1998 Milestones
- Pepsi-Cola introduces two-liter plastic bottle with built-in "grip handle" that
makes it easier to grip and pour.
- PepsiCo Chairman and CEO Roger A. Enrico donates his salary to provide scholarships
for children of PepsiCo employees.
- Pepsi introduces new look called the "Globe" which prominently features a 3-dimensional
Globe against a blue ice backdrop.
- Pepsi-Cola announces breakthrough product: Pepsi One, great-tasting, one-calorie
cola is first in United States with newly FDA approved sweetener Sunett®.
- Former Chairman and CEO Wayne Calloway dies on July 9th. He joined PepsiCo in 1967
becoming its Chairman and CEO in 1986.
- PepsiCo acquires Tropicana Products from Seagram Company Ltd., the biggest acquisition
ever undertaken by PepsiCo. Tropicana was founded in 1947 by Anthony Rossi. Its
major brand is Tropicana Pure Premium Juices.
- The Frito-Lay Company purchases Smith's Snackfood Company in Australia from United
Biscuits Holdings, Inc. (Purchase completed on Aug. 26.)
- In November the PepsiCo Board of Directors authorizes the company to convert a significant
portion of its $7 billion company-owned bottling operations, The Pepsi Bottling
Group (PBG) into public ownership.
- PepsiCo signs groundbreaking 10-year agreement with the YMCA of the USA through
which both Pepsi-Cola and Frito-Lay will develop national and local marketing programs
to support the organization's many charitable efforts.
- Frito-Lay becomes the snack chip leader in South and Central America as it enters
a joint venture with Empreseas Polar SA of Venezuela.
- Frito-Lay acquires Barcel, Chile's second-largest snack company.
- Frito-Lay acquires an expanded state in Tasty Foods Egypt.
- Pepsi and Frito-Lay media buying is consolidated.
- PepsiCo products contribute more than any other packaged goods company to the sales
growth in U.S. supermarkets, mass merchandisers and chain drug stores.
- Tropicana Products, Inc. acquires Alimentos del Valle S.A., one of Spain's leading
chilled juice and soup companies.