Marriott International ends 34-year PepsiCo partnership, signs global beverage deal with Coca-Cola

GLOBAL – Marriott International has ended its 34-year beverage partnership with PepsiCo and signed a new global agreement with The Coca-Cola Company, marking one of the most significant developments in the long-standing rivalry between the world’s two largest soft drink companies. 

The agreement gives Coca-Cola access to Marriott’s global hospitality network, which spans approximately 10,000 properties across 146 countries and territories.  

The rollout will include hotels in key African markets such as South Africa and Nigeria, as well as major destinations including the United States, China and France. 

Marriott and Coca-Cola announced the partnership on July 1, with implementation set to take place in phases over the coming months. Under the agreement, Coca-Cola becomes Marriott’s global beverage partner across several categories, including carbonated soft drinks, hydration products and functional beverages. 

Guests will begin seeing Coca-Cola brands across guestrooms, restaurants, lounges, meetings and events throughout Marriott’s global portfolio as the transition progresses. 

The partnership ends a relationship that began in 1992 when PepsiCo became Marriott’s carbonated beverage supplier for lobby markets, restaurants, bars and in-room dining.  

At the time, Marriott switched from Coca-Cola to Pepsi after Coca-Cola reportedly declined to provide a loan of between US$50 million and US$100 million requested by the hotel company. PepsiCo later renewed the partnership in 2018, extending the long-standing agreement. 

According to the travel blog View from the Wing, Marriott informed hotel operators that “The Coca-Cola portfolio is favored by more than 70% of Marriott’s guests.” 

Anthony Capuano, President and Chief Executive Officer of Marriott International, said the agreement aligns with the company’s focus on enhancing the guest experience. 

“This agreement brings together two iconic brands with a shared commitment to quality, consistency, and creating memorable experiences,” Capuano said. 

“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.” 

Henrique Braun, Chief Executive Officer of The Coca-Cola Company, said the partnership strengthens Coca-Cola’s presence within one of the world’s largest hotel groups. 

“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 travelers more of the brands they love,” Braun said. 

“From sparkling beverages to juices, hydration and dairy, we’re offering guests options for their beverage needs throughout their entire visit.” 

Marriott International and Coca-Cola did not disclose the financial terms or duration of the global agreement. 

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