In a little publicised deal, Pepsi Cola has . . . . . . the entire soft drink market in Afghanistan.

The correct answer is conquered.

• Conquered means to take control of a place by force. In this case, Pepsi Cola has taken control of the entire soft drink market in Afghanistan by buying out its competitors.
• Swallowed means to take something in completely, as if by eating it. This is not the best word to use in this context, as it does not accurately describe what Pepsi Cola has done.
• Captured means to take someone or something by force. This is also not the best word to use in this context, as it does not accurately describe what Pepsi Cola has done.
• Occupied means to take control of a place and use it for a period of time. This is also not the best word to use in this context, as it does not accurately describe what Pepsi Cola has done.

Pepsi Cola has not used force or taken control of Afghanistan in any way. Instead, they have simply bought out their competitors, which has given them control of the entire soft drink market in the country.