View source for Pepsi

{{Short description|Soft drink by PepsiCo}}
{{About|the beverage|its manufacturer|PepsiCo|other uses|Pepsi (disambiguation)}}
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{{Infobox drink
| name = Pepsi
| type = [[Cola]]
| manufacturer = [[PepsiCo]]
| origin = [[United States]]
| region = [[New Bern, North Carolina]]
| introduced = {{Start date and age|1893}} (as '''Brad's Drink''')<br />{{Start date and age|1898}} (as '''Pepsi-Cola''')<br />{{Start date and age|1961}} (as '''Pepsi''')
| color = [[Caramel color|Caramel E-150d]]
| flavor = 
| ingredients = 
| variants = [[Diet Pepsi]]<br />[[Pepsi Twist]]<br />[[Pepsi Lime]]<br />[[Pepsi Wild Cherry]]<br />[[Crystal Pepsi]]<br />[[Caffeine-Free Pepsi]]<br />[[Pepsi-Cola Made with Real Sugar]]<br />[[Pepsi Vanilla]]<br />[[Pepsi Zero Sugar]]<br />[[Pepsi Max]]<br/>[[Nitro Pepsi]]
| related = {{ubl|[[Coca-Cola]]|[[RC Cola]]}}
| website = {{URL|https://www.pepsi.com/}}
| logo = Pepsi 2023.svg
| logo_size = 140
| logo_caption = Logo used since 2023
}}
'''Pepsi''' {{audio|LL-Q1860 (eng)-Flame, not lame-Pepsi.wav|}}
is a [[Carbonated water|carbonated]] [[soft drink]] with a [[cola]] flavor, manufactured by [[PepsiCo]]. As of 2023, Pepsi is the second most valuable soft drink brand worldwide behind [[Coca-Cola]];<ref>{{Cite web |title=Much of the Global Beverage Industry Is Controlled by Coca Cola and Pepsi |url=https://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/060415/how-much-global-beverage-industry-controlled-coca-cola-and-pepsi.asp |access-date=2023-07-22 |website=Investopedia |language=en}}</ref> the two share a long-standing rivalry in what has been called the "[[cola wars]]".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bhasin |first=Kim |title=COKE VS. PEPSI: The Story Behind The Neverending 'Cola Wars' |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/coca-cola-vs-pepsi-timeline-2013-1 |access-date=2023-11-08 |website=Business Insider |language=en-US}}</ref>

Pepsi, originally created in 1893 by [[Caleb Bradham]] and named "Brad's Drink," was first sold in his drugstore in [[New Bern, North Carolina]]. Renamed Pepsi-Cola in 1898 due to its supposed digestive benefits, it was shortened to Pepsi in 1961. The beverage's formula initially included [[sugar]] and [[vanilla]] but not [[pepsin]], despite speculation on the origin of its name. Early on, Pepsi struggled with financial stability, going bankrupt in 1923 but was subsequently purchased and revived by [[Charles Guth]], who reformulated the syrup. Pepsi gained popularity with the introduction of a 12-ounce [[bottle]] during the [[Great Depression]] and clever marketing strategies like the "[[Nickel, Nickel]]" jingle, doubling sales by emphasizing its value.

The mid-20th century saw Pepsi targeting the [[African American]] market, a then-untapped demographic, with positive portrayals and endorsements from prominent figures, boosting its market share. Despite occasional controversies, such as an aborted [[Madonna]] advertisement and the "[[Pepsi Number Fever]]" fiasco in the Philippines, Pepsi has remained a prominent global brand, partly thanks to innovative marketing campaigns and sponsorships in sports and entertainment.

Pepsi's rivalry with Coca-Cola, highlighted by the "cola wars", led to significant cultural and market competition, including the "Pepsi Challenge" taste tests and the introduction of [[New Coke]] in response. Pepsi's expansion into international markets has seen varied success, with notable ventures into the [[Soviet Union]] via a landmark barter deal and enduring popularity in certain regions over Coca-Cola. As of the early 21st century, Pepsi continues to innovate, both in product variations and marketing strategies, while maintaining a significant presence in the global soft drink industry.

==History==
[[File:HMB Bern New Bern Caleb Bradham.jpg|thumb|The pharmacy of [[Caleb Bradham]], with a Pepsi dispenser]]
[[File:PepsiPlaque.jpg|thumb|A plaque at 256 Middle Street, New Bern, NC]]
Pepsi was first invented in 1893 as "Brad's Drink" by Caleb Bradham, who sold the drink at his drugstore in New Bern, North Carolina.<ref name="store">{{cite web|url=https://pepsistore.com/index.php/history-of-the-birthplace/|title=The History of the Birthplace of Pepsi-Cola|access-date=October 20, 2022|publisher=Pepsistore.com|archive-date=October 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221020202701/https://pepsistore.com/index.php/history-of-the-birthplace/|url-status=live}}</ref>

It was renamed Pepsi-Cola in 1898, "Pepsi" because it was advertised to relieve [[dyspepsia]]<ref name="TompkinsBaughman1994">{{cite book|author1=Vincent Tompkins|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=73IOPUVwruUC|title=American Decades: 1900-1909|author2=Judith Baughman|author3=James W. Hipp|publisher=Gale Research|year=1994|isbn=978-0-8103-5722-8|quote=Pepsi derives its name from the ailment it was advertised to relieve: dyspepsia.|access-date=2020-09-12|archive-date=2023-04-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230423105929/https://books.google.com/books?id=73IOPUVwruUC|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="store" /><ref name="Donovan2013">{{cite book|author=Tristan Donovan|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BTIFAQAAQBAJ&pg=PA72|title=Fizz: How Soda Shook Up the World|date=November 1, 2013|publisher=Chicago Review Press|isbn=978-1-61374-725-4|pages=72|quote=The cola part of the name was an obvious nod to the cola flavor of the drink, while the word Pepsi referred to his goal of making an indigestion-easing beverage. Whether the word Pepsi came from the digestive enzyme pepsin or dyspepsia [...] or both isn't known.|access-date=September 12, 2020|archive-date=April 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230423105929/https://books.google.com/books?id=BTIFAQAAQBAJ&pg=PA72|url-status=live}}</ref> (indigestion) and "Cola" referring to the [[Cola|cola flavor]].<ref name="Donovan2013" /> Some have also suggested that "Pepsi" may have been a reference to the drink aiding digestion like the digestive enzyme [[pepsin]],<ref name="Stoddard2011">{{cite book|author=Stoddard|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5BNjDwAAQBAJ&pg=PP15|title=Encyclopedia of Pepsi-Cola Collectibles|date=February 28, 2011|publisher=Penguin Publishing Group|isbn=978-1-4402-2535-2|pages=15|access-date=September 12, 2020|archive-date=April 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230423105929/https://books.google.com/books?id=5BNjDwAAQBAJ&pg=PP15|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Donovan2013" /> but pepsin itself was never used as an ingredient to Pepsi-Cola.<ref name="store" />

