Posting, Sales, and Solicitation

Updated: 03/01/04

Policy Statement 3: Beverage Exclusivity


  1. Introduction Statement

    1. General Information

      Effective August 1, 1998 and running through July 31, 2009, in accordance with the sponsorship agreement between Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company of Greenville, Inc. and East Carolina University, only beverages distributed by the Minges Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company, Inc. will be sold or distributed on the East Carolina University campus. This includes all soft drinks sold in vending machines, in the dining halls and campus cafes, and served at all university-sponsored functions such as athletic events.

    2. Definitions

      Within the sponsorship agreement, ECU grants to Minges Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company, Inc. exclusive beverage sponsorship and exclusive product availability rights.

      Beverages included in this sponsorship agreement are carbonated drinks and all drinks or beverage bases from which such drinks and beverages could be prepared. It also includes flavored, unflavored and/or sweetened mineral water, natural or artificially flavored fruit juices, fruit and/or juice-containing drinks and fruit flavored drinks, cold tea products and isotonic drinks. Beverages not covered under this contract include milk, flavored milk, coffee, freshly brewed tea, hot chocolate, or fresh squeezed juice or juices, smoothies, all alcoholic beverages. Isotonic drinks and supplement used by the University's athletic teams and programs are excluded from the policy. Any products used for academic research or medically-related patient care are also expressly excluded from this policy.

    3. Assistance

      Questions regarding policies or decisions which may be affected by the Pepsi contract should be directed to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance – Business Services, 224 Ragsdale Hall, or phone (252) 328-6910.


  2. Policy Statements

    1. Beverages on Campus

      East Carolina University has entered into a campus-wide sponsorship agreement with the Minges Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company contractually requiring that only their products will be sold or promoted on the ECU campus. Campus wide exclusivity is defined as all dining halls, all campus cafes, all athletic events, all vending locations and other auxiliaries not here mentioned. Off-campus purchase and consumption of soft drinks for personal use are not covered under this agreement.

      Only products available through the Minges Pepsi-Cola Bottling Co. will be sold, dispensed or served at East Carolina University. No other competitive products will be allowed, with the exception of catered events where the customer expresses a preference for a bottled product; beverage for performers or participants at University performance venues; or for a minimal number of special events where an alternate preference is so requested. A request for exception must be made in writing to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Business Services, 224 Ragsdale Hall, whenever a competing product is requested.

    2. Beverage Company Banners and Signs

      No permanent or temporary advertising, signage, or trademark visibility for any competitive product will be authorized for display anywhere within the university, including locker rooms and players' benches. An exception will be made in those cases where a special event (non-university related) is sponsored by a competing beverage company or where an existing contract remains in effect. In those cases, temporary banners or other signage may be hung; scoreboard messages may appear; and/or public address announcements may be made with respect to the competitive product, but the competing beverage company would not be allowed to dispense or vend its product. These include events that are targeted to the local and regional population and do not necessarily target ECU students. Any events held on campus for the benefit of the students should only dispense products by the contracted vendor, the Minges Pepsi-Cola Bottling Group.

      Any questions should be directed to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance – Business Services, 224 Ragsdale Hall, or phone (252) 328-6910.