Copyright The Oregonian
A recent court ruling that changes how Dr Pepper will be distributed in two western states will not affect the No. 2 soft drink’s distribution model in Oregon. The ruling, which took effect this week, allowed Keurig Dr Pepper to end its partnership with Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling in California and Nevada. That gives Keurig Dr Pepper autonomy to bottle and distribute its Dr Pepper brands itself in those states and could lead to lineup changes at soda fountains, restaurants and movie theaters. Coca-Cola-affiliated fountains could see Coke’s own peppery alternative, Mr. Pibb, replace Dr Pepper. But in Oregon, it will be business as usual, according to a Keurig Dr Pepper spokesperson. Oregon is not among the 10 states where Reyes operates, and distribution of the pepper soda here is mainly handled by PepsiCo and other Coca-Cola-affiliated bottlers. For years, Keurig Dr Pepper has relied on bottlers controlled by competitors Coca-Cola and PepsiCo to distribute its sodas. Coke is the nation’s No. 1 soft drink brand, followed by Dr Pepper at No. 2 and Pepsi at No. 3.