The original recipe also included sugar and vanilla.<ref name="store" /> Bradham sought to create a fountain drink that was appealing and would aid in digestion and boost energy.<ref name="store"/>
[[File:Pepsi Cola logo 1902.svg|thumb|The original stylized Pepsi-Cola wordmark, used from 1898 until 1905]]
In 1903, Bradham moved the bottling of Pepsi from his drugstore to a rented warehouse. That year, Bradham sold 7,968 gallons of syrup. The next year, Pepsi was sold in six-ounce bottles, and sales increased to 19,848 gallons. In 1909, automobile race pioneer [[Barney Oldfield]] was the first celebrity to endorse Pepsi, describing it as "A bully drink...refreshing, invigorating, a fine bracer before a race." The advertising theme "Delicious and Healthful" was then used over the next two decades.<ref>{{cite web|title=Pepsi – FAQs|url=http://www.pepsiusa.com/faqs.php?section=highlights|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080506010751/http://www.pepsiusa.com/faqs.php?section=highlights|archive-date=May 6, 2008|access-date=October 12, 2009|publisher=[[PepsiCo]]|quote=1909: Automobile racing pioneer Barney Oldfield becomes the first celebrity to endorse Pepsi when he appears in newspaper ads describing Pepsi: "A bully drink...refreshing, invigorating, a fine bracer before a race." The theme "Delicious and Healthful" appears and will be used intermittently over the next two decades.}}</ref>
[[File:Pepsi newspaper ad 1919.png|thumb|A 1919 newspaper ad for Pepsi-Cola]]

In 1923, the Pepsi-Cola Company entered bankruptcy—in large part due to financial losses incurred by speculating on the wildly fluctuating sugar prices as a result of [[World War I]]. Assets were sold and Roy C. Megargel bought the Pepsi trademark.<ref name=store/> Megargel was unsuccessful in efforts to find funding to revive the brand and soon Pepsi-Cola's assets were purchased by [[Charles Guth]], the president of [[Loft, Inc.]] Loft was a candy manufacturer with retail stores that contained soda fountains. He sought to replace [[Coca-Cola]] at his stores' fountains after [[The Coca-Cola Company]] refused to give him additional discounts on syrup. Guth then had Loft's chemists reformulate the Pepsi-Cola syrup formula.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://h2o.law.harvard.edu/collages/42028#p21|title=Guth v. Loft (Del. 1939) [Pepsi]|website=h2o.law.harvard.edu|access-date=June 21, 2019|archive-date=May 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507072817/https://h2o.law.harvard.edu/collages/42028#p21|url-status=live}}</ref>
On three occasions between 1922 and 1933, the Coca-Cola Company was offered the opportunity to purchase the Pepsi-Cola Company, which it declined on each occasion.<ref>{{cite book|author=Mark Pendergrast|author-link=Mark Pendergrast|title=For God, Country and Coca-Cola|publisher=Basic Books|year=2000|pages=192–193|isbn=0-465-05468-4}}</ref>

===Growth in popularity===
During the [[Great Depression]], Pepsi gained popularity following the introduction in 1934 of a 12-ounce (355 mL) bottle. Prior to that, Pepsi and Coca-Cola sold their drinks in 6.5-ounce (192 mL) servings for about $0.05 a bottle. <ref>{{Cite web |title=The History of the Coca-Cola Contour Bottle - News & Articles |url=https://www.coca-colacompany.com/about-us/history/the-history-of-the-coca-cola-contour-bottle |access-date=2024-04-22 |website=www.coca-colacompany.com}}</ref> With a radio advertising campaign featuring the popular jingle "Nickel, Nickel" – first recorded by the [[Tune Twisters]] in 1940 – Pepsi encouraged price-conscious consumers to double the volume their nickels could purchase.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://baerpm.wordpress.com/2011/07/01/flashback-friday-nickel-nickel/|title=Flashback Friday- "Nickel Nickel"|last=Marketing|first=Baer Performance|date=July 1, 2011|website=Baer Performance Marketing|language=en|access-date=June 13, 2019|archive-date=February 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220208052435/https://baerpm.wordpress.com/2011/07/01/flashback-friday-nickel-nickel/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://adage.com/article/news/pepsi-cola-advertising-years/65047|title=Pepsi-Cola Advertising Through the Years|date=July 20, 1998|website=adage.com|language=en|access-date=June 13, 2019|archive-date=September 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190903150135/https://adage.com/article/news/pepsi-cola-advertising-years/65047|url-status=live}}</ref> The jingle is arranged in a way that loops, creating a never-ending tune:<blockquote>"Pepsi-Cola hits the spot / Twelve full ounces, that's a lot / Twice as much for a nickel, too / Pepsi-Cola is the drink for you."<ref name="alot">{{cite web|title=1939 Radio Commercial (Twice as Much for a Nickel)|url=http://www.oldradiofun.com/downloads/Commercials.19xx.xx.xx_Pepsi_Cola.mp3|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070615171027/http://www.oldradiofun.com/downloads/Commercials.19xx.xx.xx_Pepsi_Cola.mp3|archive-date=June 15, 2007|access-date=August 13, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref></blockquote>Coming at a time of economic crisis, the campaign succeeded in boosting Pepsi's status. From 1936 to 1938, Pepsi-Cola's profits doubled.<ref name="coke at home">Jones, Eleanor & Ritzmann, Florian. [http://xroads.virginia.edu/~class/coke/coke1.html "Coca-Cola at Home"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210615154953/https://xroads.virginia.edu/~CLASS/coke/coke1.html |date=2021-06-15 }}. Retrieved June 17, 2006.</ref>

[[File:Pepsi Cola logo 1940.svg|thumb|The stylized Pepsi-Cola wordmark used from 1951 to 1971. It was reintroduced in 2014.]]
Pepsi's success under Charles Guth came while the Loft Candy business was faltering. Since he had initially used Loft's finances and facilities to establish the new Pepsi success, the near-bankrupt Loft Company sued Guth for possession of the Pepsi-Cola company. A long legal battle, ''[[Guth v. Loft]]'', then ensued, with the case reaching the [[Delaware Supreme Court]] and ultimately ending in a loss for Guth.

===Marketing===
[[File:Pepsi bi (1973).svg|alt=|thumb|The [[Pepsi Globe|Pepsi logo]] used from 1971 to 1986. From 1986 to 1991, the wordmark was typeset in [[Handel Gothic]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Pepsi Legacy Book|url=http://www.pepsi.com/PepsiLegacy_Book.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120415011259/http://www.pepsi.com/PepsiLegacy_Book.pdf|archive-date=April 15, 2012|access-date=March 26, 2011}}</ref> This logo was used for [[Pepsi-Cola Made with Real Sugar|Pepsi Throwback]] until 2014.]]
[[File:PepsiOld.svg|thumb|The Pepsi globe and wordmark used from 1997 to 2003]]
[[File:Pepsi logo 2014.svg|thumb|The Pepsi globe and wordmark used from 2014 to 2023]]
[[File:Pepsi 2023.svg|thumb|The current Pepsi globe revealed in March 2023; officially launched on August 23 of that year.<ref name="USA-2023">{{cite news |last1=Snider |first1=Mike |title=Pepsi unveils new logo: See the updated branding ahead of iconic cola's 125th anniversary |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2023/03/28/new-pepsi-logo-cans/11535642002/ |access-date=28 March 2023 |work=USA Today |date=28 March 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=https://twitter.com/pepsi/status/1694338681136386129 |url=https://twitter.com/pepsi/status/1694338681136386129 |access-date=2023-08-23 |website=Twitter |language=en}}</ref>]]
From the 1930s through the late 1950s, "[[Pepsi-Cola Hits The Spot]]" was the most commonly used slogan in the days of [[Golden Age of Radio|old-time radio]], [[Classical Hollywood cinema|classic motion pictures]] and [[Golden Age of Television|early days of television]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Cross |first1=Mary |title=A Century of American Icons: 100 Products and Slogans from the 20th-Century Consumer Culture |date=2002 |publisher=Greenwood Press |isbn=978-0313314810  |access-date=September 4, 2020 |url=https://archive.org/details/centuryofamerica00cros/page/103/ |pages=103–105}}</ref> Its jingle (conceived in the days when Pepsi cost only five cents) was used in many different forms with different lyrics. With the rise of radio, Pepsi-Cola utilized the services of a young, up-and-coming actress named [[Polly Bergen]] to promote products, oftentimes, lending her singing talents to the classic "...Hits The Spot" jingle.

