A cold beverage case inside The Parking Spot at the Harmon Avenue garage on the UA campus is currently Pepsi-free, but that will soon change once university officials finalize an exclusive beverage provider contract with PepsiCo.
Staff photo
The University of Arkansas is in the final stages of negotiations to name PepsiCo as its official soft drink provider, according to an announcement released by UA officials.
The 10-year deal, set to take effect July 1, will replace Coca-Cola products on campus and at athletics facilities, and will allocate 80 percent of shelf space to PepsiCo products in other campus convenience store-type outlets.
Donald O. Pederson, vice chancellor for finance and administration, said the estimated $19 million contract “will be the largest beverage sponsorship agreement the U of A has ever entered into.”
According to the university, the agreement will include monetary benefits for the university as well as in-kind support for student-related programming and services, health and wellness promotions, campus enhancements and environmental sustainability measures.
As part of the contract, a variety of PepsiCo beverages will be available on campus, including Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Sierra Mist, Lipton iced teas, SoBe, Aquafina, Tropicana and Gatorade. In addition, Rockstar Energy Drink, Muscle Milk and fountain-dispensed Dr. Pepper, distributed in the region by PepsiCo, will also be available.
“We’re thrilled to begin this historic partnership with the University of Arkansas and look forward to developing a successful, long-standing relationship,” said Tim Trant, senior vice president of PepsiCo Foodservice Field Sales. “We’re pleased to introduce PepsiCo’s powerful and broad brand portfolio, along with various campus promotional and sustainability programs. These will add great value to the U of A for many years to come – benefiting students, faculty, administration, Razorback fans and the local community. We’re proud to be part of the university’s family and its rich traditions.”
This will be the second contract awarded to PepsiCo at an Arkansas university this year. The company was named the exclusive provider for all campus soft drink sales at Southern Arkansas University earlier this month.
