Cans of Pepsi are on display at a Target store in the Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York City, on Feb. 9, 2024.
Michael M. Santiago | Getty Images
The Federal Trade Commission said Friday that it is suing PepsiCo for illegal price discrimination, alleging the food and beverage giant gave an unnamed retailer more favorable prices than its competition.
Walmart is the unnamed retailer, people familiar with the matter told CNBC.
The FTC alleges Pepsi violated the Robinson-Patman Act, which bars sellers from giving competing buyers different prices for the same “commodity” or selectively providing allowances, like compensation for advertising. The agency argues Pepsi gave Walmart promotional payments and allowances, as well as advertising and promotional tools, that it didn’t offer to the retail giant’s rivals.
Pepsi denied the allegations and said the FTC’s lawsuit is wrong, both factually and legally.
“PepsiCo strongly disputes the…
