Coca-Cola ousts Pepsi as the official soda at Marriott hotels worldwide – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Unsplash)
Marriott International has ended its long-running arrangement with PepsiCo and signed a new worldwide agreement with The Coca-Cola Company. The move makes Coca-Cola the official beverage partner for the hotel chain across multiple categories. Guests at properties around the globe will eventually see the change reflected in the drinks offered at restaurants, bars, room service, and other outlets.
Scope of the New Partnership
The agreement covers carbonated soft drinks along with a wider selection of hydration and functional beverages. Both companies described the arrangement as a way to expand choice and improve the overall guest experience at Marriott hotels. No specific rollout timeline has been released, though the transition is expected to occur progressively across the portfolio.
The deal replaces a relationship with PepsiCo that lasted 34 years. In a statement to owners and franchisees, Marriott noted that the Coca-Cola portfolio holds a strong position in consumer preference data. The company indicated that this preference aligns with feedback from a majority of its own guests.
Practical Effects for Travelers
Guests who previously encountered Pepsi products in minibars, vending areas, or dining venues will find Coca-Cola brands in those locations once the change takes effect. The shift applies to Marriott properties worldwide rather than being limited to specific regions or brands within the portfolio. Travelers who favor particular soft drinks or hydration options may notice the difference on future stays.
Implementation details such as exact product availability by property type remain under development. Marriott emphasized that the new arrangement aims to meet guest preferences more closely while supporting operational consistency for owners and operators. The change does not alter other aspects of the hotel experience, such as room amenities or loyalty program benefits.
| Element | Previous Arrangement | New Arrangement |
|---|---|---|
| Beverage Partner | PepsiCo | The Coca-Cola Company |
| Primary Focus | Soft drinks | Soft drinks, hydration, functional beverages |
| Geographic Reach | Global | Global |
| Duration of Prior Deal | 34 years | Ongoing |
Perspectives From Company Leaders
Marriott President and CEO Anthony Capuano highlighted the shared focus on quality and consistency between the two organizations. He noted that the partnership supports guest preferences and delivers economic benefits for hotel owners and franchisees. Capuano expressed enthusiasm about expanding access to Coca-Cola products in more locations.
Coca-Cola CEO Henrique Braun described the agreement as an opportunity to serve travelers with familiar brands. He emphasized the scale of the collaboration and its potential to strengthen the presence of Coca-Cola products in hospitality settings. The statements from both executives underscore a mutual interest in enhancing the guest experience through established product lines.
Market Context and Next Steps
Marriott cited data showing that the Coca-Cola portfolio is preferred globally by a two-to-one margin. The company also reported that more than 70 percent of its guests favor these brands. These figures informed the decision to move forward with the new partnership.
Travelers can monitor property-level communications or the Marriott Bonvoy app for updates on product availability during the transition period. The agreement represents a significant shift in a visible aspect of the hotel experience, though the core operations and service standards at Marriott properties remain unchanged. Over time, the change is expected to standardize beverage offerings across the chain while responding to documented guest preferences.
