Campus Conversion to PepsiCo Begins Monday

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The implementation of the university’s new relationship with PepsiCo as the campus beverage provider won’t officially begin until Monday, July 2, but there are already visible signs of the transition as Coke begins to remove its vending machines from campus. The conversion to PepsiCo will include all campus dining areas, vending machines and athletic venues. The process will take approximately three weeks to complete. During this time, students, faculty and staff should expect only minimal disruption to their normal thirst-quenching routines.

As a part of the agreement, PepsiCo will provide a variety of beverages choices on campus including Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Sierra Mist, Lipton iced teas, SoBe, Aquafina, Tropicana and Gatorade. In addition, Rockstar Energy Drink, Muscle Milk, Starbucks ready-to-drink coffee and fountain-dispensed Dr. Pepper will be available throughout the campus as these brands are distributed by PepsiCo in the region. Other popular beverage brands will also be available on a limited basis at campus convenience stores.

As part of the new partnership, PepsiCo will work with the university to support Associated Student Government initiatives and other student-oriented programs, including health and wellness and recycling initiatives. PepsiCo has already held meetings with various student and campus leaders to develop joint partnership strategies, and strongly advocates for and welcomes student and faculty participation. A few of the events PepsiCo expects to support include: Move In Day, RazorBash, Friday Night Live, Student Government Picnic, Welcome Week, Help A Hog and Greek Life involvement.

“I hope students will be excited about the new partnership,” Tori Pohlner, president of the Associated Student Government, said earlier this year when the decision was announced. “I’ve had the opportunity to see the potential for what PepsiCo can offer our university and our student body. PepsiCo is not just filling soda fountains; it has plans for collaboration and sponsorships that will benefit our next generation of students.”