Cola war. Pepsi ftw

$PepsiCo(PEP.US)$ dedicated to PepsiCo. First time using star institution function and i notice the top 5 institution have something in common based on their latest declaration (vanguard, state street, capital)

: increased pepsi portfolio. I believe there is a reasons based on the future prospect that the leadership are laying out or laid the foundations

Yes, the % growth is not higher than $Coca-Cola(KO.US)$. However, as a long term investment and being a beverage formulation specialist who has been observing the trend of authorities across the globe on their take of war against sugar, i believe the pepsi is doing all the right move in reducing risk that coca cola is facing.

1) diversity from pure beverage play by venture into snacks (frito lays) , oat (quaker oat), fast food ( yum) and food. These move have synergism between them : bag of lays with bottle of mtn dew, kfc with pepsi.

2) latest acquisitions: pepsi have also evolve (plant based protein) brand which they aquired back in 2019 and rockstar in april 2021. They are of future direction whereby

a) plant based protein drink gaining traction due to consumers are welcoming flexitarian diet and believe plant based could reduce carbon foot print and higher nutritions

b) energy drink has been on the rise during pandemic, where consumers are seek for energy functional drinks as they experienced "pandemic fatigue" and amidst of sky rocket coffee price due to poor harvest back In may 2021 on top of covid restriction since 2020. Intent to leverage on mtn dew brand, which is a smart move as cola flavored energy taste horrible ( have u tried the failed coke energy? Horrible cough syrup). Fruity and flavourful mtn dew would be a wiser move like redbull austria has been trying with their colour ranges.

3) in their beverage portfolio, they cover an extensive range. From their iconic pepsi and its flavour extensions, to gatorade isotonic for sports segment, mug root beer etc. Now with the aquired rockstar, they have plans of strength the mtn dew branding and evolved in plant based.

4) disposal of weakening brand, tropicana due to consumer bad connotation of juice are high in sugar. Focus on more dynamic approach. Similar to coca cola who dispose of zico, odwalla last year

5) joint partnership with beyond meat to spearhead into plant based snacks and beverage. Expected debut in 2022

6) continued alliance with suntory whom spearhead in regional expansion of both suntory and pepsico beverage in Asia and europe (suntory pepsi co.)

7) acquisition of sodastreams has offer new ways for consumers to make their own bubbles. With the recent launch of their zebra brand RTD mixers would also have synergism with their soda stream usage and also tap into consumer customisation experience

8) recent development into functional beverages that address rising consumer need: launch of driftwell to tap into "sleep aiding" market that has grown substantially between 2020 and 2021. Next would be joint partnership with beyond meat on plant based

9) beverage sector has been hammered since 2016 due to war against sugar and media limelight of sugary drinks. Sugar taxes and shift of consumers preference has result in reduction of soft drink and juice drink in most countries. Reformulated beverage driven up the cost and result in lower margin or higher sales price. Render futher reduction of sales. Pepsi having non beverage pillars would cushion the impact and create synergism within its ecosystem to attract consumers

10) exploration of alcoholics with partnership with Boston beer to create a offerage of mtn dew hard seltzer

Tldr: i like pepsi for its diversity and on par with trend. Moreover, dividend payout enough to grab a can of pepsi and say cheers.