McDonald’s ends tests, won’t serve Pepsi

McDonald’s says it has ended tests of PepsiCo products, dampening what was seen as a threat to Coca-Cola Co.’s long-time relationship with the fast-food giant.

The tests, which ended last summer, only included bottled PepsiCo products, such as Mountain Dew, Gatorade and Lipton. It did not involve Pepsi cola drinks served through fountain machines.

“After a test of Pepsi products in several U.S. markets, we have decided that they will not be included in our national beverage strategy,” McDonald’s said in a statement earlier this week. “We continue to work with other national and regional beverage companies — including Coca-Cola — to identify a variety of fountain and bottled beverage options that will meet our customers’ preferences for taste, value and convenience.”

Coca-Cola, based in Atlanta, and McDonald’s, based in Oak Brook, Ill., have been paired together for more than 50 years. Coke products are sold at McDonald’s outlets in 118 countries.

“We’re pleased with McDonald’s decision and with our position,” said Coke spokesman Ray Crockett.

PepsiCo spokesman Larry Jabbonsky said the test was a great experience but McDonald’s and PepsiCo made a mutual decision to end it.