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Marriott International is making a huge change to its global beverage program. It signed a new agreement with The Coca-Cola Company to replace longtime partner PepsiCo across its worldwide hotel portfolio. The move will bring Coca-Cola products to approximately 9,700 Marriott properties spanning more than 140 countries. This marks one of the most high-profile wins in the neverending cola war between the two beverage giants.
Pepsi had been Marriott’s exclusive beverage provider since 1992. This relationship began during a financially challenging period for the hotel chain. At the time, Pepsi stepped in with a substantial financial package that helped stabilize Marriott and in return it secured a decades-long partnership in return. Marriott maintained that relationship for more than 30 years.
The decision to switch to Coca-Cola reflects changing priorities with guest satisfaction now playing a central role. Internal research indicated that a significant majority (70%) of Marriott Bonvoy® members prefer Coca-Cola products over Pepsi. By aligning its beverage offerings with customer preferences, Marriott aims to enhance the overall guest experience across its properties.
The transition represents a large-scale operational shift that impacts more than 1.7 million hotel rooms worldwide. Coca-Cola products will be introduced across multiple touchpoints including restaurants, bars, minibars, meeting spaces, and catering services. For Coca-Cola, the deal provides a major boost in visibility and volume by placing its beverages front and center in one of the world’s largest hotel networks.
The agreement strengthens Coca-Cola’s position in the hospitality sector and expands its reach through Marriott’s global footprint. The partnership is expected to drive increased sales through fountain service, in-room offerings, and large-scale events while also reinforcing brand presence among international travelers.
Coca-Cola released the following statement:
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.”
Anthony’s Take: As Coca-Cola products begin rolling out across Marriott properties starting this summer, the change marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter in one of the most enduring rivalries in the beverage industry.
(Featured Image Credit: Popartic via iStock.)
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