Even though Ohio University has an exclusive pouring rights contract with Pepsi-Cola, students can venture to the dark corners of university markets to get their Coca-Cola fix.
The 10-year agreement between OU and Pepsi banishes Coke products from being sold at exclusive venues ' dining halls, concessions at athletic events and vending machines on campus.
In exchange for the exclusive pouring rights, Pepsi provides OU with more than $4 million in cash, products and equipment during the span of the contract.
Besides the off-campus vending machine in front of Baron's Men's Shop on Court Street, Boyd, Nelson and Shively markets are allowed to sell Coke products because the contract between OU and Cincinnati-based G & J Pepsi-Cola Bottlers defines them as non-exclusive locations.
Pepsi products must constitute at least two-thirds of the shelf space and total products sold, said Ralph Six, director of purchasing.
Students who prefer Coke don't let living on a Pepsi-dominated campus get in the way of satisfying their cravings.
I bring my Diet Coke to campus from home
said Kristin Astrom, a medical student. I get it from Kroger.
Sophomore and Coke-drinker Julius Luciano confessed to sacrificing meals for his choice beverage at the markets.
However, there is hope for future OU students who prefer Coke products.
Six said that after the Pepsi contract expires in 2012, the university would contact several different companies to evaluate potential pouring rights agreements. OU employed the same strategy before entering into the Pepsi contract in 2002, Six said.
Basically we went to Coke Royal Crown and Pepsi and this was the most attractive offer we got he said. When you added it all together it was the best total package for the university.
Market managers are responsible for making sure that non-Pepsi products don't exceed the permitted one-third ratio of shelf-space in non-exclusive venues, but Pepsi employees also monitor venues.
Pepsi and OU both work together to keep that in line
Six said. Pepsi comes around and takes a look
and the drivers will look when they bring the Pepsi in.
Aside from confusion over the classification of the Corner Room Cafe in Old Baker University Center in 2003, the university hasn't encountered any problems with the Pepsi contract.
We've been really lucky
Six said. We haven't had any complaints. (OU officials) are very happy with the cooperation we get from Pepsi.
There haven't been overstocking disputes among distributors, he said, adding-
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