By Satyne Doner, Arts & Culture Editor & Sophia Sullivan, Editorials Editor
As of March 20, students will no longer walk up to empty vending machines, all thanks to a new partnership with Pepsi.
After a five-year contract with Coca-Cola expired, Saint Leo University is switching to Pepsi products.
There is one obvious reason for this change: Pepsi has the most offerings for students.
According to Dr. Anthony DeSantis, the associate vice president of Student Affairs, Pepsi boasts a wider variety of beverages than Coca-Cola. They offer sodas, sports drinks, energy drinks, juices, and ready-to-drink Starbucks coffee.
“Their portfolio is just so much bigger,” said DeSantis. “And it reaches a larger population of people that are actually drinking what is being produced right now.”
Chloe Doherty, a freshman majoring in forensic science, was very enthusiastic about Gatorade being offered on campus.
“I would love that!” exclaimed Doherty with wide eyes. “It’s refreshing.”
On the other hand, Khamille Labbé, a senior majoring in English, is concerned about getting new drinks given the current state of Saint Leo.
“We lose centers, sports, and even a college, but we get drinks?” questioned Labbé.
However, according to DeSantis, not only does Pepsi offer a wider product variety, but it will also provide financial benefits to Saint Leo students.
As a matter of fact, DeSantis said universities who made the switch experienced an 18-20 percent increase in sales within the first year. This is mostly because Pepsi has so much variety – students will no longer have to drive to a gas station to obtain their beloved Muscle Milk, Starbucks, or Celsius.
“It’s who gives you the best option to make the most money to benefit the institution,” said DeSantis. The more products that sell, the more money will be available to the university for things such as student scholarships and athletics.
The change took careful planning and much research. DeSantis said that he spoke to six other colleges about their experience with Pepsi products, and they were all satisfied with it.
“We did our homework,” said DeSantis.
Therefore, on March 9 and 10, Coca-Cola will come to campus to remove their products and machines from the premises. During this time, there will be a smaller number of refreshment options available on campus.
A complete swap to Pepsi will occur over spring break, March 13-17, when most students will be off campus, to affect the fewest number of students possible.
According to DeSantis, all vending machines, soda fountains, and coolers will be changed out during this time. When students return from break, Coca-Cola will be no more, and Pepsi products will be all over campus. In addition, there will even be vending machines in areas that did not previously have any, like the parking garages.
Students will be happy to hear that in general, there will be a greater number of vending machines. Additionally, there’s a level of fairness in pricing that students will benefit from.
“All the pricing will be the same,” said DeSantis. “If you go to the vending machines or FUZ, all the prices will be the same. Right now, it’s not, and that’s not fair to students.”
After the coolers, fountains, and vending machines are swapped, students can expect a different layout. DeSantis points out that nothing will be remodeled, but it will just look different.
It’s important to note that Pepsi is looking forward to the partnership and what they can offer students – events, marketing, and convenience – something Coca-Cola did not offer.
“Pepsi wants to have events, they want to do things with us,” said DeSantis. “They want to partner with us.”
Pepsi’s first step toward this partnership is a special kickoff event will be held on March 20 from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on the back patio of the Student Community Center. Students are encouraged to come and celebrate the new partnership.
In all, DeSantis believes that this is a win-win situation for Pepsi, the university, and students. Campus students and faculty will have more options than ever before out of the sparkling new vending machines, fountains, and coolers. And, DeSantis guarantees that students will rarely see an out-of-stock vending machine or cooler again.
