Differences bubble up between PepsiCo and Atlanta-based Coca-Cola on diversity programs

A delivery van is painted with artwork for Classic Coca-Cola in downtown Pittsburgh on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)

Freek van den Bergh / AFP

PepsiCo confirmed Friday that it’s ending some of its diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, even as rival Atlanta-based Coca-Cola voiced support for its own inclusion efforts.

In a memo sent to employees, PepsiCo CEO Ramon Laguarta said the company will no longer set goals for minority representation in its managerial roles or supplier base. The company will also align its sponsorships to events and groups that promote business growth, he said.

Laguarta wrote that inclusion remains important to PepsiCo, whose brands include Gatorade, Lay’s potato chips, Doritos, Mountain Dew as well as Pepsi. The Purchase, New York-based company’s chief diversity officer will transition to a broader role focused on employee engagement, leadership development and ensuring an inclusive culture, he said.