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Cola Wars Continue: 2010

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Based on the case “Cola Wars Continue: Coke and Pepsi in 2010,” use game theory approach/analysis to explain the competitive behavior of Coke and Pepsi making specific references to actions taken by each firm and the different “battlefields.” What conclusions can you draw about the competitive strategies pursued by both companies? At the time the Case was written was there a winner? Should both companies have acted differently?

The game theory approach used between the two CSD giant Coke and Pepsi was at times very entertaining to see as a consumer. In the case study it explains the back and forth competition and in my point of view there still is no clear winner. Coke saw the importance of soda fountains and Pepsi was at times more “old fashioned” and felt bottle/retail sales were most critical. To counter Coke’s move, Pepsi entered the fast food market by purchasing Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and Kentucky Fried Chicken.

While the consumer became more informed with the ingredients used and the possible health issues caused by the artificial sweeteners, Pepsi and Coke began to battle to find the “healthiest” sweetener which ended up being Stevia. These battles branched out into the non-CSD drinks like, Vitamin Water, which was Coke’s largest purchase in their history. Even with that acquisition Coke was behind Pepsi on the U.S. non-carbs market share because of Pepsi’s advantage with the sales of Gatorade and Lipton tea. The game theory each used was basically who can be most effective in branding and who had the most economy of scales when it came to costs.

Either company I believe played their cards effectively because they’ve lasted this long and have shown constant innovation in a segment with relatively easy entry.

These were my thoughts on the case, I will read through everyone’s input and post a final draft on

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