SU confirms swap to Coca-Cola from PepsiCo
Syracuse University switched to Coca-Cola products for the first time since 1996, replacing Pepsi across campus dining halls, cafes, vending machines and the Dome. Before the switch, only People’s Place offered Coke on campus. Ella Chan | Senior Staff Photographer
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Syracuse University is offering Coca-Cola products in its facilities for the first time since 1996, SU confirmed in a Monday release.
Coke products, including classic Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite and Minute Maid, replaced the PepsiCo products in all university dining halls, cafes, vending machines and the JMA Wireless Dome.
The 10 year agreement took effect on July 1 and comes after a “competitive” strategic evaluation process, the release states. SU will partner with Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast until June 2035.
“This partnership incorporates the diverse student-centric and complex operational needs of an urban university community, which includes over 30,000 students, faculty and staff, as well as thousands of annual campus visitors,” said Senior Vice President and Chief Operations Officer John Papazoglou in the release.
A 2021 study from the Journal of American College Health found that Coca-Cola and Pepsi paid over $2.9 million a year to partner universities in the United States, promoting their drinks.
The contracts, known as “pouring rights,” give the company exclusive long-term rights to promote and supply its product in exchange for money or other agreements. A majority of contracts offer monetary incentives for selling more beverages, including selling more soft drinks compared to bottled water in some instances.
Before the switch, People’s Place in Hendrick’s Chapel was the only place on campus offering Coke products.
