The change is part of a broader overhaul of the menu and operations, according to the company’s U.S. president Catherine Tan-Gillespie. Yum Brands is also placing greater emphasis on increasing beverage sales across its restaurant chains.
The new partnership ends a decades-long relationship with Pepsi, which once owned the fried-chicken chain. This move represents one of the most visible adjustments in the chain’s current turnaround effort, signaling a fresh strategic direction for the brand.
In the press release, Gillespie said the partnership with the soda maker is “another step in our work to evolve KFC, strengthen our restaurants, menu offerings and create a more relevant experience for today’s customers.” She noted that the collaboration aligns with long-term brand goals.
The move follows other quick-service chains that have recently switched soda partners; Subway switched from Coke to Pepsi in 2024 while rolling out new sandwiches and snack items as part of its own refresh.
The chain has spent recent years trying to regain sales momentum, borrowing tactics from its sister brand Taco Bell such as limited-time offers, an expanded sauce selection, and experimental spin-offs that aim to draw curious diners.
