Irvine-based Taco Bell has formally renewed its long-standing partnership with PepsiCo, solidifying the presence of PepsiCo brand products within its fast-food establishments for another eleven years. This agreement extends the collaboration through 2036, continuing a relationship that has spanned multiple decades. The decision means consumers can expect to find familiar beverage options at Taco Bell locations well into the next decade.
The renewed agreement is comprehensive, covering key menu integrations that have become distinctive to the Taco Bell brand. Specifically, it ensures the ongoing availability of popular items such as Mountain Dew Baja Blast drinks and the Doritos Locos Tacos, which are developed in conjunction with PepsiCo-owned brands. The scope of this partnership extends across the diverse portfolio of Taco Bell restaurants, including its traditional outlets, the more expansive Taco Bell Cantina locations, and the newer Live Más Cafes.
Beyond domestic operations, the partnership will also continue to impact Taco Bell’s international footprint. Specific global markets covered by this renewed agreement include Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Thailand, ensuring a consistent brand experience for customers in these regions.
PepsiCo issued a statement regarding the renewal, outlining strategic priorities for the ongoing collaboration. According to the company, the partnership aims to focus on "staying ahead of emerging beverage trends." This strategic direction will encompass various categories, including crafted beverages, functional drinks, and energy beverage options. A particular emphasis is placed on developing energy offerings designed to appeal to Gen Z consumers, with the stated goal of unlocking new consumption occasions during morning and afternoon hours.
For Irvine and Orange County residents, Taco Bell represents a significant local business presence. The company is recognized as Orange County’s largest restaurant chain when measured by systemwide sales. PepsiCo, the global food and beverage corporation, reported net revenue of nearly $94 billion in 2025, underscoring the scale of both entities involved in this long-term agreement.
This renewal comes at a time when other fast-food industry relationships are undergoing changes. Notably, just a week prior to this announcement, KFC, a sister brand also operating under the same corporate umbrella as Taco Bell, revealed its plans to shift beverage partners. KFC announced it would drop PepsiCo and begin serving Coca-Cola products across all 3,600 of its U.S. restaurants, a change scheduled to take effect in January 2027. Taco Bell's decision to maintain its existing partnership contrasts with this move by its affiliated chain.
The continuation of this partnership means that the specific beverage and food pairings residents have come to associate with Taco Bell will remain a staple, alongside an anticipated evolution in beverage offerings driven by market trends and consumer preferences, as outlined by PepsiCo.