Film actress [[Joan Crawford]], after marrying Pepsi-Cola president [[Alfred N. Steele]] became a spokesperson for Pepsi, appearing in commercials, television specials, and televised [[beauty pageants]] on behalf of the company. Crawford also had images of the soft drink placed prominently in several of her later films. When Steele died in 1959, Crawford was appointed to the Board of Directors of Pepsi-Cola, a position she held until 1973, although she was not a board member of the larger PepsiCo, created in 1965.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://joancrawfordbest.com/latimespepsi.htm|title=LA Times: Joan Crawford Appointed to Pepsi Board|publisher=Joancrawfordbest.com|date=May 7, 1959|access-date=December 10, 2011|archive-date=March 5, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305183058/http://www.joancrawfordbest.com/latimespepsi.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

Pepsi has been featured in several films, including ''[[Back to the Future Part II]]'' (1989), ''[[Home Alone]]'' (1990), ''[[Wayne's World (film)|Wayne's World]]'' (1992), ''[[Fight Club]]'' (1999), ''[[World War Z (film)|World War Z]]'' (2013), and in films directed by [[Spike Lee]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Bricken|first=Rob|date=March 7, 2013|url=http://io9.com/5989200/20-lies-back-to-the-future-ii-told-us-besides-the-hoverboard|title=20 Lies Back to the Future II Told Us (Besides the Hoverboard)|access-date=May 4, 2015|archive-date=November 15, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151115141523/http://io9.com/5989200/20-lies-back-to-the-future-ii-told-us-besides-the-hoverboard|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Leigh|first=Stephen|date=September 15, 2011|title=The Worst Movie Product Placements Of All Time|url=http://whatculture.com/film/the-worst-movie-product-placements-of-all-time.php|url-status=live|access-date=May 5, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150508181534/http://whatculture.com/film/the-worst-movie-product-placements-of-all-time.php|archive-date=May 8, 2015}}</ref>

Pepsi marketing has also been marred in controversy. In 1989, Pepsi commissioned a $5 million marketing campaign to coincide with the release of [[Madonna]]'s song "[[Like a Prayer (song)|Like a Prayer]]", but was cancelled following strong backlash regarding the religious themes in the song's music video.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1989-04-05 |title=Pepsi Cancels Madonna Ad |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/04/05/business/pepsi-cancels-madonna-ad.html |access-date=2023-02-14 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=2017-09-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170924233149/http://www.nytimes.com/1989/04/05/business/pepsi-cancels-madonna-ad.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In 1992, the [[Pepsi Number Fever]] marketing campaign in the [[Philippines]] accidentally distributed 800,000 winning bottle caps for a 1 million [[Philippine peso|peso]] grand prize, leading to riots and the deaths of five people.<ref name="seattletimes">{{cite news|last1=Drogin|first1=Bob|title=Pepsi-Cola Uncaps A Lottery Nightmare -- Bombings, Threats Follow Contest With Too Many Winners|url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19930726/1712840/pepsi-cola-uncaps-a-lottery-nightmare|access-date=October 9, 2015|work=Los Angeles Times|date=July 26, 1993|archive-date=September 7, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150907125830/http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=19930726&slug=1712840|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 1996, PepsiCo launched the highly successful [[Pepsi Stuff]] marketing strategy.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|agency=Reuters|date=April 3, 1996|title=THE MEDIA BUSINESS: ADVERTISING;Pepsi Introduces a New LookFor Its International Markets|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/04/03/business/media-business-advertising-pepsi-introduces-new-lookfor-its-international.html|access-date=September 30, 2020|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=January 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180128190642/http://www.nytimes.com/1996/04/03/business/media-business-advertising-pepsi-introduces-new-lookfor-its-international.html|url-status=live}}</ref> "Project Blue" was launched in several international markets outside the United States in April.<ref name=":1" /> The launch included extravagant publicity stunts, such as a Concorde airplane painted in blue colors (which was owned by [[Air France]]) and a banner on the [[Mir space station]]. The Project Blue design was first tested in the United States in June 1997, and was released that December in preparation for Pepsi's 100th anniversary.<ref>{{Cite web|last=UPI|title=Pepsi launches lavish 'blue' campaign|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1996/04/02/Pepsi-launches-lavish-blue-campaign/6584828421200/|access-date=September 30, 2020|date=1996-04-02|website=UPI|language=en|archive-date=2021-12-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211225060845/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1996/04/02/Pepsi-launches-lavish-blue-campaign/6584828421200/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Archives |first=L. A. Times |date=1997-12-18 |title=Pepsi Wrapping Up Year With Blue Packaging |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-dec-18-fi-65296-story.html |access-date=2023-01-27 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-01-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127203410/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-dec-18-fi-65296-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> It was at this point, the logo began to be referred to as the Pepsi Globe.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The evolution of Pepsi's logo design over 117 years |url=https://gorillastudio.co.uk/the-evolution-of-pepsis-logo-design-over-117-years/ |access-date=2023-01-30 |website=GorillaStudio |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-01-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230130204244/https://gorillastudio.co.uk/the-evolution-of-pepsis-logo-design-over-117-years/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In October 2008, Pepsi announced that it would redesign its logo and re-brand many of its products by early 2009. In 2009, Pepsi, [[Diet Pepsi]], and [[Pepsi Max]] began using all lower-case fonts for name brands. The brand's [[Pepsi Globe|blue and red globe trademark]] became a series of "smiles," with the central white band initially arcing at different angles depending on the product.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Edwards |first1=Jim |title=Pepsi's Nonsensical Logo Redesign Document: $1 Million for This? |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/pepsis-nonsensical-logo-redesign-document-1-million-for-this/ |access-date=14 June 2021 |work=[[CBS News]] |date=February 10, 2009 |archive-date=23 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023084404/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/pepsis-nonsensical-logo-redesign-document-1-million-for-this/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In March 2023, Pepsi unveiled a new logo expected to launch in North America in late-2023, and internationally in 2024. The logo is a modernization of the "vintage" Pepsi logo; accompanying branding elements will also shift from blue to black as their primary color.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Wiener-Bronner |first=Danielle |date=2023-03-28 |title=Pepsi has a new logo |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/28/business/pepsi-new-logo/index.html |access-date=2023-03-28 |website=CNN |language=en |archive-date=2023-03-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328151614/https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/28/business/pepsi-new-logo/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |author1=Daniel Piper |date=2023-03-28 |title=Brilliant new Pepsi logo is more than just nostalgia |url=https://www.creativebloq.com/news/new-pepsi-logo |access-date=2023-03-29 |website=Creative Bloq |language=en |archive-date=2023-03-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230329010607/https://www.creativebloq.com/news/new-pepsi-logo |url-status=live }}</ref>  

====Niche marketing====

[[Walter Staunton Mack Jr.|Walter Mack]] was named the new president of Pepsi-Cola and guided the company through the 1940s. Mack, who supported [[progressivism|progressive]] causes, noticed that the company's strategy of using advertising for a general audience either ignored African Americans or used ethnic stereotypes in portraying Blacks. Up until the 1940s, the full revenue potential of what was called "the Negro market" was largely ignored by [[Caucasian race|white]]-owned manufacturers in the U.S.<ref name="WSJ">{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB116831396726171042|title=How Pepsi Opened Door to Diversity|newspaper=Wall Street Journal|date=January 9, 2016|access-date=March 10, 2017|archive-date=February 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170205030105/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB116831396726171042|url-status=live}}</ref> 

