Indra Nooyi, the chairman and CEO of PepsiCo, at the newly-opened Shanghai Disney Resort Photo: Courtesy of PepsiCo

PepsiCo's tailor-made beverages mark the grand opening of the Shanghai Disney Resort. Photo: Courtesy of PepsiCo

PepsiCo, one of the world's largest food and beverage companies, on June 16, expressed hearty congratulations to Disney on the grand opening of the Shanghai Disney Resort. Indra Nooyi, the chairman and CEO of PepsiCo, visited Shanghai to witness the grand opening of the new Disney Resort along with senior Chinese government officials, VIP guests and local and international media.

In 2014, PepsiCo and Tingyi Holding Corporation (Tingyi) signed a multi-year strategic alliance with the Shanghai Disney Resort, which made the companies the primary beverage suppliers to the Resort. With the opening of the resort, both sides will work together to provide resort goers with an extraordinary experience through co-branding exposure and marketing activities.

The strategic alliance marks the first time in nearly 30 years that PepsiCo beverages will be served on a Disney property.

"On behalf of everyone at PepsiCo, I want to congratulate Disney on the spectacular opening of Shanghai Disney Resort," said Nooyi. "We are thrilled to partner with Disney on this world-class destination for people in China and around the globe. We look forward to growing hand-in-hand with both Disney and China in the years to come."

To facilitate the grand opening of the Shanghai Disney, PepsiCo and Tingyi have implemented several action plans to provide maximum support to the resort, inclusive of menu development and product innovation.

Product Innovation

Shanghai Disney Resort worked with PepsiCo's Asia Research and Development Center in Shanghai to develop unique catering experiences and menu items. The center, which opened in November 2012, is PepsiCo's largest research and development (R&D) facility outside North America. Shanghai Disney worked with PepsiCo's Asia R&D center to develop tailored-made cuisine for the resort, launching three new frozen drink flavors: pineapple coconut, cream soda, and honey pomelo, in time for the grand opening. Shanghai Disney Resort guests will also be able to enjoy products from PepsiCo and Tingyi's iconic brands, including Pepsi, Pepsi Max, 7UP, Miranda, Master Kong, Gatorade, and Tropicana.

Co-branded marketing

A recognized leader in innovation and consumer engagement, PepsiCo also launched a series of exciting campaigns, especially for the Shanghai Disney Resort. The company recently kicked off its official campaign titled Live for Now - Uncover the Bottle Cap to Win a Magical Journey to the Shanghai Disney Resort and a new TV advertisement with Pepsi stars Li Yifeng and Momo Wu. Young people will have the opportunity to engage with Pepsi by visiting the resort and experiencing exciting interactive online games. The limited edition Pepsi bottles and cans will be sold at the resort on opening day. 

Co-branded exposure

PepsiCo sponsors the Pepsi E Stage in Tomorrowland, one of the six themed areas at the Shanghai Disney Resort. The stage is painted in Pepsi blue and integrates futuristic design with modern elements to evoke a feeling of tomorrow. The Pepsi·E Stage is the setting for fantastic song and dance performances that incorporate PepsiCo fashion and pop elements for guests' viewing pleasure. Tingyi sponsors the Wandering Moon Teahouse in the Gardens of Imagination, a timeless teahouse infused with delectable hot dishes found only in the resort.

"We are thrilled to cooperate with Disney on their newest resort, and we are committed to providing their guests with a spectacular experience," said Katty Lam, the chairman of PepsiCo Greater China Region. "Our partnership is an extension of our overall strategy and commitment to China."