The University of Utah today announced it has selected PepsiCo as its official beverage provider.
The new agreement will provide the entire university community with PepsiCo’s broad portfolio of beverages, including Pepsi, Aquafina, Gatorade, Pure Leaf iced tea, Mountain Dew, Naked juice, Starbucks ready-to-drink coffee, STUBBORN craft soda and more. The multiyear partnership, which also includes the hospital community and auxiliary services, begins in July 2017.
“We are excited to begin this partnership with PepsiCo,” said John Nixon, chief administrative officer for the University of Utah. Key to the relationship, he said, is a focus on students.
“Significant new resources from this contract will allow us to expand financial support for our students through additional scholarships,” Nixon said. “Roughly 200 new scholarships will be given to students with the greatest financial need, to students with noteworthy academic success and to current students and returning adults close to earning their degrees.”
PepsiCo will work with the U to enhance student and community engagement through tailored sustainability and recycling programs; career development opportunities, including internships, a brand ambassador program and scholarships; and innovative programming for the entire university community.
PepsiCo will be a sponsor of Utah Athletics, and its Gatorade brand will be providing the latest product, equipment and service the brand has to offer.
In addition to its sodas, PepsiCo offers a lineup of “better-for-you” brands, which includes Aquafina, Naked, Propel and O.N.E., that appeals to consumers seeking a healthier lifestyle. The company also will provide vending machines that feature healthier snacks and beverages, part of PepsiCo’s Hello Goodness platform.
“We’re looking forward to working closely with the University of Utah to match our extensive beverage lineup with the unique needs of its students, faculty, guests and hospital community,” said PepsiCo North America Beverages President and Chief Operating Officer Kirk Tanner. “We’re proud to have been chosen to serve the campus, and we look forward to creating exciting and inspiring experiences for everyone who touches the U community.”