Key Takeaways:
- Big Switch: Costco food courts are dropping Pepsi for Coca-Cola after 10 years.
- Trump Factor: Speculation grows after Trump claims Coke may return to cane sugar.
- Global Rollout: By fall, all 908 Costco locations worldwide will feature Coca-Cola products.
Costco is making a major change in its iconic food courts: Coca-Cola products are replacing Pepsi, a switch that began in early July and will be complete by fall, according to The Coca-Cola Company.
“Costco insiders and Coca-Cola fans are buzzing about the transition,” Coca-Cola said in a statement to FOX Business, noting that warehouses in 14 countries will soon feature Coke alongside Costco’s famous $1.50 hot dog combo. The move reverses a decade-long relationship with Pepsi that started in 2013.
The timing is notable. President Donald Trump recently announced on Truth Social that Coca-Cola plans to swap high-fructose corn syrup for cane sugar. While Coca-Cola has not confirmed the claim, the speculation has thrust the beverage giant into the spotlight. A shift to real sugar could position Coke as a premium, health-conscious alternative—at a time when consumer demand for clean-label products is surging.
Costco CEO Ron Vachris had hinted at the change in January, saying the retailer would “convert our food court fountain business back over to Coca-Cola” this summer. For Costco, ancillary offerings like food courts are key to driving member visits, along with gas stations, optical services, and tire centers.
The warehouse club currently operates 908 locations worldwide and plans to hit 914 by year-end. With Coke back on the menu, Costco is betting on nostalgia—and customer loyalty—to keep its foot traffic strong.