As brands gear up for a massive summer of sport, PepsiMAX® is launching a major retail and digital play under its Pepsi Football Nation global platform.
Through the “Rules of the Pepsi Nation,” specifically Rule #16: ‘We always have chilled Pepsi ready’, the brand is circulating special-edition football cans. While 86 million football-themed cans are hitting shelves, only 150,000 rare “Perfect Chilled” variants exist.
Using temperature-activated ink that turns the can blue at 8°C, PepsiMAX is also gamifying the retail experience where fans who find the rare cans will be in with the chance to win exclusive prizes – ensuring PepsiMAX becomes a requirement for the match-day experience.
Alongside this retail push, PepsiMAX has launched a digital tool to engage fans as they browse news and social media. The free browser extension automatically swaps every instance of the word “soccer” with “football” across the web, ensuring fans only see the game referenced how it’s meant to be seen. Afterall Rule #1 of the Pepsi Football Nation is: ‘It’s Football, Not Soccer’
This fan-first strategy highlights how legacy FMCG brands are blending global activations with localised, digital-first consumer engagement.
The “It’s called Football, Not Soccer” Web Extension
- Compatible with Chrome and Firefox, the web extension has been designed to celebrate the passion and beliefs that make up the Pepsi Football Nation and to unify the global community under one name.
- It works locally to replace every instance of the word “soccer” with “football” on the webpage currently being viewed.
- The tool does not collect, store, or transmit any personal data. No browsing history, cookies, or account information is accessed.
- The permission to “access data on all websites” is required solely to read and replace the specific text. No data leaves the user’s device.
Limited-Edition PepsiMAX Packaging
- The limited-edition 330ml cans will be available from 1st June 2026
- The cans are available nationwide across all major UK grocery retailers, with an RRP of £11.99 for an 18-pack multipack and £15.29 for a 24-pack multipack. Pricing is at the sole discretion of the retailer.
- 150,000 cans will feature thermochromic technology, an innovative temperature-sensitive ink.
- The ink begins transformation at 12°C and turns the can blue at 8°C which is the optimal temperature to drink PepsiMAX.
- Prizes include £5,000 cash towards the ultimate home entertainment bundle, football tickets, Pepsi Football Nation merch and PepsiMAX vouchers.
