UNL re-ups Pepsi contract

News from 1997: "The choice of Generation Next is the choice of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, officials announced today."

University of Nebraska-Lincoln officials today announced a new agreement with Pepsi as the exclusive soft drink provider on the UNL campus. The original 12-year pouring and vending rights agreement with Pepsi will expire June 30. The new 10-year agreement with Pepsi, which was reached through a competitive bid process, requires approval of the University of Nebraska Board of Regents at its March 6 meeting.

In the new pouring rights contract, PepsiCola and LinPepCo will provide a minimum $1.5 million annually in exchange for exclusive beverage rights and sponsorships on the UNL campuses. The new contract will expire June 30, 2019. Also included in the agreement is recycling of aluminum cans and plastic bottles, athletic game day operations assistance from vendor employees, as well as limiting future price increases on Pepsi products.

"Our objective in obtaining this agreement is to maximize the level of service and support for campus vending, retail and concession operations and to realize the best financial compensation package," said Christine Jackson, vice chancellor for business and finance at UNL. "This is excellent news for the university and we're very pleased to be continuing with Pepsi."

The estimated receipts and revenues from the pouring and vending rights is approximately $18 million over the course of the 10-year contract, Jackson said. The selection was made following a formal bid process which included an evaluation committee. Coca-Cola did make a bid, Jackson said.

The Pepsi quasi-endowment initially established 12 years ago will continue to provide support for individual undergraduate student research projects through UNL's Undergraduate Creative and Research Experience. Under the UCARE program, students have been provided opportunities to carry out research in their fields of interest including robotics and cancer research, under the careful guidance of faculty mentors. Pepsi funds have also been used to support student scholarships, programs and activities.

Steve Ford, president of LinPepCo said: "As the University has stated, there is a great partnership between Pepsi and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Pepsi understands that our state benefits greatly from a strong university and we're committed to doing all we can to make that happen."