By Flutter Public Relations

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (Sept. 29, 2026) — Nackard Pepsi has been named 2025 Donald M. Kendall Bottler of the Year by PepsiCo. This marks the second time the Flagstaff, Ariz.-based bottler has earned the recognition — but the first under the family-run company’s third generation of leadership. Palmer Nackard, President of Nackard Pepsi, accepted the honor during an awards ceremony in New York City last week.

 

Named for PepsiCo’s revered former chairman and chief executive officer, the Bottler of the Year Award was created in 1994 to honor the best of the best among independent Pepsi-Cola bottlers in the United States and Canada.

 

Nackard Pepsi — which first earned Bottler of the Year recognition in 2002 under Patrick Nackard leadership — has also been a finalist three consecutive years for the award, which celebrates a consistent display of outstanding business results, executional excellence, a people-first mentality and giving back to the community.

 

“This honor is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team across every aspect of our operations in Northern Arizona,” said Palmer Nackard, President and grandson of founders Fred and Monica Nackard. “We are proud to carry forward the traditions of quality product, customer service and community giving that my father, and his father before that, made synonymous with the Nackard Pepsi brand.”

 

For more than 80 years and three generations, Nackard Pepsi has been Northern Arizona’s leading beverage distributor, serving schools, businesses, entertainment venues and retail locations throughout rural Arizona, from Prescott north to the Utah border. Today, the bottler serves 3,000 customers across 41,000 square miles of Northern and Eastern Arizona.

 

Through consistent growth and strong execution, Nackard Pepsi has strengthened its position in a competitive landscape while building deep relationships with a diverse portfolio of customers spanning higher education, recreation, entertainment, tourism and gaming.

 

A committed community leader, Nackard Pepsi also contributes to over 450 local philanthropic causes and organizations each year, with financial gifts, volunteer hours, product donations and other forms of support. For example, Nackard Pepsi is a lead donor in the Reserves Downhill Trails Project, an effort in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service – Coconino National Forest to improve local mountain biking trails.

 

The organization also actively supports Grand Canyon Youth, Flagstaff Ski and Snowboard Team, Lowell Observatory, Creative Flagstaff and High Country Adaptive Sports, and has donated printing services to create banners to various events, customers and non-profits — nearly 1,300 of them since 2025.

 

In addition, Nackard Pepsi takes its role in protecting the environment seriously, with sustainability initiatives ranging from recycling and electric vehicles to collaboration with partners to reduce environmental impact.

 

“Nackard Pepsi continues to set the standard for excellence across our bottling system,” said John Short, Senior Vice President, Strategic Partnerships, M&A & Franchise, PepsiCo Beverages U.S. “Their ability to grow the total PepsiCo portfolio, deepen customer partnerships and consistently deliver results across multiple markets is a clear reflection of the team’s focus, discipline and commitment – and we’re grateful for their partnership.”

 

Also honored as Donald M. Kendall Bottler of the Year finalists were Bernick's of Duluth, Minn.; Browning Harvey Ltd. of Newfoundland and Labrador Canada; Gross & Jarson Pepsi of Hamilton, Ohio; and Pepsi of Worcester & Windham of Massachusetts.