Coke Vs. Pepsi: The Next Inflation Battle Starts in the Grocery Aisle

US energy prices were still 14.7% higher in July than a year earlier, even after cooling in June and July. Food-at-home inflation ran at 2.7%, while non-alcoholic beverages rose 4.1%, keeping pressure on grocery budgets. For Coca-Cola and PepsiCo, the next test is likely to show up in package sizes, promotions, and shelf pricing—areas where shoppers react first. The fight is also a comparison of business models: Coca-Cola leans more on beverage concentrate and a global bottling system, while PepsiCo combines drinks with snacks and other foods, tying results to more commodity, packaging, and demand variables.