Latest news with #CocaColaZero
The Sun
01-08-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Fury as major supermarket AXES Pepsi Max from all its stores with shoppers sobbing ‘what have you done?'
PESPI Max is a staple hydrating elixir for many and a firm favourite ahead of its rivals. However, shoppers at one major retailer have been given a major blow after it was axed from all its food courts. Pepsi axed For many, a trip to Costco is virtually incomplete without nipping into the food court and languishing in the plethora of food and drink options. And yet regular visitors to the major supermarket will notice a change to the drinks offering, after Costco decided to remove Pepsi Max. That's because the company has axed Pepsi Max from all of its drinks machines across the USA and UK. Coca-Cola Zero. Customers can also choose from Diet Coke, Fanta and Sprite. Fans 'devastated' It's safe to say that for the passion Pepsi Max fans, the decision has caused a huge uproar. One fan commented: "Oh nahhhhhh Pepsi max is GOAT." While another said: "I'm devo about it, I'm sorry since when was Coke a replacement for Pepsi Max?" Another account posted: "Costco what have you done." However, it was not all bad, as some fans welcome the change. One commented: "Cannot wait to have a proper drink of Diet Coke - not Pepsi rubbish." The reason Costco's American CEO announced in January that they would be switching the drinks fountains to Coca-Cola products. And the roll-out of the new drinks began in early July, making its way across Costco food courts in 14 countries, including the UK. In a statement given to USA TODAY, the company claimed the change was an 'ice-cold Coca-Cola upgrade'. Costco first switched from Coca-Cola to Pepsi in 2013, in order to keep their famous hot dog and drink deal at the low price of £1.50. There are currently 29 Costco stores across England, Scotland and Wales, with the business reportedly having plans to open more sites in the future. The recent decision to switch back to Coke is likely influenced by a handful of factors, including lowered prices from Coca-Cola. After a period where Costco reportedly pulled all Coke products, the beverage giant reduced its prices, allowing for the switch back, per a post from the Costco Insider Instagram page.
Time of India
31-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
BTS' V aka Kim Taehyung sparks outrage with Coca-Cola collab — throwback to when the brand denied Israel ties in Bangladeshi ad
BTS members are famously selective about their brand deals, something even Jin recently addressed on Weverse when a fan tried comparing their endorsements. That's exactly why V, also known as Kim Taehyung, is now facing backlash for partnering with Coca-Cola, a company many claim has long-standing ties to Israel. As the criticism continues to grow, fans are revisiting a controversial Coca-Cola ad released in Bangladesh that attempted to deny those very connections. BTS' V's Coca-Cola collab turns into a controversy V had been teasing something new for a while, and on July 31, the news dropped. It was announced that he's now the face of Coke Zero in South Korea, replacing his HYBE labelmate NewJeans. The campaign, tagged #BestCokeEver, is run by Coca-Cola Korea, a division handled by LG Household & Health Care. BTS' V has been announced as Coca Cola's Korea new ambassador for the Coca Cola Zero campaign. But as soon as the announcement hit social media, criticism followed. Fans resurfaced allegations that Coca-Cola profits have supported Israel, a country widely condemned for its role in the Palestinian crisis. The backlash wasn't just about V but a broader condemnation of the brand and its global image. This comes just a day after fans called out BTS' Jungkook, who was seen holding a Starbucks coffee, another brand tied to Israel. Fans highlight why BTS' V's campaign is controversial Social media was filled with posts calling out both Coca-Cola and the Rainy Days singer. Many accused the company of operating on land taken from Palestinians and highlighted that some of those impacted are BTS fans themselves. The #BoycottCoke campaign reemerged, with graphics and posts citing Coca-Cola's alleged complicity in Israeli war crimes. One viral campaign referenced findings by WhoProfits, which state that Coca-Cola Israel operates facilities in the Atarot Settlement Industrial Zone and that its Tabor Winery sources grapes from occupied territories in the West Bank and Syrian Golan. V from BTS posting and openly promoting a boycotted brand Coca-Cola which funding the genocide in is your true enemy. Fans plead with BTS to reconsider partnerships Messages directed at BTS members, particularly V and Jungkook, have been widely shared, urging them to stop supporting brands listed on boycott trackers. One post reads, 'Dear Taehyung BTS, Jungkook BTS, Coca-Cola and Starbucks have been placed on the official boycott list. Please stop buying brands that support genocide. Show empathy for Palestinians.' In defence of V, some fans pointed out that Coca-Cola Korea has been managed by a Korean company since 2007. The firm oversees all production, marketing, and operations locally. They argue that profits remain within the Korean economy and that the brand's Korean division is structurally and financially separate from the U.S.-based Coca-Cola Company. Dear #V @BTS_twtCoca Cola has been operating on the stolen land of the Palestinians, some of whose are your ARMYs. Pls don't work with and promote its products.#Taehyung, please educate yourself, cancel the endorsement & stand with humanity! 💜 🕊 ‼️STOP BUYING THE ZIONIST BRAND‼️Dear Taehyung BTS, Jungkook BTSCoca-Cola and Starbucks has been placed on the official boycott stop buying brands that support genocide and stop working with questionable people. Show empathy for the Palestinians. @BTS_twt When Coca-Cola denied its Israeli connection with a Bangladeshi ad In early 2024, Coca-Cola tried to fight against boycott pressure by releasing a 60-second TV and social media ad in Bangladesh. The ad aimed to dispel what the company called 'misinformation' about its alleged Israeli ties. Since the escalation of violence in Gaza starting in 2023, Coca-Cola has faced declining sales across Muslim-majority countries. Consumers were calling for boycotts against brands believed to support Israel. With a massive drop in sales, Coca-Cola rushed to repair its image in key markets, starting with Bangladesh. The ad shows a shopkeeper offering a Coke to a hesitant customer who hints at boycotting the brand over alleged ties to Israel. The shopkeeper insists the rumor is false, citing Coca-Cola's presence in countries like Turkey and Palestine. But critics in Bangladesh weren't convinced, calling the ad tone-deaf and dismissive of legitimate concerns. Coming back to V, while the BTS star is known for his philanthropy, including a donation to the Save the Children Foundation for Gaza, his recent endorsement has unsettled parts of BTS' global fandom. For all the latest K-drama, K-pop, and Hallyuwood updates, keep following our coverage here.