Mack realized that Black people were an untapped [[niche market]] and that Pepsi stood to gain market share by targeting its advertising directly towards them.<ref name="nytboyd">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/06/business/06boyd.html?_r=1&ref=obituaries&oref=slogin|last=Martin|first=Douglas|date=May 6, 2007|title=Edward F. Boyd Dies at 92; Marketed Pepsi to Blacks.|work=The New York Times|access-date=May 5, 2007|archive-date=December 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181214011657/https://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/06/business/06boyd.html?_r=1&ref=obituaries&oref=slogin|url-status=live}}</ref> To this end, he hired Hennan Smith, an advertising executive "from the [[Negro]] newspaper field"<ref name="capparellreview">{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/money/books/reviews/2007-01-22-pepsi-book_x.htm?csp=34|title=Pepsi's challenge in 1940s: Color barrier|work=[[USA Today]]|first=Michelle|last=Archer|date=January 22, 2007|access-date=May 7, 2007|archive-date=June 10, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100610193625/http://www.usatoday.com/money/books/reviews/2007-01-22-pepsi-book_x.htm?csp=34|url-status=live}}</ref> to lead an all-black sales team, which had to be cut due to the onset of World War II.

[[File:Pepsi targeted ad 1940s.jpg|thumb|A 1940s advertisement specifically targeting African Americans, an untapped niche market that was largely ignored by white-owned manufacturers in the U.S. A young [[Ron Brown]] is the boy reaching for a bottle.]]
In 1947, Walter Mack resumed his efforts, hiring [[Edward F. Boyd]] to lead a twelve-man team. They came up with advertising portraying black Americans in a positive light, such as one with a smiling mother holding a six pack of Pepsi while her son (a young [[Ron Brown]], who grew up to be [[United States Secretary of Commerce|Secretary of Commerce]])<ref name="latboyd">{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-may-05-me-boyd5-story.html|title=Edward Boyd, 92; Pepsi ad man broke color barriers|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|first=Jocelyn Y.|last=Stewart|date=May 5, 2007|access-date=August 12, 2012|archive-date=October 10, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121010203908/http://articles.latimes.com/2007/may/05/local/me-boyd5|url-status=live}}</ref> reaches up for one. Another ad campaign, titled "Leaders in Their Fields", profiled twenty prominent African Americans such as [[Nobel Peace Prize]] winner [[Ralph Bunche]] and photographer [[Gordon Parks]].

Boyd also led a sales team composed entirely of blacks around the country to promote Pepsi. [[Racial segregation]] and [[Jim Crow laws]] were still in place throughout much of the U.S.; Boyd's team faced a great deal of discrimination as a result,<ref name="capparellreview" /> from insults by Pepsi co-workers to threats by the [[Ku Klux Klan]].<ref name="latboyd" /> On the other hand, it was able to use its anti-racism stance as a selling point, attacking Coke's reluctance to hire blacks and support by the chairman of The Coca-Cola Company for segregationist [[governor of Georgia]] [[Herman Talmadge]].<ref name="nytboyd" /> As a result, Pepsi's market share as compared to Coca-Cola's shot up dramatically in the 1950s with African American soft-drink consumers three times more likely to purchase Pepsi over Coke.<ref>Brian D. Behnken, Gregory D. Smithers (2015). "Racism in American Popular Media: From Aunt Jemima to the Frito Bandito". p. 34. ABC-CLIO</ref> After the sales team visited [[Chicago]], Pepsi's share in the city overtook that of Coke for the first time.<ref name="nytboyd" />

Journalist Stephanie Capparell interviewed six men who were on the team in the late 1940s. The team members had a grueling schedule, working seven days a week, morning and night, for weeks on end. They visited [[Bottler (company)|bottlers]], churches, ladies groups, schools, college campuses, [[YMCA SCUBA Program|YMCAs]], community centers, insurance conventions, teacher and doctor conferences, and various civic organizations. They got famous jazzmen such as [[Duke Ellington]] and [[Lionel Hampton]] to promote Pepsi from the stage. No group was too small or too large to target for a promotion.<ref>Stephanie Capparell, "How Pepsi Opened Door to Diversity." ''CHANGE'' 63 (2007): 1-26 [http://www.comlabgames.com/45-870N/instructor/01_day/How_Pepsi_Opened_Door_to_Diversity.pdf online]. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160408033355/http://www.comlabgames.com/45-870N/instructor/01_day/How_Pepsi_Opened_Door_to_Diversity.pdf |date=April 8, 2016 }}.</ref>

Pepsi advertisements avoided the stereotypical images common in the major media that depicted [[Aunt Jemima]]s and [[Uncle Ben's|Uncle Bens]], whose role was to draw a smile from white customers. Instead, it portrayed black customers as self-confident [[Middle class|middle-class]] citizens who showed very good taste in their soft drinks. They were economical too, as Pepsi bottles were twice the size.<ref>Stephanie Capparell, ''The Real Pepsi Challenge: The Inspirational Story of Breaking the Color Barrier in American Business'' (2007).</ref>

This focus on the market for black people caused some consternation within the company and among its affiliates. It did not want to seem focused on black customers for fear white customers would be pushed away.<ref name="nytboyd" /> In a national meeting, Mack tried to assuage the 500 bottlers in attendance by pandering to them, saying "We don't want it to become known as a [[nigger]] drink."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pbs.org/kcet/tavissmiley/archive/200702/20070227_boyd.html|first=Tavis|last=Smiley|author-link=Tavis Smiley|date=February 27, 2007|title=Edward Boyd|publisher=[[Public Broadcasting Service|PBS]]|format=interview|access-date=May 4, 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929205458/http://www.pbs.org/kcet/tavissmiley/archive/200702/20070227_boyd.html|archive-date=September 29, 2007}}</ref> After Mack left the company in 1950, support for the black sales team faded and it was cut.<ref name="WSJ" />

Boyd was replaced in 1952 by [[Harvey C. Russell Jr.]], who was notable for his marketing campaigns towards black youth in [[New Orleans]]. These campaigns, held at locales attended largely by black children, would encourage children to collect Pepsi bottle caps, which they could then exchange for rewards. One example is Pepsi's 1954 "Pepsi Day at the Beach" event, where New Orleans children could ride rides at an amusement park in exchange for Pepsi bottle caps. By the end of the event, 125,000 bottle caps been collected. According to ''The Pepsi Cola World'', the New Orleans campaign was a success; once people's supply of bottle caps ran out, the only way they could get more was to buy more Pepsi.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Weems |first1=Robert E. Jr. |title=Desegregating the dollar: African American consumerism in the twentieth century |date=February 1998 |publisher=New York University Press |isbn=0-8147-9290-1 |pages=50–51}}</ref>

====Rivalry with Coca-Cola====
{{Main|Cola wars}}
According to Consumer Reports, in the 1970s, the rivalry continued to heat up the market. Pepsi conducted [[blind taste test]]s in stores, in what was called the "[[Pepsi Challenge]]". These tests suggested that more consumers preferred the taste of Pepsi to Coca-Cola. The sales of Pepsi started to climb, and Pepsi kicked off the "Challenge" across the nation. This became known as the "cola wars".

In 1985, [[The Coca-Cola Company]], amid much publicity, changed [[Coca-Cola formula|its formula]]. The theory has been advanced that [[New Coke]], as the reformulated drink came to be known, was invented specifically in response to the Pepsi Challenge. However, a consumer backlash led to Coca-Cola quickly reintroducing the original formula as "Coca-Cola Classic".

