Texas A&M has switched its stance on the decades-old question: Coke or Pepsi?
It announced Tuesday a multi-year partnership with PepsiCo, the terms of which were not disclosed.
The company's products -- which include its carbonated soft drinks, Lipton teas, Aquafina, SoBe and Propel waters and Gatorade -- will be available in campus stores, athletics venues and more than 1,000 vending machines. The deal includes the Galveston branch campus.
"A letter of intent has been signed by both parties -- we are working on the finer details of the contract," said Jason Cook, vice president for marketing and communications. "This agreement is financially advantageous to the university in comparison to the past."
Pepsi trucks have been on campus this week making the switch. The contract is set for 10 years, like the one with Coke that will expire Aug. 31.
For students, the change likely won't cost more. A 20-ounce Coke product ran $1.25 from the vending machines. "We do not anticipate any change in pricing," Cook said.
Texas A&M Student Body President Jacob Robinson said the change also is the result of what Pepsi offered students, including helping during move-in next month and taking part in and providing a reward -- possibly a concert -- for The Big Event community service project. Pepsi also is looking at improving sustainability efforts and making recycling plastic bottles easier, officials said.
"Pepsi came to campus and told us what they were going to offer, what they can bring to Texas A&M, how it fits with our community, our way of life in Aggieland," Robinson said. "We've been sold on Pepsi."
The Purchase, N.Y.-based company has 285,000 employees worldwide and revenues of nearly $60 billion a year.
The switch doesn't personally affect Robinson, who on Tuesday afternoon was sipping a Dr Pepper, which is not owned by either company and will continue to be available in campus vending machines.
RSS
Mobile
Daily Emails
Twitter
Facebook
