MSU awards soda contract to Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper

Missouri State University signed a potential 11-year deal yesterday with Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Co. for exclusive pouring rights at the school's Springfield campus.

Starting July 1, Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper will replace current soft drink provider PepsiCo, MSU's official provider for the past two decades, according to university officials.

Approved by the MSU Board of Governors during a May 7 closing meeting, the contract guarantees seven years, with one four-year renewal option.

MSU Chief Financial Officer Steve Foucart said, ultimately, the decision came down to revenue. For the full 11-year-period, Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper issued a bid of $6 million, roughly $500,000 above PepsiCo's bid.

"We felt like we received competitive bids from both of them," Foucart said this morning. "In the end, roughly half a million dollars is a sizable difference.

"(PepsiCo has) been a good partner to the university over this time period. We do bid this out, and it was up for bid."

A transition team is working to change out hardware and vending machines in MSU's dining centers and other campus buildings, Foucart said, noting the process would likely be completed by July 1.

Beyond the Coca-Cola and Dr Pepper staples, the contract includes brands such as Powerade, Sprite, Fanta, Smartwater, Dasani, Vitaminwater, Minute Maid and Fuze.

Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Co. is based in Springfield and services Springfield, Bolivar, Lebanon, Rolla and surrounding communities. The nearly 100-year-old company has full or partial franchise coverage of some 32 counties, according to Springfield Business Journal archives.[[In-content Ad]]