Here’s something that I think most people will view in a positive light…
In this post:
Marriott makes the switch from Pepsi to Coke
Since 1992, Marriott has had an exclusive agreement with Pepsi for providing soft drinks for its properties globally. That agreement wasn’t put into place because customers prefer Pepsi, but instead, because Pepsi was willing to give Marriott a better deal. Specifically, Coca-Cola wasn’t willing to extend Marriott a loan at the time, and that was non-negotiable for Marriott.
That will finally be changing, as Marriott has revealed that it will be switching to Coke for products globally, as flagged by View from the Wing.
It’s funny, because I specifically remember when Marriott took over Starwood, and then Starwood made the switch from Coke to Pepsi, which many of us weren’t happy about. Here’s what the beverage giant had to say in a statement about this latest development:
“The Coca-Cola Company is proud to be working with Marriott International’s global portfolio. We look forward to playing our role in creating a great guest experience across the world’s largest hotel company. Marriott’s decision reflects the strength of our brands and the preference their guests have for our total beverage portfolio. This partnership underscores our shared commitment to quality, consistency, and elevating every moment of the stay.”
I’m curious what prompted this Pepsi to Coke switch
Marriott isn’t officially sharing why it’s making the switch from Pepsi to Coke. Did Marriott realize that only having Pepsi products negatively impacted the guest experience, or was Coke finally willing to give Marriott a better deal?
In an email to hotel owners about the change, Marriott stated that over 70% of Bonvoy members prefer Coke over Pepsi, which is why the change is being made. So I do think guest preference is a strong consideration here, and maybe Marriott could get a slightly better deal than in the past from Coke.
Personally I’m happy to see this change. There are definitely more people out there who prefer Coke to Pepsi, it’s just rare to see Marriott actually concerned about what customers prefer (rather than what they’ll put up with). 😉
Bottom line
Marriott will be making the switch from Pepsi to Coke, after 34 years of exclusivity with the number two beverage giant. Marriott claims that 70%+ of Bonvoy members prefer Pepsi to Coke, which sounds about right. While there was obviously some bad blood between the two brands in the past, I’m sure most guests will be happy to see this.
What do you make of Marriott making the switch from Pepsi to Coke?
Too bad, I prefer Pepsi myself. (Especially the "throwback" version with real sugar!)
Very sorry to see this as I have a negative reaction to Coke - but not pepsi
I guess because they finally got a better deal. These kinds of agreements are worth big money and are complicated much like the university campus deals and other large contracts. They would have no reason to pay more for Coke products. They made enough money serving Pepsi products. Most people still stayed there though they served Pepsi products. Their revenue probably will not increase as a result of serving Coke products.
Oh who really cares. There are so many important things in life.
Why is this even a topic of conversation on a (predominantly) aviation-centric site? More AI generated, click bait fodder?
Having worked for PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, as well as Marriott this must hurt PepsiCo. I cant help but wonder how this will effect Marriotts relationship with the NFL. As Pepsi to my knowledge is the official soft drink along with Gatorade etc.
PEPSI tastes sooo much better BUMMER they are deleting it...
:-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-)
finally !!!
real coke
(it's the small things )
A good global change in favor of Coke though technically, Marriott never fully transitioned as Pepsi-only as there are some overseas properties where only Coca-Cola products are available
I’m a Diet Pepsi fan. I’m also an Ambassador every year, so I stay at Marriott properties quite often. This is a game changer for me. I’ll buy Diet Pepsi before arriving at the hotel, and might as well pick up my other snacks outside, too. I do realize that I’m in the minority here with my preference.
So in one paragraph you say Marriott bonvoy members prefer Pepsi over Coke by 70% and in another paragraph you say the exact opposite. Is this another AI slop article or are you just bad at your job?
This won't affect me personally since I avoid Marriott, but it's certainly a good thing. Pepsi with their artificial sweeteners instead of sugar is disgusting, both in terms of taste and health impacts.
No wonder why so many Americans & other nationalities are obese & diabetic !
Once you see the bags of caramel corn syrup used to make this stuff you’ll never want to drink it again
You used to drink the Diet Coke with lime for your trip reports meals on the plane
One junk food substituted for another .
I'm kind of surprised that Pepsi is still as relevant as they are. Sure some people prefer Pepsi, but virtually all soda addicts (like myself) prefer Coke. Come on Hyatt, do your thing!
Surely real soda addicts would know which country to drink Pepsi, which region to drink Coke.
Which city to drink fountains over cans.
But for most, that level of details are just too addicted.
You sure you call yourself a soda addict. You're more like a Coke apologist.
Let's go easy, have you tried Dobry or Evervess Cola, Alokozay Cola?
I think that Pepsi Max tastes better than most other cola drinks (except perhaps Fentiman's), but then I'm not a 'soda addict' (though I do prefer sparkling water/club soda to the still version). The strength of both Coke and Pepsi hasn't got much to do with the flavour and/or quality of their products- it's all about the logistics and distribution networks that allow them to be absolutely everywhere (good luck finding Fentiman's in Kazakhstan or Costa Rica!).
Who in their right mind drinks this?
Gave up drinking soda decades ago, mostly, but for the couple of cans I do indulge in each year I'd prefer Coke. Finally Marriott does something positive.
I’m with you. About two Comes per year, just for old time’s sake.
I’m not convinced Marriott switched because the public prefers Coke. Definitely something else.
Will dual sourcing be maintained, or now Coca-Cola exclusive?
Pepsi tastes better though.
Oof. No.
Good! About time. Glad to hear it!
Your move, Hyatt
I think this is fake news… it resulted from a Reddit post on April fools…… can anyone check with MI HQ?
The well-known and renowned news website Viewfromthewing has also reported on this change. So no fake news.
But joking aside: a few local and trade newspapers have reported on the move. It seems to be true.
If VFTW reported it, how big were Coke's breasts?
VFTW is the Fox News of travel blogs (lots of fake news and fuzzy facts).
Air Canada made the switch to Pepsi on April 1st, so I'm glad at least my hotel chain will be serving Coke soon!
Air Canada is a French company the French in Canada prefer Pepsi. So now English Canada has to suffer with Pepsi.
Hallelujah!! I can finally stop the BYOC routine every time I stay at a Marriott property.
Hahahaha, Marriott didn't do this for customers. Coke undoubtedly gave them better terms than Pepsi.
Ugh. I’m a Pepsi person and that’s one thing I liked about Marriott. Especially in their lounges. This is devastating.
Hyatt for you, then.
Can they switch over today? I’m at a Marriott right now and I was stuck getting Pepsi products this morning. Barf.