Vending

Feds investigate Coke, Pepsi soda pricing

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January 10, 2023

The federal government has begun investigating Coca Cola and Pepsi Cola soda pricing practices for possible pricing discrimination against smaller retailers, according to a Politico report.

The Federal Trade Commission has sought data from large retailers, including Walmart, on how they purchase and price soft drinks, unnamed sources close to the investigation said, although Walmart is not a target in the investigation.

The investigation, launched about a month ago, marks the FTC's renewed interest in the Robinson-Patman Act which the agency has not enforced for more than 20 years.

The 1936 law prohibits suppliers from offering more favorable prices to large retailers over smaller competitors.