Unraveling the Costco Soda Saga - Pepsi or Coca-Cola?

Why the Rumor of Switching Soda Brands?

If you're a fan of Pepsi and enjoy getting your soda fix from the Costco food court, these rumors have surely caught your attention. Multiple social media accounts have been buzzing with talk of Costco potentially terminating its long-standing partnership with Pepsi. It's a big deal as the warehouse has been serving Pepsi products for 11 years. The idea of seeing Coca-Cola, Sprite, and Fanta take center stage instead is both exciting and concerning for many. One Instagram user speculated that Coke's emphasis on machine quality and their partnership with Costco was the driving force behind this potential switch. But until official confirmation, it's all just speculation.

Even though it's still unsubstantiated, many Costco members have already started getting excited about the possibility of enjoying Diet Coke alongside their hot dogs. As one person on Reddit said, "This makes my whole day. I always say the one downside to the food court is the Pepsi." Another eager fan confidently shared, "This is true. Coke is coming." However, there are also those who are cautious and won't believe it until they see it with their own eyes. As another Redditor put it, "I'll believe it when I see it."

What Led to the 2013 Switch from Coca-Cola to Pepsi?

Costco is no stranger to making changes to its food court offerings from time to time. One of the most significant changes occurred over a decade ago when the warehouse switched its soft drinks. Up until 2013, Costco exclusively offered Coca-Cola beverage products at all its food court locations in the United States. But as early as 2009, there were rumors of disputes over pricing between Coca-Cola and Costco. These rumors were believed to put the iconic $1.50 hot dog combo price at risk, leading to Costco's eventual switch to Pepsi products. However, the retail company has since dispelled any rumors that previous tensions influenced the switch.

Alan Bubitz, Vice President of Food Services at Costco during this transition, confirmed that there were no hard feelings between Coca-Cola and Costco. He stated, "They did nothing wrong in the bidding process." This further fuels the possibility that Coca-Cola products could make a comeback to Costco food courts. But if the switch does happen, it might take some time before it becomes noticeable at your local food court.