COSTCO has officially rolled out its latest food court switch – and shoppers are calling it “ridiculous”.
The wholesale giant has introduced Coca-Cola only soda machines in their food court, ditching its rival Pepsi in the drinks switch-up.
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Reports of the controversial rollout have emerged on Reddit, with one shopper sharing a photo from Monterey Park, CA, showing an empty soda station.
They wrote: “The switch to Coca Cola products is on. Monterey Park, CA.”
Ron Vachris, the CEO of Costco, confirmed that Pepsi will no longer be sold at food courts across the US.
Members have told how they’ve waited a long time for the change to take place.
“About time, Pepsi is gross,” one shopper chimed.
“Good move, Costco,” another triumphant post online.
While Coke fans have welcomed the major switch, fans of Pepsi have been left fuming.
One customer said: “It’s BAIT! & garbage you have just purchased & drank!”
Anothr person added: “It is the most terrible thing to put in front of shoppers & their children!”
A third shopper said: “All Pepsi dispensers are gone. Will miss my Pepsi products.”
While a fourth wrote: “Two diet Cokes and no cherry coke? Bs.”
The move is part of a nationwide change expected to fully take effect in early 2025, but the backlash has already begun as loyal Pepsi drinkers find their beloved sodas disappearing.
Costco has a long history of soda switch-ups tied to cost-cutting efforts.
After a 2009 pricing spat with Coca-Cola, the retailer ousted Coke products for a month before reaching a deal.
By 2013, Pepsi took over entirely when Costco failed to negotiate lower costs with Coke, a change that took years to implement across its 800-plus locations.
For Costco, keeping distribution costs low is vital to preserving its iconic $1.50 hot dog and soda combo — a food court staple that hasn’t budged in price for decades, even amid inflation.
This latest move is part of a larger battle in the soda wars.
Coca-Cola dominates the U.S. soda market with a commanding 19.18% market share, while Pepsi lags behind at 8.31%.
Costco membership sharing guidelines
Costco has strict rules for membership use that shoppers must follow and they’ve been cracking down on offenders in recent years.
- Primary Member Use: Only the primary cardholder can use this Costco membership card. Sharing it for purchases is not allowed as the photo on the card must match the person using it.
- Household Card: Each primary member can add one free household cardholder who lives at the same address. This person will receive their own membership card and can shop at Costco independently.
- Guest Policy: Members can bring up to two guests per visit to Costco. However, only the member can make purchases. Guests must be accompanied by the member.
- Authorized Cardholder: For an additional fee, you can add an authorized cardholder, such as a family member or friend, who doesn’t reside at your address. They will receive their own card and can shop independently.
Credit: Costco
Dr Pepper, with an 8.34% share, recently overtook Pepsi to claim the No. 2 spot in overall sales.
Still, brand loyalty runs deep, and any shakeup is bound to bubble over.
As for Costco, whether the switch will win over shoppers or leave them with a sour taste remains to be seen.
But for now, the cola wars rage on — and customers aren’t holding back.
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