Liquor shelves bare at Lidl & Co. - "Not returning anytime soon"

In recent news, popular drink brands such as Pepsi, Gatorade, and Bubly are experiencing a significant shake-up, with 27 flavours being discontinued. This decision has left shelves in stores like Lidl and others noticeably empty.

PepsiCo, the company behind these brands, has announced that it will be focusing more on specific drink types, including sports drinks and certain flavours of Pepsi, Gatorade, and Bubly. Unfortunately, this means that popular flavours like Lemon, Apple, and Cranberry for Bubly, as well as Fit Cherry Lime, Tangerine Orange, and Zero with Protein in various flavours for Gatorade, will no longer be available.

Interestingly, this empty shelf situation at Lidl and other stores is not due to a dispute, unlike the previous issue between Pepsi and Edeka. In April 2023, an agreement was reached between the two parties, causing Pepsi drinks to return to Edeka's shelves. During that time, customers at Edeka could only buy Coca-Cola or the store's own brands.

The discontinuation of these drinks comes at a challenging time for consumers, as food prices are currently rising. This adds to the difficulties faced by those trying to find their favourite drinks on supermarket shelves.

It's important to note that not all of these discontinued drinks may be available in German supermarkets and discounters. Some popular items, like Mountain Dew Original, Blueberry Pomegranate, and Major Melon, are also being removed from the market.

The impact of these cuts on the German market is still unclear. Time will tell how Pepsi's range adjustment affects the availability of drinks in German supermarkets and discounters like Lidl. At the moment, affected products do not seem to be returning to the shelves.

This news comes as a disappointment to many consumers, who are already grappling with the rising cost of food. As the situation develops, it's crucial to stay informed about the availability of these popular drink brands in our supermarkets and discounters.