Pepsi controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2026
Cypriot businessmen sue PepsiCo over Famagusta factory use
Lawsuit filed
Greek Cypriot companies CyproFruta and Cyprus Farming Ltd filed a lawsuit seeking compensation from 12 companies and individuals, including PepsiCo, over the alleged use of their factory and land in Famagusta to manufacture Pepsi-branded products. The claim concerns the alleged use of the factory and land for that production. The filing names PepsiCo among the defendants and seeks compensation, according to the report.
Source excerpt
Since 1981, a company in the north by the name of Ektam Kibris Ltd has used the factory and the land to manufacture Pepsi brand products – including Pepsi, Pepsi Max, 7UP and Mirinda.
The plaintiffs are suing 12 companies/individuals – including PepsiCo, its global headquarters based in New York, the United States.
Politis reported that the lawsuit was filed a few days ago with Nicosia district court.
2020
Earth Island Institute sues companies over plastic packaging pollution in California
Lawsuit filed
Earth Island Institute filed a lawsuit in a California court against Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Nestle USA, Procter & Gamble and other companies, seeking unspecified damages and an order requiring them to clean up plastic waste. The group alleges that plastic packaging from the companies is fouling California waters and says their products contributed to a global pollution crisis; these are allegations in the lawsuit, not a court determination.
Stated objective. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages and an order for the companies to clean up plastic waste.
Source excerpt
The Earth Island Institute asked for unspecified damages and an order for Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Nestle USA, Procter & Gamble and six other companies to clean up plastic waste that the group says has created a global pollution crisis.
Escalating a campaign to make corporations responsible for the waste they produce, an environmental group filed suit Wednesday against some of the world’s biggest food, beverage and consumer goods companies in a California court, arguing they should be held responsible for plastic packaging that is fouling the state's oceans, rivers and streams.
The suit names those companies, along with Nestle USA, Crystal Geyser Water, Clorox, Mars and Danone North America.
2017
Kendall Jenner protest advertisement
An advertisement depicting Kendall Jenner handing a Pepsi to a police officer during a protest was criticized for trivializing civil-rights demonstrations and social injustice. Pepsi withdrew the advertisement and apologized.
1992
Pepsi Number Fever
A promotional printing error in the Philippines produced a large number of bottle caps carrying the top prize number. The resulting dispute caused public disorder, lawsuits and deaths, making the promotion one of the brand’s most serious historical controversies.
1989
Madonna advertising controversy
Pepsi cancelled a high-profile campaign associated with Madonna after criticism of religious themes in the artist’s “Like a Prayer” video created reputational pressure around the sponsorship.