The term “Pepsi modified Palestine” has become one of the most-searched phrases online, with social media users claiming that PepsiCo redesigned its cans to reflect Palestinian culture during the Israel-Hamas conflict. Some posts even allege that PepsiCo, falsely identified as an Israeli company, made the change to avoid boycotts. However, these claims are misleading and inaccurate.
PepsiCo Is an American, Not Israeli, Company
PepsiCo, the maker of Pepsi, is an American multinational corporation headquartered in New York. Established in 1965, it has no connection to Israel. The company is led by Spanish CEO Ramon Laguarta.
When Were the Palestinian Designs Introduced?
The images of Pepsi cans featuring Palestinian heritage designs were first shared online in August 2023, as part of a localized marketing campaign in Gaza called the “Pepsi Taste Challenge.” These designs celebrated Palestinian culture and were created by a local packaging company collaborating with a Gaza-based advertising agency.
This campaign occurred months before the Israel-Hamas conflict began on October 7, 2023. The designs were temporary and unrelated to the conflict.
Why Are Social Media Claims Wrong?
Posts suggesting that “Pepsi modified Palestine” to show support for Palestine during the conflict are not accurate. A reverse image search confirmed that the Palestinian-themed designs were launched in August 2023, predating the war.
PepsiCo’s Statement on the Conflict
In October 2023, PepsiCo released an official statement expressing concern for the humanitarian crisis in both Israel and Gaza. The company emphasized its support for affected people without taking a political stance.
The Truth About “Pepsi Modified Palestine”
The viral search term “Pepsi modified Palestine” is based on false claims. The Palestinian-themed cans were part of a marketing campaign launched well before the conflict and had no connection to recent events. PepsiCo is not an Israeli company, and the designs were not politically motivated.
As misinformation spreads quickly online, verifying claims before sharing is essential to avoid amplifying inaccuracies.