If you’re a fan of Pepsi, you may have heard a rumor floating around that the popular soda brand is actually owned by Mormons. Yes, you read that right – do Mormons own Pepsi? It’s a question that has fascinated many for years, and one that continues to spark curiosity and speculation among soft drink enthusiasts.
At first glance, the idea that a religious group could own a major corporation like Pepsi seems far-fetched. However, the connection between Mormons and the popular beverage brand actually goes back several decades. In fact, the original founders of Pepsi were both members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or the LDS Church as it’s commonly known. And while the company has changed hands many times since those early days, the influence of Mormonism on its history and culture can still be seen today.
So, what’s the truth behind the rumor that do Mormons own Pepsi? While it’s technically not accurate to say that the LDS Church owns the company outright, there is no denying that the influence of Mormonism can be felt throughout Pepsi’s history and even its current operations. Whether you’re a Mormon or just a curious fan of soda, digging deeper into this interesting connection is sure to reveal some surprising insights and enrich your understanding of both the LDS Church and the world of business.
The History of PepsiCo
PepsiCo is a leading food and beverage company that was founded in 1965 through the merger of Pepsi-Cola and Frito-Lay. However, the history of Pepsi-Cola dates back to the late 1890s when a pharmacist named Caleb Bradham invented a new cola drink designed to aid digestion and boost energy levels. Originally called “Brad’s Drink,” it became popular in his hometown of New Bern, North Carolina.
In 1902, Bradham officially renamed his drink Pepsi-Cola and began to expand his business. He pioneered some of the first advertising campaigns and marketing techniques, including selling Pepsi in 6-ounce bottles for only 5 cents, which was half the price of a competing coke brand.
Over the next few years, Pepsi grew in popularity and reached a national level. However, the Great Depression hit the company hard, and in 1931, Pepsi-Cola was sold to a group of investors led by Charles G. Guth. Guth revitalized the company with new advertising campaigns and expanded distribution, resulting in Pepsi’s growth and success.
- 1934 – Pepsi introduces the first 12-ounce bottle, doubling the size of its previous product size.
- 1950s – The company launches a successful “Pepsi Generation” ad campaign that appeals to younger consumers.
- 1960s – PepsiCo introduces Diet Pepsi and merges with Frito-Lay to form PepsiCo.
Since then, PepsiCo has continued to grow and expand, acquiring other notable brands such as Tropicana, Quaker Oats Company, and Gatorade. Today, PepsiCo is a global company with a diverse range of products, including soft drinks, snacks, juices, and breakfast foods.
The Founders of PepsiCo
PepsiCo, one of the largest food and beverage companies in the world, was founded by two men who came from humble beginnings.
- Caleb Bradham: Born in North Carolina in 1867, Bradham attended the University of North Carolina and became a pharmacist. In 1898, he invented “Brad’s Drink,” a carbonated soft drink made with a blend of kola nuts, vanilla, and other ingredients. In 1902, he renamed it “Pepsi-Cola,” and started advertising it as a cure for indigestion.
- Donald Kendall: Born in Washington state in 1921, Kendall served in the Navy during World War II before attending Columbia Business School. After graduation, he worked for several companies before joining Pepsi-Cola in 1957 as a vice president. A year later, he was promoted to president and CEO of Pepsi-Cola International.
Under Kendall’s leadership, PepsiCo became a global corporation with a portfolio of beloved brands, including Pepsi-Cola, Frito-Lay, Gatorade, Tropicana, and Quaker Oats. He also famously negotiated a deal with the Soviet Union in 1972 to sell Pepsi-Cola there, making it the first American consumer product to be sold in the country.
Today, PepsiCo is a Fortune 500 company with over $70 billion in revenue and more than 270,000 employees worldwide.
Below is a table summarizing the key facts about the two founders of PepsiCo:
| Name | Birth Year | Background | Key Achievements |
| Caleb Bradham | 1867 | Pharmacist | Invented Pepsi-Cola in 1898 |
| Donald Kendall | 1921 | Business executive | Transformed PepsiCo into a global corporation and negotiated a landmark deal to sell Pepsi-Cola in the Soviet Union |
It’s clear that these two visionaries played a crucial role in shaping the legacy of PepsiCo, and their impact can still be felt today.
The Current Ownership Structure of PepsiCo
PepsiCo is one of the world’s largest food and beverage companies, selling its products in more than 200 countries. As of 2021, the company is publicly traded on the NASDAQ stock exchange, with an ownership structure that includes both institutional and individual investors.
