Coca-Cola and the University of Alabama Seal Refreshing Deal on Campus

Partnership includes support for student scholarships, campus and academic programs, recycling and student engagement

Tuscaloosa, Ala. (July 9, 2018) – The University of Alabama and Coca-Cola Bottling Company United, Inc., have signed a multi-year contract making the Birmingham-based company the exclusive beverage provider for vending and pouring rights on campus.

On July 1, 2018, faculty, staff and students began experiencing the refreshing benefits of hundreds of Coca-Cola beverages from vending machines, fountains and coolers throughout the campus.  The vending machines include the latest technology that allows for cashless purchases across the campus, a feature that students demand. Students, faculty and visitors to campus are able to use debit, credit, Apple Pay, Google Pay, as well as the student ACT card and cash, on all vending machines.

In 2018, Coca-Cola UNITED and The Coca-Cola Company received a multi-year extension of their contract with Crimson Tide Sports Marketing for pouring rights and marketing at all University of Alabama athletic events, making this the first time in two decades that the same beverage partner will serve both the University campus and the athletics program.

“Coca-Cola UNITED is thrilled about our expanded partnership with The University of Alabama to serve its students, faculty and staff on campus,” said Bo Taylor, Vice President, Central Region, Coca-Cola UNITED.   “Coke UNITED’s business culture for more than 100 years has been based on relationships.  We value those relationships and believe that our commitment to serving our customers, respecting our partners, and providing the most diverse and refreshing portfolio of beverages were what The University was looking for in its partner for the future.”

The new contract includes support for student scholarships, academic programs and student engagement, campus capital improvements and on-campus recycling support, among other benefits.  In addition, Coca-Cola UNITED, in conjunction with Coca-Cola North America, will also develop customized and creative marketing initiatives to engage student consumers and promote its expansive beverage portfolio, including DASANI®, vitaminwater®, Monster®, Core Power®, POWERADE®, Minute Maid®, as well as the traditional Coca-Cola brands.

“Our relationship with the University of Alabama runs wide and deep, as they are our customer, our partner, and a world-class organization that shares our dedication to education.  What a great fit…Coca-Cola and The University of Alabama,” added Taylor.

“Our Coca-Cola team is ready to begin serving The University of Alabama campus, and we will do so at the highest levels, just as we do for UA’s athletics programs,” said Kevin Horton, sales center manager for Tuscaloosa Coca-Cola.  “In fact, we’re adding staff and resources to specifically serve the campus.  Our commitment to The University of Alabama and the greater Tuscaloosa community, is second to none.  We’re ready to refresh the Tide!”

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About Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED, Inc.

Coca-Cola Bottling Company United, Inc., founded in 1902 and headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, is the second largest privately held Coca-Cola bottler in North America and the third largest bottler of Coca-Cola products in the United States. Coca-Cola UNITED has approximately 10,000 associates located in more than 60 facilities across six southeastern states (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee).  Among the franchises operated by Coca-Cola UNITED is Tuscaloosa Coca-Cola, which serves the greater Tuscaloosa community, including The University of Alabama.  Other noteworthy franchises within Coca-Cola UNITED include Chattanooga, the world’s first Coca-Cola bottler, and Atlanta, headquarters of the worldwide Coca-Cola System. 

The Company is engaged in the production, marketing and distribution of a diverse portfolio of leading sparkling (Coca-Cola®, Diet Coke®, Coke Zero Sugar®, Dr Pepper®, Sprite® and Fanta®) and still (smartwater®, Dasani®, POWERADE®, Gold Peak®, Monster® and Minute Maid®) non-alcoholic brands under exclusive franchise agreements principally with The Coca-Cola Company® and Dr Pepper Snapple Group®. 

For more than 116 years, local relationships, personalized customer service, and strong community engagement have been the foundation of its business.  Since inception, Coca-Cola UNITED has remained true to its foundational core values of: Quality, Excellence, Integrity and Respect. www.cocacolaunited.com.

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