Rev. Al Sharpton Pressures PepsiCo to Reinstate DEI Commitments
Rev. Al Sharpton is calling on PepsiCo to recommit to its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, warning that a boycott may follow if the company fails to act. The civil rights leader sent a letter to PepsiCo CEO Ramon Laguarta, urging the multinational beverage and snack foods giant to reverse any rollback of DEI initiatives and maintain its pledges made during the height of the racial justice movement in 2020.
Sharpton’s warning signals rising scrutiny of corporate follow-through on social equity pledges, a growing concern among FMCG leaders navigating shifting political and consumer expectations. PepsiCo had previously outlined a $400 million commitment over five years focused on increasing minority representation, internal inclusion measures, and support for Black-owned businesses.
“PepsiCo must not retreat from progress at a time when DEI is under attack across industries,” Sharpton stated. He has partnered with other advocacy groups, including the National Action Network, to pressure FMCG companies that they believe are quietly scaling back initiatives under political pressure or in efforts to avoid controversy.
Large CPG manufacturers, especially those in food and beverage, have faced increasing public accountability amid accusations of “woke capitalism” from conservative critics. Simultaneously, consumers and civil rights leaders continue to demand transparency and action. Sharpton’s latest campaign suggests heightened tension in balancing business interests with stakeholder expectations, particularly in the U.S. market where DEI is increasingly politicized.
PepsiCo did not confirm whether changes have been made to its DEI programming but cited its ongoing work toward “building a more inclusive workforce and investing in diverse communities.” The company’s DEI commitments, originally announced in 2020 following the murder of George Floyd, include expanding supplier diversity and supporting economic advancement in underrepresented communities.
For FMCG professionals, the dispute underscores the stakes of long-term brand equity and talent retention tied to corporate social values. With consumer alignment increasingly influencing purchasing behaviors, companies reducing DEI visibility could risk reputational harm and consumer backlash. FMCG brands will need to weigh the financial, cultural, and legislative pressures shaping their ESG and DEI reporting frameworks.