Pepsi and 7UP team up with Disney’s Zootopia 2 in China

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Synopsis

PepsiCo brands Pepsi and 7UP have launched a new campaign in China in partnership with Disney to promote the upcoming animated sequel Zootopia 2. The collaboration marks a creative fusion of entertainment IP and beverage marketing, aiming to engage Gen Z and millennial audiences through themed packaging, digital activations, and limited-edition collectibles.

Summary

PepsiCo is partnering with Disney for an animated crossover of a different kind. Its flagship cola brands Pepsi and 7UP have joined forces with Disney in China to launch a co-branded campaign ahead of the highly anticipated release of Zootopia 2.

The collaboration focuses on immersive storytelling and brand engagement, with limited-edition packaging featuring beloved Zootopia characters like Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde. The campaign spans collectible cans and bottles, point-of-sale displays, and digital activations tailored to younger Chinese consumers. It also includes augmented reality (AR) features and social challenges that aim to boost interactivity and drive engagement on mobile platforms.

China’s rising affinity for animated IPs and cross-media campaigns is a key context here. PepsiCo’s move is a strategic play to deepen emotional resonance with Gen Z and millennial demographics, particularly through nostalgic, family-friendly content that blends well with product experiences. Meanwhile, for Disney, it provides another channel to build anticipation and fandom loyalty in a crucial international market ahead of Zootopia 2’s theatrical release.

This isn’t the first time PepsiCo and Disney have teamed up in China, but the Zootopia 2 collaboration reflects the growing convergence of food-and-beverage brands with global entertainment properties. As marketing boundaries blur, these co-branded activations become more than product placement — they turn into cultural moments.

With Zootopia 2 slated for release in 2026, this campaign is expected to gain momentum in the coming months, potentially evolving into a multi-phase engagement rollout as Disney expands its marketing footprint across Asia.