company shortened its name from Pepsi-Cola to simply Pepsi, modernising the brand image. The 1965 merger between Pepsi-Cola Company and Frito-Lay Inc. created PepsiCo, forming one of the world's largest food and beverage conglomerates. This transformative merger brought together soft drinks and snack foods under one corporate umbrella, establishing the diversified company structure that continues today. PepsiCo has grown into a global powerhouse, becoming the second-largest food and beverage business in the world based on net revenue, profit, and market capitalisation, behind only Nestlé. The company reported over $91 billion in net revenues in 2023, with nearly half coming from international markets. PepsiCo's portfolio includes more than 500 brands, with 23 generating over $1 billion each annually. The Pepsi brand portfolio today encompasses several major variants designed for different consumer preferences. Regular Pepsi, the original formula dating back to 1893, delivers the classic cola taste that has defined the brand for over 130 years. Diet Pepsi, introduced in 1964, offers a low-calorie alternative for health-conscious consumers. Pepsi Max, launched in 1993 and now intertwined with Pepsi Zero Sugar, delivers maximum taste with zero sugar, becoming particularly popular in the UK market where it has grown to become the leading variant. Caffeine-Free Pepsi has been available since 1982 for consumers seeking cola flavour without the stimulant. Various limited edition and regional variants appear throughout the year, keeping the brand fresh and engaging for loyal consumers. The UK has seen unique offerings including Pepsi Raw, an all-natural soda that was introduced specifically for the British market. In the UK and Europe, PepsiCo operates through PepsiCo Europe, which manufactures and markets both foods and beverages under one umbrella division. This regional structure allows for market-specific strategies and products tailored to European consumer preferences. PepsiCo Europe's portfolio extends beyond Pepsi to include Frito-Lay snacks, Tropicana juices, Quaker food products, and regional brands like Walkers crisps (the UK name for Lay's), Copella apple juice, Paw Ridge porridge, and Snack-a-Jacks rice cakes. PepsiCo also produces and distributes 7UP in Europe via a licensing agreement. The broader PepsiCo brand family represents extraordinary diversity across food and beverage categories. Mountain Dew provides citrus-flavoured carbonated refreshment. Gatorade dominates the sports drink category (acquired through the Quaker Oats purchase in 2001). Tropicana leads in premium fruit juices (acquired in 1998). Quaker Oats offers breakfast cereals and oatmeal products. Lay's (Walkers in the UK), Doritos, and Cheetos represent global snack food leadership. This diversification protects PepsiCo against category-specific market fluctuations. The cola wars between Pepsi and Coca-Cola have shaped modern marketing history. The 1975 "Pepsi Challenge" blind taste tests suggested consumers preferred Pepsi's sweeter taste. Celebrity endorsements from Michael Jackson, Britney Spears, Beyoncé, and countless others have made Pepsi campaigns cultural events. Super Bowl advertising has become synonymous with both brands competing for consumer attention during the biggest television event of the year. Pepsi products are ubiquitously available across UK retailers. Major supermarkets including Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, Morrisons, and Waitrose stock full ranges in various sizes from individual cans to multipack bulk options. Convenience stores, petrol stations, newsagents, and corner shops carry Pepsi as a staple product. Restaurants, pubs, cinemas, and food service outlets serve Pepsi where it often appears as Coca-Cola's exclusive alternative. Online grocery platforms ensure home delivery availability. When comparing Pepsi to Coca-Cola, the choice often comes down to personal taste preference and brand loyalty. Pepsi tends to be slightly sweeter with citrus notes, while Coca-Cola has spicier vanilla and raisin undertones. Pepsi Max has achieved particular success in the UK as a zero-sugar option, often considered superior to both Coke Zero and Diet Pepsi. Pricing is typically comparable between the brands, making price comparison valuable when purchasing in bulk. For UK shoppers seeking the classic cola refreshment that has satisfied consumers for over 130 years, Pepsi and its portfolio of variants offer choice across regular, diet, and zero-sugar options. Whether enjoying an ice-cold can on a hot day or stocking up for a party, Pepsi delivers consistent quality backed by one of the world's largest beverage companies. Using Grocefully to compare Pepsi prices across UK retailers ensures you find the best deals on this iconic cola brand.