Marriott International has ended its 34-year partnership with Pepsi, naming The Coca-Cola Company as its new global beverage partner in a deal that will extend across its hotels in Africa and other key markets worldwide.
The agreement, announced on 1 July, gives Coca-Cola access to one of the world’s largest hospitality networks, covering about 10,000 properties in 146 countries and territories, including operations in Africa, the United States, China and France.
The rollout will begin in phases over the coming months, with Coca-Cola products appearing in guestrooms, restaurants, lounges, meeting spaces and other guest areas across Marriott’s global portfolio. The agreement covers carbonated soft drinks, hydration products and functional beverages.
Marriott’s relationship with Pepsi dates back to 1992, when Pepsi became the company’s carbonated beverage supplier across its hotels, replacing Coca-Cola. Industry reports at the time said Marriott switched after Coca-Cola declined to provide the hotel company with a loan of between USD50 million and USD100 million. Pepsi renewed its supply agreement with Marriott in 2018 before the latest change.
Marriott President and Chief Executive Officer Anthony Capuano said the partnership reflects the company’s focus on meeting changing customer preferences while creating value for hotel owners and franchise operators.
“This agreement brings together two iconic brands with a shared commitment to quality, consistency, and creating memorable experiences,” Capuano said in a statement.
He added that the company aims to provide products that guests and Marriott Bonvoy members prefer while generating economic benefits across its global hotel network.
The agreement was developed with Hot Shoppe Services International, Marriott’s global procurement organisation.
For Africa, the partnership comes as Marriott continues to expand its footprint across the continent, where business travel, tourism and hotel investment are growing.
The company operates nearly 150 properties with about 26,000 rooms across 20 African countries under 22 brands. It has also announced plans to add more than 50 properties and around 9,000 rooms by 2027, including new markets such as Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar and Mauritania.
The beverage transition will therefore extend to several of Marriott’s growing African markets, including South Africa and Nigeria.
Henrique Braun, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of The Coca-Cola Company, said the agreement strengthens Coca-Cola’s presence in the global hospitality sector.
“On behalf of the entire Coca-Cola system, we’re excited about our future with Marriott and the opportunity to provide travelers more of the brands they love,” Braun said in a statement.
He said the company would offer guests a range of beverages, including sparkling drinks, juices, hydration products and dairy beverages, throughout their stay.
Marriott and Coca-Cola did not disclose the financial terms or duration of the agreement.
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