In 1989, [[Billy Joel]] mentioned the rivalry between the two companies in the song "[[We Didn't Start the Fire]]". The line "Rock & Roller Cola Wars" refers to Pepsi and Coke's usage of various musicians in advertising campaigns. Coke used [[Paula Abdul]], while Pepsi used [[Michael Jackson]]. Both companies then competed to get other musicians to advertise its beverages.

According to ''[[Beverage Digest]]''{{'}}s 2008 report on carbonated soft drinks, PepsiCo's U.S. market share is 30.8 percent, while The Coca-Cola Company's is 42.7 percent.<ref>[http://www.beverage-digest.com/pdf/top-10_2009.pdf "Special Issue: Top-10 CSD Results for 2008"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090419085508/http://www.beverage-digest.com/pdf/top-10_2009.pdf |date=April 19, 2009 }}, ''Beverage Digest'', March 30, 2009 (PDF)</ref> Coca-Cola outsells Pepsi in most parts of the U.S., notable exceptions being central [[Appalachia]], [[Montana]], [[North Dakota]], and [[Utah]]. In the city of [[Buffalo, New York]], Pepsi outsells Coca-Cola by a two-to-one margin.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rivals4ever.com/history-of-Pepsi-vs-Coke-Rivalry-5-3.htm|title=History of Pepsi vs. Coke Rivalry at Rivals4Ever|publisher=Rivals4ever.com|access-date=December 10, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111127094359/http://rivals4ever.com/history-of-Pepsi-vs-Coke-Rivalry-5-3.htm|archive-date=November 27, 2011}}</ref> As of 2024, Pepsi had fallen behind [[Coca-Cola]] and [[Dr. Pepper]] as the third most popular soft drink in the United States, losing its second place spot to the aforementioned Dr. Pepper, a position it had held since 1985.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://people.com/dr-pepper-passes-pepsi-as-the-second-favorite-soda-brand-in-the-u-s-8657892 | title=Dr Pepper Passes Pepsi as the Second Favorite Soda Brand in the U.S. }}</ref>

Overall, Coca-Cola continues to outsell Pepsi in almost all areas of the world. However, exceptions include: [[Oman]], [[India]], [[Saudi Arabia]], [[Pakistan]], the [[Dominican Republic]], [[Guatemala]], the [[Provinces and territories of Canada|Canadian provinces]] of [[Quebec]], [[Newfoundland and Labrador]], [[Prince Edward Island]], [[Nova Scotia]] and [[New Brunswick]].<ref>[http://www.strategymag.com/articles/magazine/20041015/vive.html Vive la difference] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927025142/http://www.strategymag.com/articles/magazine/20041015/vive.html |date=2007-09-27 }}, ''Strategy Magazine'', October 2004</ref>

Pepsi had long been the drink of [[French-Canadian]]s, and it continues to hold its dominance by relying on local [[French-speaking Quebecer|Québécois]] celebrities (especially [[Claude Meunier]], of ''[[La Petite Vie]]'' fame) to sell its product.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cassies.ca/caselibrary/winners/PepsiMeunier.pdf|title=The Pepsi 'Meunier' Campaign|publisher=Canadian Advertising Success Stories (Cassies) Case Library|access-date=August 21, 2007|archive-date=September 26, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070926065845/http://www.cassies.ca/caselibrary/winners/PepsiMeunier.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> PepsiCo introduced the Quebec slogan "here, it's Pepsi" ({{Lang|fr|Ici, c'est Pepsi}}) in response to Coca-Cola ads proclaiming "Around the world, it's Coke" ({{Lang|fr|Partout dans le monde, c'est Coke}}).

As of 2012, Pepsi is the third most popular carbonated drink in India, with a 15% market share, behind [[Sprite (soft drink)|Sprite]] and [[Thums Up]]. In comparison, Coca-Cola is the fourth most popular carbonated drink, occupying a mere 8.8% of the Indian market share.<ref>[http://www.businessweek.com/ap/2012-06-26/the-top-5-sodas-in-india-by-market-share The top 5 sodas in India by market share, Euromonitor International via Bloomberg, June 26, 2012] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121128080745/http://www.businessweek.com/ap/2012-06-26/the-top-5-sodas-in-india-by-market-share |date=November 28, 2012 }}</ref> By most accounts, Coca-Cola was India's leading soft drink until 1977, when it left India because of the new foreign exchange laws which mandated majority shareholding in companies to be held by Indian shareholders. The Coca-Cola Company was unwilling to dilute its stake in its Indian unit as required by the [[Foreign Exchange Regulation Act]] (FERA), thus sharing its formula with an entity in which it did not have majority shareholding.<ref>[http://www.mindfully.org/Water/2005/India-Coca-Cola-Pepsi14mar05.htm "India: Soft Drinks, Hard Cases"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060203085741/http://mindfully.org/Water/2005/India-Coca-Cola-Pepsi14mar05.htm |date=February 3, 2006 }}, ''The Water Dossier'', March 14, 2005</ref>

In 1988, PepsiCo gained entry to India by creating a joint venture with the [[government of Punjab, India|government of Punjab]]-owned Punjab Agro Industrial Corporation (PAIC) and Voltas India Limited. This joint venture marketed and sold Lehar Pepsi until 1991, when the use of foreign brands was allowed; PepsiCo bought out its partners and ended the joint venture in 1994. In 1993, The Coca-Cola Company returned in pursuance of India's [[Liberalization]] policy.<ref>[http://www.mindfully.org/Water/2005/India-Coca-Cola-Pepsi14mar05.htm "India: Soft Drinks, Hard Cases"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060203085741/http://mindfully.org/Water/2005/India-Coca-Cola-Pepsi14mar05.htm |date=February 3, 2006 }}, ''The Water Dossier'', March 14, 2005</ref>

[[File:Classic Pepsi bottles in supermarket in Kyiv.JPG|thumb|Pepsi bottles in [[Soviet period]] style in supermarket in [[Kyiv, Ukraine]]]]

In Russia, Pepsi initially had a larger market share than Coke, but it was undercut once [[The Cold War]] ended. In 1972, PepsiCo struck a barter agreement with the then government of the Soviet Union, in which PepsiCo was granted exportation and [[Western culture|Western]] marketing rights to [[Stolichnaya]] vodka in exchange for importation and Soviet marketing of Pepsi.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mg.co.za/articlePage.aspx?articleid=267835&area=/insight/insight__economy__business/|title=Pepsi's comeback, Part II|access-date=July 21, 2007|author=Robert Laing|publisher=Mail & Guardian online|date=March 28, 2006|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927215047/http://www.mg.co.za/articlePage.aspx?articleid=267835&area=/insight/insight__economy__business/|archive-date=September 27, 2007}}</ref><ref>[http://www.free-essays.us/dbase/b5/lvt48.shtml Coke Vs. Pepsi] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060103044155/http://www.free-essays.us/dbase/b5/lvt48.shtml |date=January 3, 2006 }}. Free-Essays.us. Retrieved on February 4, 2012.</ref> This exchange led to Pepsi being the first foreign product sanctioned for sale in the Soviet Union.<ref>{{cite web|title=PepsiCo Company History (1972)|url=http://www.pepsico.com/PEP_Company/History/index.cfm#|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051103000727/http://www.pepsico.com/PEP_Company/History/index.cfm|archive-date=November 3, 2005|access-date=July 21, 2007|publisher=PepsiCo, Inc}}</ref>

Reminiscent of the way that Coca-Cola became a cultural icon and its global spread spawned words like "[[cocacolonization]]", Pepsi-Cola and its relation to the Soviet system turned it into an icon. In the early 1990s, the term "Pepsi-stroika" began appearing as a pun on "[[perestroika]]", the reform policy of the Soviet Union under [[Mikhail Gorbachev]].<ref name="Pepsi-Stroika">{{cite book |last1=Lempert |first1=David |title=Pepsi-Stroika: The Colonization of Russia; an Ethnography of Russian Legal Culture During the Perestroika Period |date=1992 |publisher=University of California, Berkeley |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=n77IrQEACAAJ |volume=1 |access-date=2021-05-03 |archive-date=2023-04-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230423105930/https://books.google.com/books?id=n77IrQEACAAJ |url-status=live }}</ref> Critics viewed the policy as an attempt to usher in Western products in deals there with the old elites. Pepsi, as one of the first American products in the Soviet Union, became a symbol of that relationship and the Soviet policy. This was reflected in Russian author [[Victor Pelevin]]'s book ''[[Generation "П"|Generation P]]''.