- Institutional investors own approximately 72% of the outstanding shares of PepsiCo, according to the company’s most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These investors include large financial institutions, pension funds, and hedge funds.
- The remaining 28% of outstanding shares are held by individual investors, many of whom own PepsiCo stock as part of a diversified investment portfolio.
- PepsiCo’s corporate governance structure includes a Board of Directors, which is responsible for overseeing management and representing the interests of shareholders. The board is composed of 15 members, 14 of whom are independent directors.
PepsiCo also has a number of subsidiary companies, including Frito-Lay, Tropicana, Quaker Foods, and Gatorade. These subsidiaries operate as distinct business units, but are ultimately owned by PepsiCo.
Overall, the ownership structure of PepsiCo reflects the company’s status as a publicly traded corporation, with ownership and control spread among a diverse group of investors and governed by a Board of Directors.
| Owners | Percentage Ownership |
|---|---|
| Institutional Investors | 72% |
| Individual Investors | 28% |
As of 2021, PepsiCo is a widely held publicly traded company, with a diverse group of shareholders that includes both institutional and individual investors. The company’s ownership structure is overseen by a Board of Directors, which is responsible for ensuring that shareholders’ interests are represented and protected.
The Relationship Between PepsiCo and the Mormon Church
There has been a longstanding rumor that the Mormon Church owns Pepsi. However, this is not entirely true. While the Mormon Church does have ties to PepsiCo, they do not own the company. So what is the relationship between PepsiCo and the Mormon Church? Let’s explore further.
- Founding of PepsiCo: Pepsi was originally created by Caleb Bradham in 1898. The company eventually merged with Frito-Lay in 1965 to become PepsiCo.
- Ties to Utah: PepsiCo has a strong presence in Utah, which is where the headquarters of the Mormon Church is located. Many members of the Mormon Church have invested in PepsiCo over the years.
- Board Members: There have been Mormon members on the PepsiCo board of directors in the past, including former church leader, Richard G. Scott.
While the Mormon Church does not own Pepsi, they do have a significant investment in the company. In fact, there have been rumors that the church has used their investment in PepsiCo to influence the company’s decisions. However, there is no concrete evidence to support these claims.
It is important to note that the Mormon Church has strict guidelines surrounding their members’ use of certain substances, including caffeine. Despite this, PepsiCo has not changed their recipe to remove caffeine from their products. However, they did release a caffeine-free version of Pepsi in the late 1980s.
| Mormon Influence on PepsiCo | Fact or Fiction? |
|---|---|
| The Mormon Church owns PepsiCo. | Fiction |
| The Mormon Church has significant investment in PepsiCo. | Fact |
| The Mormon Church has used their investment in PepsiCo to influence the company’s decisions. | Fiction (no concrete evidence) |
| PepsiCo has changed their recipe to remove caffeine to appease the Mormon Church. | Fiction |
In conclusion, while the Mormon Church does not own Pepsi, they do have a strong investment in the company. However, there is no evidence to support the claims that the church has used their investment to influence the company’s decisions. Despite the church’s guidelines surrounding caffeine, PepsiCo has not changed their recipe to remove caffeine from their products.
The Role of the Mormon Church in PepsiCo’s Business Operations
There has been a long-standing rumor that the Mormon Church owns PepsiCo, but is there any truth to this claim? While it is true that many high-level employees at PepsiCo have been members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the church does not own the beverage company.
- However, the Mormon Church has had a significant impact on PepsiCo’s business operations.
- First and foremost, the church has been a major shareholder in PepsiCo for decades. In fact, the church’s investment arm, Ensign Peak Advisors, owns a significant percentage of the company’s shares.
- Additionally, the church’s conservative stance on social issues has influenced PepsiCo’s business decisions. For example, in 2012, the company decided not to sponsor the Boy Scouts of America because of the organization’s ban on allowing openly gay members.
But the relationship between the Mormon Church and PepsiCo goes beyond just financial investments and social issues.
Many of PepsiCo’s top executives are members of the Mormon Church, and this has led to a unique culture within the company. The church places a strong emphasis on family, hard work, and service, and these values are reflected in the way that PepsiCo does business.
One particular example of this is PepsiCo’s commitment to sustainability. The church has a strong focus on environmental stewardship, and many members of the company’s leadership are passionate about protecting the planet. As a result, PepsiCo has been a leader in sustainability initiatives, such as reducing water usage, minimizing waste, and developing more eco-friendly products.
| Mormon Executives at PepsiCo | Position |
|---|---|
| Indra Nooyi | Former CEO |
| Ramon Laguarta | Current CEO |
| Al Carey | Former CEO of North America |
| Zein Abdalla | Former CEO of PepsiCo Europe |
Overall, while the Mormon Church does not own PepsiCo, it has certainly played a significant role in the company’s success. From financial investments to leadership positions, the church’s values and beliefs have shaped the culture and operations of this global beverage giant.
