Issue date: 1/12/09 Section: News

Coke or Pepsi? Powerade or Gatorade? Dr. Pepper or Mountain Dew? Most people have their preferences between these products, and until recently, RMU students and employees were limited only to products marketed by the Coca-Cola Company.

But all of this changed over winter break. Pepsi is now the exclusive provider of beverages at RMU's Moon campus, Pittsburgh Center and Island Sports Center.

Gone are all of the Coke machines and snack machines that were placed throughout campus buildings. These machines have all been replaced with Pepsi machines and new snack machines, not to mention new beverage selections in campus eateries such as the Food Court and RoMo's Café.

"The people of RMU now have options beyond just beverages," said Neal Binstock, director of business operations.

According to Binstock, RMU reached a deal with Pepsi and AVI Foodsystems, Inc., a Warren, Ohio-based umbrella company that services snacks and beverages to businesses and schools such as RMU.

"What we can expect from AVI and Pepsi is not only good choices but also good service," said Binstock.

The beverage transition was quiet yet seamless throughout the break. According to Binstock, the deal with Pepsi was finalized in late November.

"It was very important to us that the transition had no impact on students," said Tom McAuliffe, assistant director of business operations.

According to McAuliffe, the equipment transition began the week of Dec. 15, the week following final exams.

"The Coke fountain stations and the glass front-coolers were removed during this time, and then Pepsi installed their equipment on the same day. There was no down time," said McAuliffe. "We made sure that no one felt any hurt or any inconvenience by the transition."

Meanwhile, new vending machines for both beverage and snacks arrived on campus last week. According to Binstock, the number of beverage machines has increased by about 20 percent, while the number of snack machines on campus has nearly tripled.

In addition to number, some machines have changed locations. In the eight traditional residence halls, Pepsi machines now sit in the main lobbies of the building, while the old Coke machines, which were removed last Tuesday, used to sit on the basement level of the buildings.

"It was decided to move those both for convenience reasons as well as for safety reasons," said Binstock.

Binstock also said that beverage preference was a factor in considering whether to switch to Pepsi products.

"I suspect that if I went into a room of 25 people and asked them who prefers Pepsi over Coke, 55 to 75 percent of people would say that they prefer Pepsi," said Binstock. "But we can't possibly satisfy everyone's needs."

According to Binstock, Pepsi products are preferred over Coke products in the region. Mountain Dew, offered solely by Pepsi, is the top beverage in the 17-25 age demographic. Binstock added that Pepsi's Gatorade outsells Coke's Powerade 7-to-1 in western Pennsylvania, and Pepsi outsells Coke 4-to-1 overall in the region.

"My sense is that we will satisfy more people by serving Pepsi," Binstock said.

Binstock admitted, however, that there was no formal poll of RMU students and employees regarding beverage preference prior to finalizing with Pepsi.

The switch to Pepsi comes after nearly a ten-year contract with Coke, said Binstock.

"We had a very positive relationship with Coke during this time," explained Binstock. "The time on Coke's contract with us was expiring, and we decided that it was time to talk to both Coke and Pepsi."

Binstock explained that nearly six months ago, RMU started having separate preliminary meetings with representatives from both of the soda giants. Although Binstock is not permitted to specify certain things about Pepsi's contract - such as how much Pepsi pays RMU and whether it's more than Coke paid - he admitted that the deal is a good one for RMU.

"What I can say is that it is an attractive package," said Binstock.

During the transition, Coke and Pepsi worked closely with Binstock and McAuliffe to allow for a smooth transition.

"I've been on the phone with Coke and Pepsi every day, and they've both been terrific," said McAuliffe.

Binstock said that he expects more involvement from Pepsi on campus.

"We're in early talks about having Pepsi do taste tests and other samplings here on campus," said Binstock. "There will be much more comprehensive engagement with RMU."

Binstock also explained small changes to campus, including the replacement of a Powerade rinkside ad at the Island Sports Center's hockey rink. The new ad will be one for Gatorade, which Binstock says brings good exposure to RMU athletes.

Binstock said that the longevity of Pepsi's contract is similar to that of Coke's, which was approximately ten years. However, Binstock could not disclose the actual length as well as many details about the contract.

Along with beverage and snack changes, students and employees can also find a new Parkhurst location at RMU's Pittsburgh Center. A food kiosk is now open on the building's first floor and serves fresh, prepackaged salads, wraps, sandwiches and other foods. Cash, student meal plans and Colonial Cash are accepted at this location, with MasterCard and Visa being accepted in the coming weeks. There is also a new self-serve coffee machine at the Island Sports Center.

Overall, Binstock says that changes in beverage distribution are common.

"There are 3,200 colleges and universities in the United States, and most of them have exclusive deals with providers," said Binstock. "Very few schools carry both brands."

Both Binstock and McAuliffe expect positive response to the new deal with Pepsi, although they said they do welcome all kinds of feedback. They can be reached by e-mail at binstock@rmu.edu and mcauliffet@rmu.edu, respectively.

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