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PepsiCo and Walmart Face Federal Lawsuit Alleging Long-Running Price-Fixing Scheme

By  |  December 17, 2025

PepsiCo and Walmart have been named in a new consumer lawsuit filed in federal court in New York, accusing the two companies of working together for years to inflate the prices of Pepsi-branded soft drinks across the United States, according to Reuters.

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    The proposed class action, filed on Monday, alleges that PepsiCo and Walmart entered into an arrangement that gave Walmart access to more favorable wholesale pricing on Pepsi products, while other retailers were left paying higher prices. Per Reuters, the plaintiffs argue that this practice violated antitrust laws by reducing price competition in the retail market for soft drinks.

    According to Reuters, the lawsuit claims that the alleged agreement effectively removed competitive pricing pressures, leading to higher costs for consumers nationwide. The plaintiffs are seeking class action status on behalf of millions of people who purchased Pepsi products during the period covered by the lawsuit.

    “Pepsi and Walmart collectively make more money when they neutralize price competition and coordinate pricing,” the lawsuit said.

    Read more: PepsiCo to Acquire Prebiotic Soda Brand Poppi for $1.95 Billion

    PepsiCo denied the allegations in a statement, saying that the company “continues to operate in compliance with applicable laws and remains committed to providing all customers with fair, competitive, and non-discriminatory pricing, discounts and promotional value, regardless of size or channel,” according to Reuters.

    Walmart also responded to the filing, saying it is aware of the lawsuit and maintains that it remains “committed to negotiating on behalf of our customers so we can deliver value and everyday low prices,” per Reuters.

    The case adds to ongoing scrutiny of pricing practices among major manufacturers and retailers, with the court expected to determine whether the claims can proceed as a class action representing consumers across the country.

    Source: Reuters