The Controversy Surrounding the Relationship Between Mormons and PepsiCo
One rumor that has circulated for years is that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), commonly known as the Mormons, owns PepsiCo. While this statement is not entirely true, there is a significant relationship between the two entities worth exploring.
- What Is the Origin of This Rumor?
- Do Mormons Control PepsiCo?
- Are There Any Mormons in High Positions in PepsiCo?
Let us delve deeper into the controversy:
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is an American-born religion that has close to 16 million adherents worldwide. The church, which has been accused of being secretive, has various business holdings, including 12 for-profit companies. Some of these companies include Deseret Management Corporation, Bonneville International Corporation, and Deseret Book Company, among others.
One of the for-profit companies owned by the LDS Church is the Brigham Young University (BYU), located in Utah. BYU has been a long-standing partner of PepsiCo, with the latter sponsoring various sporting events at the institution. Also, PepsiCo’s CEO at some point was a Latter-day Saint. It is this tenuous relationship between the church and PepsiCo that has given birth to the rumors that the Latter-day Saints own PepsiCo.
While the LDS Church owns several for-profit ventures, it is not accurate to state that it controls PepsiCo. Although there are some Mormons holding high-level positions within the organization, the company is publicly traded and has numerous shareholders. The notion that the church owns PepsiCo arises from the fact that some members are employed in the company, occupy high-level positions, and have built a relationship with them through BYU.
| PepsiCo Leaders with Mormon Backgrounds | BYU Trustees with Ties to PepsiCo |
|---|---|
| Donald Kendall | David L. Steward |
| Steven S Reinemund | Richard B. Leven |
| Indra Nooyi | Scott W. Parker |
| Roger Enrico | David W. Checketts |
Many Mormons feel pride in the accomplishments of fellow members in corporate America, especially when they achieve success in well-known companies such as PepsiCo. However, the close links between the two entities have fueled rumors that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints owns or controls PepsiCo. These rumors are unsubstantiated as they ignore the fact that PepsiCo is a publicly traded company and that other shareholders own the vast majority of its 1.6 billion shares outstanding.
In conclusion, while the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints owns a few companies, it does not control PepsiCo. Although there are Mormons employed by the organization and have held high-level positions, other shareholders own the bulk of the company. Therefore, it is safe to say that the rumors surrounding the relationship between Mormons and PepsiCo are unfounded.
The Impact of the Mormon Church on PepsiCo’s Marketing Strategy
Did you know that some people believe that the Mormon Church owns PepsiCo? While this is not entirely accurate, there is a deep and significant connection between the two entities. In fact, the Mormon Church has had a major impact on PepsiCo’s marketing strategy.
- PepsiCo’s Founding Family: The roots of PepsiCo go back to the late 19th century, when Caleb Bradham created a carbonated beverage called Brad’s Drink. In the early 1900s, he renamed the drink Pepsi-Cola and formed the Pepsi-Cola Company. Over time, the company evolved and merged with other companies, eventually becoming the PepsiCo of today. But did you know that Caleb Bradham was a devout Christian, and his religious beliefs greatly influenced his business practices? While he was not a member of the Mormon Church, his values were similar to those of the Church, emphasizing hard work, integrity, and service to others. It’s possible that these values have been passed down through the generations of PepsiCo leaders who followed in Bradham’s footsteps.
- Board of Directors: The Mormon Church has had a strong presence on PepsiCo’s board of directors for many years. For example, Steven Reinemund, who served as PepsiCo’s CEO from 2001 to 2006, was a devout Mormon and served as a member of the Church’s leadership council while he led the company. Other Mormon leaders have also served on PepsiCo’s board, including Richard E. George and Matthew Rose. While the board makes decisions based on what’s best for the company, it’s clear that the Mormon Church’s influence is felt in the leadership ranks of PepsiCo.
- Marketing Campaigns: PepsiCo has a long history of creating advertisements that promote family values, patriotism, and positivity. While these values are not unique to the Mormon Church, they are certainly consistent with the Church’s teachings. In fact, in the 1980s, Pepsi launched a marketing campaign that featured the Osmond family, a popular singing group that was also known for being devout Mormons. The ads were very successful and helped to solidify Pepsi’s reputation as a family-friendly brand.
