The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has filed a lawsuit against PepsiCo, accusing the beverage giant of engaging in illegal price discrimination. The lawsuit claims that PepsiCo provided exclusive discounts to Walmart, disadvantaging smaller retailers and ultimately raising costs for consumers. Critics, including FTC representatives like Stacy Mitchell, argue that such practices undermine fair competition in the soft drink market. The lawsuit highlights longstanding concerns regarding the influence of large retailers over pricing strategies of major brands, suggesting that these practices could harm both consumers and smaller market participants.