In 1992, following the [[Dissolution of the Soviet Union]], Coca-Cola was introduced to the [[Russian market]]. As it came to be associated with the new system and Pepsi with the old, Coca-Cola rapidly captured a significant market share that might otherwise have required years to achieve. By July 2005, Coca-Cola enjoyed a market share of 19.4 percent, followed by Pepsi with 13 percent.<ref>[http://www.themoscowtimes.com/stories/2005/12/30/041.html "Coke Versus Pepsi, Santa Versus Moroz"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060210103301/http://www.themoscowtimes.com/stories/2005/12/30/041.html |date=February 10, 2006 }}, ''The Moscow Times'', December 30, 2005</ref>

Pepsi was introduced in [[Romania]] in 1966, during the early liberalization policies of [[Nicolae Ceaușescu]], opening up a factory at [[Constanța]] in 1967. This was done as a barter agreement similar to the one in the USSR, however, [[Romanian wine]] would be sold in the United States instead. The product quickly became popular, especially among young people, but due to the austerity measures imposed in the 1980s, the product became scarce and rare to find. Starting from 1991, PepsiCo entered the new Romanian market economy, and still maintains a bigger popularity than its competitor, Coca-Cola, introduced in Romania in 1992, despite heavy competition during the 1990s (sometime between 2000 and 2005, Pepsi overtook Coca-Cola in sales in Romania).<ref>[https://www.wall-street.ro/articol/Companii/81826/Interviu-Cum-a-ajuns-Pepsi-in-Romania.html "Interviu: Cum a ajuns Pepsi in Romania"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806062345/https://www.wall-street.ro/articol/Companii/81826/Interviu-Cum-a-ajuns-Pepsi-in-Romania.html |date=2020-08-06 }}. Wall Street.</ref>

Pepsi did not sell soft drinks in Israel until 1991. Many Israelis and some American Jewish organizations attributed Pepsi's previous reluctance to expand operations in Israel to fears of an Arab boycott. Pepsi, which has a large and lucrative business in the Arab world, denied that, saying that economic, rather than political, reasons kept it out of Israel.<ref>Tom Hundley [https://www.chicagotribune.com/1992/05/19/israel-braces-for-new-conflict-the-soda-war/ Israel braces for new conflict: The soda war] . ''Chicago Tribune'', May 19, 1992</ref>

====Pepsiman====
{{about|the mascot of Pepsi|the game featuring the mascot|Pepsiman (video game)}}
Pepsiman is an official Pepsi mascot from Pepsi's [[Japan]]ese corporate branch, created sometime around the mid-1990s.<ref>{{Cite web|last=LaPointe|first=Sarah|date=November 8, 2019|title=The Bizarre Untold History of Mountain Dew (And Other Popular Sodas)|url=https://www.obsev.com/food/facts-you-didnt-know-about-sodas/|access-date=September 30, 2020|website=Obsev|language=en-US|archive-date=April 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419102024/https://www.obsev.com/food/facts-you-didnt-know-about-sodas/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Pepsiman took on three different outfits, each one representing the current style of the Pepsi can in distribution.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-06-08 |title=Pepsi Co Marketing Case Study |url=https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/marketing-case-studypepsi-co/35630822 |access-date=2024-04-22 |website=SlideShare |language=en}}</ref> Twelve commercials were created featuring the character. His role in the advertisements is to appear with Pepsi to thirsty people or people craving soda.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Ono|first=Yumiko|date=May 23, 1997|title=PepsiCo's 'American' Superhero In Japanese Ads Is Alien to U.S.|language=en-US|work=[[The Wall Street Journal]]|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB864346019512912500|access-date=September 30, 2020|issn=0099-9660|archive-date=August 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804155842/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB864346019512912500|url-status=live}}</ref> 

Pepsiman happens to appear at just the right time with the product. After delivering the beverage, sometimes Pepsiman would encounter a difficult and action-oriented situation which would result in injury. Pepsiman is mostly silent, and he has no face except for a hole that opens up whenever he delivers a Pepsi.<ref>{{cite web |title=No Corporate Mascot Will EVER Be as Bizarre as Pepsiman |date=1 Mar 2020 |author=Kiara Halls |website=CBR |url=https://www.cbr.com/weird-corporate-mascot-pepsiman/ |access-date=1 July 2021 |archive-date=27 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127134608/https://www.cbr.com/weird-corporate-mascot-pepsiman/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Another more minor mascot, Pepsiwoman, also featured in a few of her own commercials for [[Pepsi Twist]]; her appearance is basically a female Pepsiman wearing a lemon-shaped [[Balaclava (clothing)|balaclava]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=A Study of Sales Promotion of Pepsi |url=https://pdfcoffee.com/a-study-of-sales-promotion-of-pepsi-pdf-free.html |access-date=2024-04-22 |website=pdfcoffee.com |language=en}}</ref>

In 1994, [[Sega-AM2]] released the [[Sega Saturn]] version of its arcade fighting game ''[[Fighting Vipers]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Bryant|first=Paul|date=November 21, 2012|title=Virtua Fighter 2, Sonic the Fighters and Fighting Vipers busting heads on XBLA, PSN next week|url=https://gaming-age.com/2012/11/virtua-fighter-2-sonic-the-fighters-and-fighting-vipers-busting-heads-on-xbla-psn-next-week/|access-date=September 30, 2020|website=Gaming Age|language=en-US|archive-date=January 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210116184923/https://gaming-age.com/2012/11/virtua-fighter-2-sonic-the-fighters-and-fighting-vipers-busting-heads-on-xbla-psn-next-week/|url-status=live}}</ref> In this game, Pepsiman was included as a special character, with his specialty listed as being the ability to "quench one's thirst." He does not appear in any other version or sequel. In 1999, [[KID]] developed a [[video game]] for the [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]] entitled ''[[Pepsiman (video game)|Pepsiman]]''. As the titular character, the player runs "on rails" (forced motion on a scrolling linear path), skateboards, rolls, and stumbles through various areas, avoiding dangers and collecting cans of Pepsi, all while trying to reach a thirsty person as in the commercials.<ref>{{cite web|title=Pepsiman: PlayStation's Strangest Moment?|url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/1999/03/10/pepsiman-playstations-strangest-moment|website=IGN|date=10 March 1999|access-date=8 December 2013|archive-date=23 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230423105935/https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/03/10/pepsiman-playstations-strangest-moment|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Mike Suszek|date=July 29, 2012|title=Stiq Figures, July 16–22: Pepsiman edition|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/29/stiq-figures-july-16-22-pepsiman-edition/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120730225701/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/29/stiq-figures-july-16-22-pepsiman-edition/|archive-date=July 30, 2012|access-date=September 10, 2013|publisher=Joystiq}}</ref><ref name="Pepsiman gameplay video">{{cite web|title=Pepsiman gameplay video|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGObX_F5F1A| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211028/uGObX_F5F1A| archive-date=2021-10-28|website=[[YouTube]]| date=8 August 2013 }}{{cbignore}}</ref>