While the Mormon Church does not own PepsiCo, it’s clear that the two entities have a close relationship. From its founding family to its board of directors to its marketing campaigns, PepsiCo’s values are consistent with those of the Church. This connection has helped to shape PepsiCo’s marketing strategy and brand identity over the years.
Mormons and PepsiCo Stock
Another interesting connection between the Mormon Church and PepsiCo is the Church’s ownership of PepsiCo stock. While the Church does not own a controlling stake in the company, it does hold a significant number of shares. As of 2021, the Church’s investment arm, Ensign Peak Advisors, owns about 13.8 million shares of PepsiCo stock, which is worth approximately $1.7 billion.
Why does the Church own so much PepsiCo stock? Like any investor, the Church is looking for a good return on its investment. However, the Church also has a history of investing in companies that align with its values. For example, the Church has a policy of not investing in companies that produce tobacco or alcohol products. While PepsiCo is known for its soft drinks, it also owns a number of snack food brands, like Fritos and Doritos, that are consistent with the Church’s values of promoting healthy and wholesome living.
| Year | Number of Shares owned by Ensign Peak Advisors | Approximate value of shares |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 9.9 million | $1.06 billion |
| 2016 | 12.9 million | $1.35 billion |
| 2017 | 14.3 million | $1.7 billion |
| 2018 | 15.9 million | $1.7 billion |
| 2019 | 13.9 million | $1.7 billion |
Overall, the Mormon Church’s ownership of PepsiCo stock is just one more example of the connection between the two entities. While the Church does not have a controlling interest in the company, its investment in PepsiCo reflects a shared set of values and priorities.
The Connection Between Mormonism and Soft Drink Consumption
Soft drink consumption is a popular pastime among many Americans. However, certain communities have a higher soda consumption rate than others. One of these communities is the Mormon church, which has a complicated history with soft drink consumption.
One of the most controversial aspects of the Mormon church’s relationship with soft drinks is its alleged ownership of PepsiCo. The rumor that Mormons own Pepsi started circulating in the 1960s, and it has persisted ever since. The truth, however, is that there is no direct ownership by the Mormon church in PepsiCo.
- Despite this, there are several ties between the Mormon church and PepsiCo.
- One of the most prominent is the fact that three of PepsiCo’s past CEOs, Wayne Calloway, Roger Enrico, and Steven Reinemund, were all members of the Mormon church.
- Moreover, there are many Mormons who work at PepsiCo and have been promoted to high-level positions within the company.
Despite these connections, it is important to note that the Mormon church does not officially endorse or promote PepsiCo or any other soft drink company.
One reason for the higher soda consumption rate among Mormons is the church’s policy of abstaining from alcohol and coffee. Because these drinks are forbidden, many Mormons turn to soda as a substitute.
Another reason is that the Mormon church places a strong emphasis on community events and gatherings, which often include refreshments like soda.
| Mormons vs. Non-Mormons Soda Consumption | Mormon | Non-Mormon |
|---|---|---|
| Soft drinks per week | 10 | 8 |
| Regular soft drink consumption | 48% | 41% |
| History of consuming soda at least six times per week | 33% | 22% |
Overall, the connection between Mormonism and soft drink consumption is complex. While the Mormon church does not officially endorse or own PepsiCo, there are many members of the church who have ties to the company. Additionally, the church’s policies and community events contribute to a higher soda consumption rate among its members.
The Influence of the Mormon Church on Corporate America
For many years, the Mormon Church has had a significant impact on Corporate America. From its strong business community to the involvement of its members in various industries, the church has been able to shape and influence many of the decisions made by some of the biggest corporations in the country. One of the most talked-about areas where the Mormon Church has had a significant influence is over the ownership of PepsiCo. This brings us to the topic of whether or not Mormons own Pepsi.
- First, it is important to note that the Mormon Church does not own PepsiCo. While it is true that the CEO of PepsiCo, Indra Nooyi, is a member of the church, this does not mean that the church has any ownership stake in the company. In fact, the church has no known ownership stake in any major corporation.
- However, this does not mean that the Mormon Church has not had an impact on PepsiCo. As mentioned before, the church has a strong business community, and many of its members hold high-level positions in various industries, including the food and beverage industry. With this in mind, it is likely that members of the church have had some level of influence over the decisions made by PepsiCo.
