PepsiCo to focus on soft drinks, target Coke Zero

PepsiCo, the chief rival to Coca-Cola Co., plans to focus on carbonated soft drinks, and colas specifically, in coming months, according to trade publication Beverage Digest. Executives discussed the company's plans during during a recent meeting with bottlers. Executives said PepsiCo is increasing its investment behind its core soft brands such as Pepsi, Mt. Dew and Sierra Mist. Diet Pepsi and Pepsi Max will also get a boost, with more ads planned for Pepsi Max, a direct competitor to Coke Zero. PepsiCo will continue to hammer Pepsi Max's message of taste and zero calories, with ads claiming Max has "too much taste to call ourselves a zero."

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