PepsiCo exceeded expectations with its second-quarter earnings and revenue, and the company expressed optimism that a wave of new and reformulated products could help revitalize its underperforming North American market in the second half of the year.
Speaking to investors on Thursday, Chairman and CEO Ramon Laguarta announced plans to roll out protein-fortified versions of snacks like Pop Corners in the coming months. He also said the company intends to launch high-protein versions of some of its top-selling products and will introduce protein beverages later this year.
“Consumers are increasingly incorporating protein into their diets in ways we hadn’t seen just a few years ago,” Laguarta said. “We believe we can deliver accessible, large-scale solutions to meet that demand.”
PepsiCo also plans to relaunch its Lay’s and Tostitos lines without artificial colors or ingredients later this year. The move follows an April announcement accelerating the removal of artificial additives, prompted by calls from U.S. health officials.
However, Laguarta did not comment on whether PepsiCo would switch from high-fructose corn syrup to real sugar in its U.S. soft drinks. The topic gained attention after former President Donald Trump claimed on social media that Coca-Cola had agreed to use real cane sugar in its U.S. flagship product. Coca-Cola hasn’t confirmed the change but said new product announcements are forthcoming.
