PepsiCo says it's cutting prices on snacks like Lay's and Doritos by up to 15%, as consumers feel 'stretched'

Core Viewpoint - PepsiCo is reducing the suggested retail prices of certain snack products by up to 15% in response to consumer financial pressures [1][2]. Group 1: Price Cuts and Strategy - The price cuts will not be uniform across all products; the company will focus on items where price sensitivity is highest [2]. - CEO Ramon Laguarta emphasized a "surgical" approach to pricing adjustments, targeting products that face significant consumer friction due to price [2]. Group 2: Consumer Behavior and Economic Context - Inflation on food items has moderated, but many consumers still perceive grocery and restaurant prices as high, particularly affecting lower-income shoppers [3]. - The current economic landscape is characterized by a K-shaped recovery, where lower-income consumers are more financially strained compared to affluent shoppers [3]. Group 3: Future Guidance and Brand Strategy - PepsiCo's guidance for 2026 indicates that middle- and low-income consumers will remain financially stretched and selective in their grocery shopping [4]. - The company is relaunching major brands, such as Lay's, to address health concerns and attract more consumers, particularly in time for the Super Bowl [4][5].