The Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement has gained significant attention in recent years. It encourages individuals and organisations to boycott companies that are believed to contribute to or benefit from Israeli actions deemed oppressive toward Palestinians. One of the names often associated with boycott discussions is Pepsi.
This blog explores whether Pepsi is officially on the BDS boycott list and the reasoning behind such claims.
What is the BDS Movement?
Since 1948, Palestinians have been denied basic rights, with Israel refusing to follow international laws meant to protect them. Israel's actions have created a system of settler colonialism, apartheid, and military occupation.
This situation continues because of widespread international support. Many governments fail to hold Israel accountable, and some corporations and organisations play a role in supporting these injustices.
In response to this, Palestinian civil society has called for global solidarity. They urge ordinary people around the world to take action where those in power have failed.
The Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement began in 2005 as a peaceful way to pressure Israel to comply with international law. The movement has three key aims:
1. Ending the occupation and settlement of Palestinian land.
2. Ensuring equal rights for Palestinian citizens of Israel.
3. Supporting the right of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes, as outlined in UN Resolution 194.
BDS calls on people to boycott companies and institutions linked to Israeli settlements, military operations, or any activity that upholds the occupation. It is a nonviolent campaign for justice, equality, and freedom.
Why is Pepsi Associated with the Boycott?
The Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement has identified several companies as targets for consumer boycotts due to their alleged involvement in Israeli policies that violate Palestinian rights. These companies are chosen based on evidence of their complicity in actions that sustain Israel’s apartheid system and occupation of Palestinian territories.
One such company is SodaStream. Since SodaStream is an Israeli company, its operations contribute to the ongoing settlement. It has also faced criticism for its operations and treatment of Palestinian workers. Originally, SodaStream had a factory in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. This location was condemned by activists for normalising Israeli settlements, which are considered illegal under international law.
In 2015, SodaStream relocated to southern Israel, but the move has not absolved the company of criticism. Activists argue that it continues to benefit from policies that marginalise Palestinians. Additionally, SodaStream has been accused of participating in the displacement of indigenous Bedouin-Palestinian communities in the Naqab (Negev) region.
Pepsi became part of this controversy when its parent company, PepsiCo acquired SodaStream in 2018. Although Pepsi itself has not been formally listed as a boycott target, PepsiCo’s ownership of SodaStream has drawn scrutiny from pro-Palestinian groups. Critics suggest that by owning SodaStream, PepsiCo and its brand Pepsi are indirectly complicit in policies that harm Palestinians.
The BDS movement encourages a complete boycott of companies like SodaStream to put pressure on them and their parent companies to reconsider their activities and the impact they have on Palestinian rights. By doing so, the movement aims to build global awareness and solidarity in support of justice for Palestinians.
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Is Pepsi Officially on the BDS Boycott List?
The BDS movement focuses its efforts on a smaller number of carefully chosen companies and products to create maximum impact. The strategy targets companies with a clear and direct role in supporting or benefiting from Israeli policies, such as settlement expansion and apartheid. This focused approach increases the likelihood of achieving tangible victories and raising global awareness about Palestinian rights.
Pepsi itself is not a primary target of the BDS movement at present. However, since Pepsi’s parent company, PepsiCo owns SodaStream—a company long associated with controversial practices—has made it a subject of criticism.
While Pepsi is not officially blacklisted, it has come under increasing scrutiny for its ties to a company linked to Israel's occupation policies. Activists also examine the broader ethical implications of supporting businesses indirectly connected to the issue, leading to organic grassroots boycotts of Pepsi in many Muslim communities and countries.
In some Muslim communities and countries, grassroots boycotts of Pepsi have emerged. These boycotts are not directly initiated by the BDS movement but are supported by it due to Pepsi's indirect ties to companies associated with Israel’s occupation and apartheid policies.
Grassroots boycotts like these reflect the growing solidarity among pro-Palestinian communities. They encourage people to make ethical consumer choices, aligning with the broader goals of the BDS movement. This collective action sends a strong message to companies and governments, urging them to take responsibility and support justice and equality for Palestinians.
How Can Consumers Make Informed Choices?
Supporting the BDS movement starts with understanding the role companies play in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Resources such as the official BDS website and various advocacy groups can provide clear guidance on which companies to boycott and the reasons behind those decisions. These tools help individuals align their consumer choices with their commitment to Palestinian rights.
When considering a company like Pepsi, it’s important to evaluate its history, current practices, and responses to any allegations. For example, the debate surrounding Pepsi often focuses on the ownership of SodaStream by its parent company, PepsiCo.
Pepsi is not officially listed on the BDS boycott list. This means that your decision to boycott its products might depend on whether there is an already active grassroots boycott campaign in your area. If no such campaign exists, the BDS movement recommends concentrating efforts on companies that are part of their official campaigns.
All supporters of the Palestinian cause share a unified goal: the liberation of Palestine and the fight for justice and equality. To make the most significant impact, strategic and targeted decisions are essential. By focusing on the companies highlighted by BDS, individuals can amplify their efforts and contribute more effectively to the movement's objectives.
Find out if Starbucks, Nestle and Coca-Cola are on the boycott list in our latest blogs.
Conclusion
While Pepsi is not officially listed as a BDS boycott target, its association with SodaStream places it under the movement’s critical lens. For supporters of the BDS movement, avoiding SodaStream products and staying informed about Pepsi’s activities is a way to align with their values.
Ultimately, the decision to participate in such boycotts is personal. However, it highlights the power of consumer choices in advocating for political and social justice.
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