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PepsiCo cuts prices and eliminates products under pressure from investors

Dec 9, 2025, 2:09 AM10
(Update: Dec 9, 2025, 2:09 AM)
American soft drink company

PepsiCo cuts prices and eliminates products under pressure from investors

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In the United States, PepsiCo, the beverage and snack giant, is undergoing a significant overhaul of its product portfolio in response to pressure from the activist investor Elliott Investment Management. The company announced plans to reduce its product lines by nearly 20 percent by early next year, aiming to improve profitability and respond to changing consumer preferences. Concurrently, PepsiCo intends to cut prices to combat perceptions that its products are too expensive and bolster its market position. These moves come after a substantial $4 billion investment from Elliott, which raised concerns over the company's strategic direction and declining growth in its North American divisions. In addition to streamlining its offerings, PepsiCo is actively launching new products that utilize simpler, functional ingredients. Innovations like Doritos Protein and the Simply NKD line of Cheetos and Doritos will cater to health-conscious consumers by eliminating artificial flavors and colors. A prebiotic version of its famous cola was also introduced to appeal to changing dietary preferences among consumers. These new products signify PepsiCo's commitment to enhancing value for its customers while modernizing its brand image. The changes come after years of double-digit price increases which have contributed to reduced demand for the company's beverages and snacks. Striving to regain consumer interest, PepsiCo plans to expand the distribution of its value brands, such as Chester's and Santitas, to better compete in an evolving market. The company has also launched a review of its supply chain, seeking to optimize operations and focus on profitability goals. PepsiCo's Chairman and CEO, Ramon Laguarta, expressed confidence in the company’s new initiatives and the urgency they are implementing to improve both financial and marketplace performance. With expectations for organic revenue growth of 2 to 4 percent in 2026, the overhaul marks a key moment for the company as it adapts to criticisms and challenges from shareholders about its strategic clarity and market competitiveness. As the company executes its plan, collaboration with Elliott Investment Management is expected to continue, providing guidance on achieving enhanced revenue and profit growth.

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