[[File:3 cosplayers of Pepsiman standing 20230527a.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Cosplayer]]s dressed as Pepsiman]]
Despite largely being considered a financial failure, Pepsiman has developed a [[cult following]] due to its over the top and nonsensical premise.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Phoon |first1=Andie |title=Essential Marketing Lessons to Take Away from Video Game Marketing |url=https://medianetic.me/essential-marketing-lessons-to-take-away-from-video-game-marketing/ |website=Mediantic |date=23 May 2022 |access-date=30 October 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Bashir |first1=Dale |title=Remembering the PlayStation 1 Cult Classic Pepsiman and All Its Weirdness |url=https://sea.ign.com/playstation-5-2/169522/news/remembering-the-playstation-1-cult-classic-pepsiman-and-all-its-weirdness |website=IGN |date=8 March 2021 |access-date=30 October 2023}}</ref>

==Sports sponsorships==
Pepsi has official sponsorship deals with the [[National Football League]], [[National Hockey League]], and [[National Basketball Association]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=April 6, 2004|title=PepsiCo extends NFL sponsorship in $560 Million Deal|url=https://www.chiefmarketer.com/pepsico-extends-nfl-sponsorship-in-560-million-deal/|access-date=September 30, 2020|website=Chief Marketer|language=en-US|archive-date=December 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211225010539/https://www.chiefmarketer.com/pepsico-extends-nfl-sponsorship-in-560-million-deal/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Pepsi adds five years to NHL sponsorship|url=https://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal/Issues/2018/01/22/Marketing%20and%20Sponsorship/NHLPepsi.aspx|access-date=September 30, 2020|website=www.sportsbusinessdaily.com|language=en|archive-date=April 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230423105936/https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Journal/Issues/2018/01/22/Marketing%20and%20Sponsorship/NHLPepsi.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Peterson|first=Hayley|title=The NBA just dealt a major blow to Coca-Cola|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/pepsico-wins-nba-sponsorship-2015-4|access-date=September 30, 2020|website=Business Insider|archive-date=January 29, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160129092711/http://www.businessinsider.com/pepsico-wins-nba-sponsorship-2015-4|url-status=live}}.</ref> In 2007, and from 2013 to 2022, Pepsi sponsored the [[National Football League|NFL]]'s [[Super Bowl Halftime Shows|Super Bowl halftime shows]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.cnbc.com/2022/05/24/nfl-renews-sponsorship-deal-with-pepsi-but-without-super-bowl-halftime-show.html | title=NFL renews its sponsorship deal with Pepsi, but without the Super Bowl halftime show | website=[[CNBC]] | date=24 May 2022 | access-date=2022-09-26 | archive-date=2022-09-26 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926181808/https://www.cnbc.com/2022/05/24/nfl-renews-sponsorship-deal-with-pepsi-but-without-super-bowl-halftime-show.html | url-status=live }}</ref> It was the sponsor of [[Major League Soccer]] until December 2015 and [[Major League Baseball]] until April 2017, both leagues signing deals with Coca-Cola.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=PepsiCo nabs NBA sponsorship rights from Coca-Cola|url=http://fortune.com/2015/04/13/pepsico-nba-sponsorship/|magazine=Fortune.com|date=January 9, 2015|access-date=January 9, 2016|archive-date=January 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128115506/https://fortune.com/2015/04/13/pepsico-nba-sponsorship/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=MLB drops Pepsi for Coca-Cola|url=https://money.cnn.com/2017/04/03/news/companies/coca-cola-mlb-pepsi/|publisher=CNN|date=April 3, 2017|access-date=August 3, 2020|archive-date=November 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129190248/https://money.cnn.com/2017/04/03/news/companies/coca-cola-mlb-pepsi/|url-status=live}}</ref> From 1999 to 2020, Pepsi also had the [[naming rights]] to the [[Pepsi Center]], an indoor sports and entertainment facility in [[Denver, Colorado]], until the venue's new naming rights were announced on October 22, 2020.<ref>{{cite news |last=Singer |first=Mike |title=After 21 years, Pepsi Center to be renamed Ball Arena as part of new partnership |url=https://www.denverpost.com/2020/10/22/pepsi-center-renamed-ball-arena-denver-colorado/ |newspaper=[[The Denver Post]] |date=October 22, 2020 |access-date=October 22, 2020 |archive-date=November 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211101004454/https://www.denverpost.com/2020/10/22/pepsi-center-renamed-ball-arena-denver-colorado/ |url-status=live }}</ref> 

In 1997, after his sponsorship with Coca-Cola ended, retired [[NASCAR Cup Series]] driver [[Jeff Gordon]] signed a long-term contract with Pepsi, and he drove with the Pepsi logos on his car with various paint schemes for about 2 races each year, usually a darker paint scheme during nighttime races. Pepsi has remained as one of his sponsors ever since. Pepsi has also sponsored the [[Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year|NFL Rookie of the Year award]] since 2002.<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pepsi-max-confirms-30-second-ad-and-consumer-activation-for-super-bowl-xlvi-138331374.html|title=Pepsi MAX Confirms 30-Second Ad and Consumer Activation for Super Bowl XLVI|publisher=Prnewswire.com|access-date=January 30, 2013|archive-date=June 2, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130602090910/http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pepsi-max-confirms-30-second-ad-and-consumer-activation-for-super-bowl-xlvi-138331374.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Pepsi has the first global sponsorship deals with the [[UEFA Champions League]] and the [[UEFA Women's Champions League]] starting in the [[2015–16 UEFA Champions League|2015–16]] season along with the sister brand, [[Pepsi Max]] and became the global sponsor of the competition.<ref>{{cite press release|title=PepsiCo renews UEFA Champions League partnership until 2024|url=https://www.uefa.com/insideuefa/about-uefa/news/0264-10fc0592b7da-fae575fccc7c-1000--pepsico-renews-uefa-champions-league-partnership-until-2024/|work=[[UEFA]]|access-date=December 1, 2020|archive-date=November 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127131321/https://www.uefa.com/insideuefa/about-uefa/news/0264-10fc0592b7da-fae575fccc7c-1000--pepsico-renews-uefa-champions-league-partnership-until-2024/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Pepsi also has sponsorship deals in [[International Cricket Council|international cricket]] teams.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=Goyal|first=Shaily|date=July 15, 2020|title=Pepsi to stay in as Pakistan Cricket team sponsor for 1 more year, deal values reduced|url=https://www.insidesport.co/pepsi-to-stay-in-as-pakistan-cricket-team-sponsor-for-1-more-year-deal-values-reduced/|access-date=September 30, 2020|website=InsideSport|language=en-gb|archive-date=November 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108081851/https://www.insidesport.co/pepsi-to-stay-in-as-pakistan-cricket-team-sponsor-for-1-more-year-deal-values-reduced/|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Pakistani national cricket team]] is one of the teams that the brand sponsors.<ref name=":0" /> The team wears the Pepsi logo on the front of their test and ODI test match clothing.

The [[Buffalo Bisons (AHL)|Buffalo Bisons]], an [[American Hockey League]] team, was sponsored by Pepsi-Cola in its later years; the team adopted the beverage's red, white, and blue color scheme along with a modification of the Pepsi logo (with the word "[[Buffalo, New York|Buffalo]]" in place of the Pepsi-Cola wordmark). The Bisons ceased operations in 1970, making way for the [[Buffalo Sabres]] of the NHL.

