The 15 Largest Soft Drink Brands in The World
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The largest soft drink brand in the world is Pepsi, with a revenue of $86.39 billion and a global market share of 10%.
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As of 2023, the global soft drink industry has a market size of $426 billion.
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Over 180 billion aluminum cans filled with soft drinks are sold worldwide each year, equivalent to 6,700 cans every second.
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The global soft drink industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.23% through 2030.
Sugary soft drinks continue to be a guilty pleasure for many consumers and a lucrative business for producers. The leading competitors in the soft drink market generate over $20 billion each from their respective brands.
Many are often amazed by the substantial yearly revenue amassed by these large companies, leading to curiosity about the largest soda brands currently dominating the market.
The 15 largest soft drink brands are:
A Closer Look at the Brands and How They Were Ranked
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Owned By: PepsiCo
2023 Total Company Annual Revenue: $86.39 Billion
PepsiCo owns 23 billion-dollar brands, starting with the iconic soda “Pepsi-Cola.” Originally formulated by pharmacist Caleb Bradham in 1898, it was an attempt to rival Coca-Cola. By 1902, Pepsi had transformed into a full-fledged company due to its popularity.
Today, PepsiCo is a global leader in food and beverages, having expanded through significant acquisitions, including Frito-Lay in 1965 and several fast-food chains in the 1980s like Taco Bell and Kentucky Fried Chicken. While Pepsi remains a top seller, it is frequently overshadowed by Coca-Cola in overall sales.
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Owned By: The Coca-Cola Company
2023 Total Company Annual Revenue: $43 Billion
The Coca-Cola brand is synonymous with soft drinks and is a significant player on this list. Created in 1886 by pharmacist John Pemberton, Coca-Cola was initially marketed as a cure for various ailments.
Over the years, Coca-Cola has evolved into a marketing powerhouse, consistently leading global sales and expanding its brand through innovative advertising strategies.
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Owned By: The Coca-Cola Company
2023 Total Company Annual Revenue: $43 Billion
Launched in 1980, Diet Coke was introduced in response to the growing demand for lower-calorie beverages. This innovation has allowed Coca-Cola to maintain a strong market presence, with Diet Coke remaining one of its most profitable offerings.
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Owned By: Keurig Dr. Pepper
2023 Total Company Annual Revenue: $14.05 Billion
Dr. Pepper, created over 130 years ago by pharmacist Charles Alderton, has a unique standing in the soft drink industry. It is not owned by the two dominant soda corporations, making it a distinctive player. After merging with Snapple to form the Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, it was acquired by Keurig in 2018 for $18.7 billion.
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Owned By: Red Bull GmbH
2023 Annual Revenue: $7.81 Billion
Red Bull, created in Thailand, revolutionized the energy drink market upon its global launch in 1987. It is marketed as an energy booster, aligning with the current trends in health and wellness.
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Owned By: Monster Beverage Corporation
2023 Annual Revenue: $6.31 Billion
Monster Energy has grown to encompass a large variety of products since its launch in 2002. As a holding company, Monster Beverage Corporation continues to innovate within the alternative beverage market.
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Gatorade
Owned By: PepsiCo
2023 Annual Revenue: $5.276 Billion
Gatorade was developed in 1965 at the University of Florida, designed to replenish electrolytes lost during physical activity. It has become a staple in the sports drink market and remains a top competitor despite not being a traditional soda.
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Sprite
Owned By: The Coca-Cola Company
2023 Annual Revenue: $4.997 Billion
Sprite offers a refreshing lemon-lime alternative to traditional colas. Introduced in the early 1960s, it quickly gained popularity and remains one of Coca-Cola’s key products.
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Mountain Dew
Owned By: PepsiCo
2023 Brand Annual Revenue: $2.7 Billion
Mountain Dew was created in the 1940s as a mixer for whiskey and was acquired by PepsiCo in 1964. It is now marketed as the beverage of extreme sports and continues to thrive within the PepsiCo portfolio.
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Owned By: The Coca-Cola Company
2023 Total Company Annual Revenue: N/A
Fanta originated in Germany during World War II as an alternative soda made from food scraps. It has evolved significantly and remains a colorful and popular choice among consumers.
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Tropicana
Owned By: PepsiCo
2023 Annual Revenue: $6 Billion
Founded in 1947, Tropicana is well-known for its orange juice products. Although it competes with soda brands, its sale of juice makes it a unique asset within PepsiCo’s extensive portfolio.
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Sunkist
Owned By: Keurig Dr. Pepper
2023 Brand Annual Revenue: $1.15 Billion
Sunkist began as a juice brand and became synonymous with orange soda in the late 1970s after being licensed to Pepsi. As of 2023, it is a strong competitor to Fanta in the soft drink market.
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Minute Maid
Owned By: The Coca-Cola Company
2023 Annual Revenue: $1 Billion
Minute Maid, acquired by Coca-Cola in 1960, gained popularity with its ready-to-drink orange juice. It competes directly with Tropicana and has expanded to over 100 different juice varieties.
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Sierra Mist
Owned By: PepsiCo
2023 Brand Annual Revenue: About $1 Billion
Introduced in 1999 as a competitor to Sprite, Sierra Mist has undergone various brand changes and product updates, including a brief rebranding to Mist Twist. It remains a staple in PepsiCo’s lineup.
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7Up
Owned By: Keurig Dr. Pepper
2023 Brand Annual Revenue: $15.7 Million
7Up, a classic lemon-lime soda developed in the 1930s, has seen many ownership changes before joining Dr. Pepper in 1988. It remains a beloved beverage with a rich history.
Soft Drink Industry FAQ
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Are soft drinks still popular in the U.S.?
Yes, soft drink sales accounted for $297.5 billion of the U.S. beverage revenue in 2022. Carbonated soft drink sales remain a significant contributor to the United States’ $447 billion beverage industry in 2022.
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What is the largest soft drink company in the world?
PepsiCo leads as the largest soft drink company globally, closely followed by The Coca-Cola Company. Brands like Red Bull and Monster Energy are significant players in the market as well.
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What beverage is most consumed in the U.S.?
Bottled water has become the most consumed beverage in the U.S., accounting for 24% of beverage consumption. Coffee follows closely, making up about 20% of the beverage market.
Author
Sky Ariella is a professional freelance writer, originally from New York. She has been featured on websites and online magazines covering topics in career, travel, and lifestyle. She received her BA in psychology from Hunter College.