- Another way in which the Mormon Church has had an impact on Corporate America is through its stance on social issues. The church is known for its conservative views on topics such as same-sex marriage and abortion, and this has led to some controversy in the past. Companies like PepsiCo have had to navigate these issues carefully, in order to avoid alienating either their customers or their employees who may have differing views.
Overall, while the Mormon Church does not own PepsiCo or any other major corporation, its strong business community and conservative views have allowed it to have an impact on Corporate America nonetheless. Whether this impact is positive or negative is up for debate, but it is clear that the church and its members will continue to play a role in shaping the decisions made by some of the biggest corporations in the country.
The Role of Religion in the Modern Business World
Religion has played a significant role in shaping the modern business world. Many corporations and businesses have been founded on religious principles, and some of them continue to operate according to these beliefs.
One example of a religion that has had a significant impact on the business world is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly known as the Mormon Church. The Mormon Church has a unique history with PepsiCo that has sparked many questions and rumors in the business world.
- Do Mormons Own PepsiCo? This is a common question that many people ask. The answer is no, Mormons do not own PepsiCo. PepsiCo is a publicly-traded company that is owned by its shareholders.
- What is the relationship between Mormons and PepsiCo? The relationship between Mormons and PepsiCo can be traced back to the 1930s when a man named Russel M. Nelson joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Nelson was a chemist who worked for the University of Utah and was a consultant for the Monsanto Chemical Company. Eventually, he became the director of chemical research at the University of Utah and was responsible for developing a process to create artificial sweeteners, including aspartame. In the 1970s, he sold the patent for aspartame to the G.D. Searle Company, which was later acquired by PepsiCo. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has never owned any shares in PepsiCo, nor has it ever been involved in the management or operation of the company.
- What is the Mormon Church’s stance on business? The Mormon Church encourages its members to be productive and responsible citizens. They believe that business can be a force for good in the world and that individuals have a responsibility to use their talents and resources to improve society. The Mormon Church also promotes the idea of self-reliance and encourages its members to be financially independent. This has led many Mormons to become successful entrepreneurs and business leaders.
Overall, the role of religion in the modern business world is complex and multifaceted. While religion has played an important role in shaping the values and principles of many businesses and corporations, it is important to remember that businesses are ultimately founded and run by people, and people are fallible. The success of a business ultimately depends on the actions of its leaders and employees, regardless of their religious beliefs.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Religious principles can provide businesses with a strong ethical framework | Religious differences can sometimes lead to conflict in the workplace |
| Religious beliefs can motivate employees to work harder and be more productive | Religious discrimination can occur in hiring and promotion decisions |
| Religion can be a source of comfort and support for employees during difficult times | Religious beliefs can sometimes be used to justify unethical or discriminatory behavior |
Ultimately, the role of religion in business is a complex and nuanced topic that requires careful consideration and discussion. While it is important to respect the religious beliefs and values of individuals in the workplace, it is equally important to ensure that these beliefs do not interfere with the fair and ethical operation of the business.
FAQs about Do Mormons Own Pepsi
1. Do Mormons own Pepsi?
No, Mormons do not own Pepsi. PepsiCo, the parent company of Pepsi, is a publicly traded company, meaning it is owned by a diverse group of shareholders.
2. Is the CEO of Pepsi a Mormon?
No, the current CEO of PepsiCo, Ramon Laguarta, is not a Mormon. He was born in Spain and raised in Mallorca.
3. Do Mormons have a connection to Pepsi?
Yes, there is a connection between Mormons and Pepsi. In the 1950s, the late J. Reuben Clark, a prominent Mormon leader and lawyer, served on the board of directors of PepsiCo.
4. Is Pepsi a Mormon-owned company?
No, Pepsi is not owned by Mormons. It is owned by a diverse group of shareholders through PepsiCo.
5. Are there any Mormon employees at Pepsi?
Yes, there are Mormon employees at PepsiCo, just as there are employees of various religions. PepsiCo values diversity and inclusivity in its workforce.
6. Does Pepsi support Mormon causes?
PepsiCo does not have a specific affiliation with any religious group, including the Mormon Church. The company focuses on promoting sustainability, diversity, and community engagement.
7. Were Pepsi and Coke both founded by Mormons?
No, neither Pepsi nor Coke (Coca-Cola) were founded by Mormons. Pepsi was founded by Caleb Bradham, and Coca-Cola was founded by John Pemberton.
Thanks For Reading!
Now you know that Mormons do not own Pepsi, and the connection between the two is limited to a historical board member. PepsiCo is a publicly traded company and values diversity and inclusivity in its workforce, including employees of various religions. Thank you for reading this article, and we hope to see you again soon!