PepsiCo is to pair with SodaStream to test Pepsi-branded drinks in its home soda making systems.
A 10-week test will take place in selected Florida markets during the first week of November – with brands such as Sierra Mist Homemade and Pepsi Homemade in flavour-caps.
PepsiCo’s move follows Coca-Cola’s deal earlier this year with Keurig Green Mountain — best known for its single-serve coffee machines — to develop a new counter-top machine to make cold beverages. Coca-Cola has already launched its Honest Tea brand in K-cups for the Keurig 2.0 brew over ice machine.
The Coke-Keurig machine will not be ready until next autumn, so if these tests prove successful, it may give Pepsi the lead in the home-made soda system race.
And, with SodaStream’s shares rising on the news, it seems likely that speculation around PepsiCo’s interest in acquiring all or part of the Israel-based home drinks maker may return. To observers, it would seem logical as the Coke-Keurig pairing came shortly after Coca-Cola took a 16% share in the US home coffee brewer.
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