Last mentioned: Mar 24, 2026
Target Completion
Expected completion of the initial 20% U.S. SKU reduction phase.
PepsiCo announces a strategic deal with activist investor Elliott Investment Management to improve efficiency.
Reports emerge of three plant closures and the beginning of the 20% SKU reduction process.
PepsiCo expects to have fully implemented the 20% reduction in U.S. product offerings.
Operational Cuts
PepsiCo confirms closure of 3 plants and progress on 20% SKU reduction.
Elliott Deal
PepsiCo shares plans for SKU reduction following activist investor pressure.
Coca-Cola Precedent
Coca-Cola announces plans to cut its portfolio by 50%, retiring brands like Tab and ZICO.
Coca-Cola Purge
Coke announces plans to cut 200 brands, including Tab and ZICO.
PepsiCo is aggressively streamlining its U.S. operations by cutting nearly 20% of its stock-keeping units (SKUs) as part of a strategic deal with activist investor Elliott Investment Management. This move, which includes closing manufacturing plants and retiring niche snack varieties, mirrors a similar culling executed by Coca-Cola in 2020.
PepsiCo is aggressively pruning its product portfolio, targeting a 20% reduction in U.S. SKUs to streamline operations and satisfy activist investor Elliott Investment Management. The move mirrors Coca-Cola’s 2020 'culling' and aims to redirect cost savings toward high-impact marketing and advertising for its core master brands.