Coca-Cola, Dr. Pepper to expand McDonald's drinks

by DrinkNetwork

Published on Wed Apr 29 21:19:54 2009

Drink maker Coca-Cola Co. said Monday it will expand the fountain and bottle drinks on offer at McDonald's restaurants.

McDonald's Corp., the largest U.S. fast-food chain, will offer core fountain drinks including Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Sprite and Hi-C Orange drinks in its fountain in all 14,000 U.S. restaurants. On a regional basis, Powerade, Sprite Zero, Fanta Grape, Fanta Strawberry, Caffeine Free Diet Coke, Barq's Root Beer, Minute Maid Lemonade and Minute Maid Lemonade Light will be available at fountains.

In terms of bottled drinks, Dasani will remain available in bottles, and on a regional basis, Powerade Mountain Blast and vitaminwater XXX will now be sold.

Coke Zero will also be available at some restaurants.

Separately, Dr Pepper Snapple Group Inc. said it agreed with McDonald's to expand the availability of Dr Pepper and Diet Dr Pepper in U.S. Restaurants. Dr Pepper will now be available at all U.S restaurants, up from 8,500 previously. Diet Dr Pepper, currently available in 3,500 restaurants, will be expanded on a regional basis.

Financial terms for both deals were undisclosed.

Coca-Cola shares gained 5 cents to $42.84 in midday trading and Dr Pepper shares rose 36 cents to $19.36.

McDonald's shares advanced 39 cents to $54.70.

(This version CORRECTS Dr Pepper name in 5th graf, UPDATES stock prices at end.)

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