Shanghai, China – Pepsi and 7UP have partnered with Disney to launch a marketing campaign tied to the upcoming release of Zootopia 2, bringing the film’s themes and characters into a series of branded activations across China. The campaign is anchored on the brand message “Zero Sugar for City-Wide Craze” and is aimed primarily at younger consumers and families.
According to the companies, the collaboration forms part of Pepsi’s broader strategy to integrate pop culture into its brand positioning, particularly as zero-sugar beverages continue to gain traction among Gen Z consumers in China. Pepsi and 7UP have previously worked with Disney on campaigns linked to franchises such as Star Wars, Fantastic Four, and the original Zootopia film.
PepsiCo also highlighted its long-standing relationship with Shanghai Disney Resort, where it has served as the prime beverage supplier since the resort opened. The partnership has been positioned as a platform for testing and refining large-scale brand collaborations that combine audience targeting, rapid execution, and cultural relevance.
Zootopia, first released in 2016, achieved both critical and commercial success globally and became the highest-grossing imported animated film in China at the time of its release. The sequel’s return has generated strong anticipation among younger audiences, which Pepsi and 7UP are seeking to tap into through the campaign.
As part of the collaboration, four limited-edition zero-sugar cans have been released featuring characters from the Zootopia universe. Pepsi Zero Sugar is designed around the character Judy Hopps, while 7UP Zero Sugar features Nick Wilde. New characters Gary and Nibbles also appear on select designs. The companies said the packaging aims to appeal to both individual collectors and families, positioning the cans as shareable and collectible items.
The campaign also includes a mix of online and offline activations across major Chinese cities, including Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu, and Shenzhen. These efforts range from out-of-home installations to social media engagements, supported by the release of limited Zootopia 2 merchandise. Pepsi and 7UP said the integrated approach is intended to translate online buzz into in-store sales while maintaining engagement throughout the campaign period.
From a regional perspective, PepsiCo described the initiative as part of its wider innovation efforts in the Asia-Pacific market, particularly within the zero-sugar category. The company said it will continue to focus on youth-oriented marketing, cultural collaborations, and new consumption occasions as it expands its zero-sugar portfolio and explores future partnerships.
