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COLA WARS
PepsiCo loses some fizz as Coca-Cola captures its Marriott business
By our African Marketing Confederation News Team | 2026
Another salvo is fired in the long-running ‘Cola Wars’ as Coke steals Pepsi’s thunder across the Marriott group’s 10,000 global properties.
The long-standing ‘Cola Wars’ between arch-rivals Coca-Cola and PepsiCo has taken another turn, with Coca-Cola capturing the Marriott hotel group’s business after a break of 34 years.
Marriott is the world’s largest hotel group and has more than 10,000 properties in 146 countries and territories – including a substantial and growing presence in Africa.
The hospitality group dumped Coca-Cola for PepsiCo in 1992 and Pepsi has had an exclusive agreement since then to provide its carbonated beverages in lobbies, restaurants, bars and hotel rooms across the group. Marriott operates around 30 hotel and timeshare brands worldwide – including Ritz-Carlton, Sheraton, Westin and Le Meridien.
Photo: Rohit Sharma/Pexels
The 1992 Marriott-Coke breakup allegedly occurred because the Coca-Cola Company had refused a Marriott request to give it a sizeable loan.
Now the brands are officially reunited from 1 July 2026, with a phased rollout set to continue worldwide over the coming months.
Agreement brings together two iconic brands
“This agreement brings together two iconic brands with a shared commitment to quality, consistency and creating memorable experiences,” says Anthony Capuano, President and Chief Executive Officer of Marriott International.
“We are focused on delivering the products our guests and Marriott Bonvoy Members know and love, better meeting guest preferences and creating economic benefits for owners and franchise operators across our system. We’re excited to collaborate with The Coca-Cola Company to deliver their great products in more places.”
Marriott Bonvoy is the global loyalty and rewards program of Marriott International.
Comments Henrique Braun, CEO of The Coca-Cola Company: “This is a great day. On behalf of the entire Coca-Cola system, we’re excited about our future with Marriott and the opportunity to provide travellers more of the brands they love.
“From sparkling beverages to juices, hydration and dairy, we’re offering guests options for their beverage needs throughout their entire visit.”
Marriott has an extensive presence across Africa and, according to the publication Business Insider Africa, plans to add more than 50 properties and 9,000 rooms by 2027 – including entries into Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar and Mauritania.
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