KFC U.S. announced a new beverage partnership with The Coca-Cola Company, with the transition set to begin in January 2027. Coca-Cola products are expected to be available in all U.S. KFC restaurants by spring 2027, according to a press release from the company.

KFC, a subsidiary of Yum! Brands (NYSE: YUM), said the shift will replace its current U.S. beverage supplier with Coca-Cola's portfolio of drinks. The announcement did not identify the outgoing beverage partner.

Catherine Tan-Gillespie, President of KFC U.S., said the partnership is part of a broader effort to update the brand's menu and restaurant experience. "This partnership is about more than what's in the cup. It is another step in our work to evolve KFC, strengthen our restaurants, menu offerings and create a more relevant experience for today's customers," she said.

Dagmar Boggs, President of Foodservice & On-Premise, North America, at The Coca-Cola Company, described the deal as the first time the two brands have partnered across the U.S. market.

KFC said the partnership is intended to create food-and-drink pairings and expand beverage options across its U.S. locations. The company also noted ongoing beverage innovation at its Open House restaurant in McKinney, Texas, where new offerings including iced coffees, boba, and shakes have been introduced. KFC operates more than 30,000 restaurants across 150 countries and territories.