The University of Arkansas in Fayetteville announced Thursday it is in the final stages of negotiations to award PepsiCo a competitively bid contract as the university’s exclusive non-alcoholic cold beverage sponsor and provider.
The planned deal will cover a 10-year period and will take effect July 1. The PepsiCo agreement will feature monetary benefits for the university as well as in-kind support for student-related programming and services, campus enhancements and environmental sustainability measures, according to the university.
“The total value of this contract will be the largest beverage sponsorship agreement the U of A has ever entered into,” said Donald O. Pederson, vice chancellor for finance and administration.
PepsiCo was selected to be the university’s exclusive cold beverage sponsor after submitting the best overall proposal in a competitive selection process that began in December 2011.
As part of the contract, a variety of PepsiCo cold 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.
Along with supplying campus dining facilities and vending machines, PepsiCo products will be served at Razorback Athletics venues. The beverage agreement also will involve PepsiCo’s support for a variety of student oriented programs and activities as well as fan promotions at Razorback sporting events.
Under the agreement, PepsiCo also will provide health and wellness promotions on the campus, and offer innovative new recycling and sustainability initiatives.
