For more than two decades, Coca-Cola has been a staple in Michigan State University dining halls, supplying the fountain drink machines that thousands of students use each semester. The “Mountain Berry”flavor of the company’s Powerade brand, dubbed “Blue Pow” by some students, has been a particular favorite.
Earlier this year, it looked like that tradition would end. It was time for MSU to renew its contract for fountain drinks and vending services on campus and Coca-Cola’s rival soda giant had entered the fray. After a competitive bidding process, MSUinitially awarded the contract to Pepsi.
But the deal never made it to the finish line…