Pepsi also has been a sponsor of the [[Carolina Hurricanes]] of the [[National Hockey League]] since the team moved to [[North Carolina]] in 1997.

In 2017, Pepsi was the jersey sponsor of the [[Papua New Guinea national basketball team]].

==Ingredients==
{{Infobox nutritional value
| serving_size = 12 fl oz (355&nbsp;ml)
| kcal = 150<ref name="Pepsi Nutritional Info">{{cite web|url=http://www.pepsi.ca/default.aspx?bhcp=1#/en/products|title=Pepsi Nutritional Info|access-date=March 16, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120718115500/http://www.pepsi.ca/default.aspx?bhcp=1#/en/products|archive-date=July 18, 2012}}</ref>
| fat = 0
| satfat = 0
| transfat = 0
| cholesterol = 0
| sodium_mg = 15
| potassium_mg = 0
| carbs = 41
| fiber = 0
| sugars = 41
| protein = 0
| vitA_ug = 0
| vitC_mg = 0
| calcium_mg = 0
| iron_mg = 0
}}

In the United States, Pepsi is made with [[carbonated water]], [[high fructose corn syrup]], [[caramel color]], sugar, [[phosphoric acid]], [[caffeine]], [[citric acid]], and [[natural flavors]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=PepsiCo ditches aspartame from Diet Pepsi in US: 'While decades of studies show aspartame is safe, we recognize that consumer demand is evolving'|url=https://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/Article/2015/04/24/PepsiCo-replaces-aspartame-with-sucralose-in-Diet-Pepsi-in-US|access-date=September 30, 2020|website=foodnavigator-usa.com|date=23 April 2015 |language=en-GB|archive-date=March 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210309124403/https://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/Article/2015/04/24/PepsiCo-replaces-aspartame-with-sucralose-in-Diet-Pepsi-in-US|url-status=live}}</ref> A can of Pepsi (12 fl ounces) has 41&nbsp;grams of [[carbohydrates]] (all from sugars), 30&nbsp;mg of [[Sodium in biology|sodium]], 0&nbsp;grams of [[fat]], 0&nbsp;grams of [[protein]], 38&nbsp;mg of caffeine, and 150 [[calories]].<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20080408102749/http://www.thedailyplate.com/nutrition-calories/food/pepsi/12-oz-can The Daily Plate, Pepsi nutrition info]. Thedailyplate.com. Retrieved on February 4, 2012.</ref><ref>[http://www.pepsiproductfacts.com/infobyproduct.php Pepsi Product Facts] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090526084202/http://www.pepsiproductfacts.com/infobyproduct.php |date=May 26, 2009 }}. Pepsi Product Facts (June 17, 2011). Retrieved on February 4, 2012.</ref> 

Pepsi has 10 more calories and two more grams of sugar and carbohydrates than Coca-Cola.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Patriot|first=Monetta Harr {{!}} Jackson Citizen|date=March 12, 2011|title=Amount of sugar, calories in Coke, Pepsi might surprise you|url=https://www.mlive.com/living/jackson/2011/03/post_16.html|access-date=September 30, 2020|website=mlive|language=en|archive-date=November 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130134331/https://www.mlive.com/living/jackson/2011/03/post_16.html|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Caffeine-Free Pepsi]] contains the same ingredients but without the caffeine.

Some regions, such as [[Sweden]] and the [[Netherlands]] have recently undergone a reduction of sugar in the standard variety, replacing it with the [[artificial sweeteners]] [[Acesulfame potassium|Acesulfame K]] and [[Sucralose]]. This change was done by PepsiCo [[Europe]] to slash the amount of sugar in all their drinks by 25% near the end of 2025.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.foodingredientsfirst.com/news/pepsico-europe-shakes-up-healthy-snacks-and-beverages-pledging-to-slash-sugar-25-in-soda-by-2025.html | title=PepsiCo Europe shakes up healthy snacks and beverages, pledging to slash sugar 25% in soda by 2025 | access-date=2023-03-28 | archive-date=2023-03-28 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328195629/https://www.foodingredientsfirst.com/news/pepsico-europe-shakes-up-healthy-snacks-and-beverages-pledging-to-slash-sugar-25-in-soda-by-2025.html | url-status=live }}</ref> This formula change was expanded to the [[United Kingdom]] version (distributed by [[Britvic]]) in March 2023 (except where served in restaurants and bars).<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Flanagan |first1=Ruby |last2=Morris |first2=Aaron |date=2023-03-28 |title=Pepsi changes recipe in classic cola beverage to cut sugar by more than a half |url=https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink-news/pepsi-sugar-change-recipe-taste-26576517 |access-date=2023-03-29 |website=ChronicleLive |language=en |archive-date=2023-03-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328195644/https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink-news/pepsi-sugar-change-recipe-taste-26576517 |url-status=live }}</ref> Currently, there are no plans for this formula to be introduced in North America.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" />

==Variants==
{{Main|List of Pepsi variations}}

===Fictional drinks===
'''Pepsi Perfect''': A vitamin-enriched Pepsi variation in special bottle shown in the movie ''[[Back to the Future Part II]]'' in scenes set in the year 2015. This was later released as a limited-edition drink.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Great Scott They Did It - Pepsi Perfect Is Here!|language=en|work=PEPSICO|url=http://www.pepsico.com/live/pressrelease/great-scott-they-did-it---pepsi-perfect-is-here10052015|access-date=November 1, 2017|archive-date=November 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171102005434/http://www.pepsico.com/live/pressrelease/great-scott-they-did-it---pepsi-perfect-is-here10052015|url-status=live}}</ref> Only 6,500 bottles were available for $20.15, they have since been sold for hundreds of dollars on [[eBay]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Pepsi bottles from 'Back to the Future 2' are going for hundreds of dollars on eBay |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/pepsi-perfect-sold-on-ebay-costs-hundreds-of-dollars-2015-10 |work=Business Insider |access-date=2020-12-12 |archive-date=2021-10-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023020246/https://www.businessinsider.com/pepsi-perfect-sold-on-ebay-costs-hundreds-of-dollars-2015-10 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|United States|Drink|Companies}}
{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
* [[List of Pepsi spokespersons]]
* [[Pepsi Max Big One]] (roller coaster)
* [[Pepsi Orange Streak]] (roller coaster)
* [[Python (Coney Island, Cincinnati, Ohio)|Pepsi Python]] (roller coaster)
* [[Mountain Dew]]
* [[Mountain Dew Amp]]
* [[Citrus Blast]]
{{div col end}}

{{Clear}}

==References==
'''Notes'''
{{Reflist|30em}}

'''Bibliography'''
* ''Beverage World Magazine'', January 1998, "Celebrating a Century of Refreshment: Pepsi&nbsp;— The First 100 Years"
* Stoddard, Bob. ''Pepsi-Cola – 100 Years'' (1997), General Publishing Group, [[Los Angeles, California]]
* "''History & Milestones''" (1996), Pepsi packet
* Louis, J.C. & Yazijian, Harvey Z. "The Cola Wars" (1980), Everest House, Publishers, New York

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* {{Official website}}
* {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070115044407/http://www.pepsigallery.com/ |date=January 15, 2007 |title=Pepsi Gallery – Pepsi Promotional site }}
* {{Official website|https://web.archive.org/web/20090107063934/http://www.pepsico.co.uk/pepsi|Official Pepsi page on PepsiCo UK & Ireland}}

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