On May 8, Florida International University announced a major shift in its beverage partnership. Pepsi products would be replaced with Coca‑Cola offerings on all campuses. This includes not just soda, but the entire lineup of drinks available in vending machines, dining venues and campus events.
Coca-Cola’s arrival comes with promises of scholarships, internships and enhanced support for FIU Athletics.
When students heard Pepsi was getting kicked off campus, reactions fizzed up faster than a shaken soda can. Some cheered, like student Nia Engrassi, who said, “It’s great. Now I can get Diet Coke instead of that bitter brown ‘thingy.’” (She was referring to, you know, that other cola.)
But for others on campus, the deal rekindled memories of FIU’s former split with Coca‑Cola. In 2007, the university severed ties amid student-led outrage over allegations that Coke-backed bottlers were complicit in violence against union organizers abroad. These claims fueled protest campaigns across U.S. campuses back then. Nearly two decades later, Coca‑Cola has returned with a rebuilt reputation and a promise of new opportunities.
“The hard-to-miss red trucks parked around campus and the swarm of red machines?” said student Ariella Mello. “Yeah, I saw them.”
The news sparked mixed reactions; but also deeper conversations among students about the ethics of corporate partnerships.
Not every student was pleased with the switch. It’s all trash to me,” said Ryan Rimblas, an FIU student. The junior voiced strong concerns about both Coca‑Cola and Pepsi’s alleged involvement in the Middle East. “I don’t like it very much on a moral level. It shows no guts, no caring for what’s going on in the world.”
(Though a boycott was called months ago, both Coke and Pepsi strenuously denied funding defense – and credible groups have endorsed their denial. And a Coke official recently announced the boycott’s effects were easing.)
Both companies made proposals for the FIU contract. Roger Clegg, assistant vice president of business services at FIU, said the proposals were measured in several categories: sustainability initiatives, academic partnerships, student engagement, product offerings, technology and financial benefits to FIU.
“When put up against each other—Pepsi versus Coke—Coke had the stronger proposal and was chosen by a committee,” said Clegg.
This isn’t Coca-Cola’s first time on campus. The company previously partnered with FIU. Then in 2007, when the university ended the relationship following protests linked to the “Killer Coke” campaign, according to a 2007 story in the then-student newspaper, The Beacon.
Student activists had raised concerns about Coke bottlers in Colombia and Guatemala allegedly supporting violence against union workers. The Beacon article stated that “FIU joins a growing list of universities … distancing themselves from Coca‑Cola due to these serious allegations.”
Attempts were made to contact one of the writers from the article, Maria Chercoles, who said, “It was too long ago, I don’t remember much of it.”
Concerning the comeback of coke to campus, she said “I don’t have an opinion. Sorry I can’t be more helpful.”
Over the years, several of those past allegations have been investigated and largely debunked. In 2009, a U.S. federal court dismissed the Sinaltrainal v. Coca‑Cola case, which showed that there was no evidence the company’s corporate leadership had directed any violent acts.
Indeed, a 2005 PBS Frontline report and audits commissioned by Coca‑Cola also found no proof of direct involvement. The Guardian reported that while attacks on union organizers did occur, no confirmed link to Coca‑Cola’s global operations was established.
More recently, Reuters debunked unrelated online claims that the company had collaborated with U.S. immigration authorities. In response to public pressure, Coca‑Cola adopted a Workplace Rights Policy, expanded third-party audits and strengthened supply chain transparency.
Today, the company continues to emphasize corporate responsibility as it reestablishes partnerships with institutions like FIU. Now, nearly two decades later, Coca-Cola is back with a revamped pitch centered on student benefits, sustainability, and school spirit.
For some students, the change is personal. Facundo Triviño, a student from Argentina, recalled how, back home in Plottier, the town where he grew up, there was one spot that sold Coke in glass bottles.
“It just tasted better,” said Triviño. “Since coming to FIU, I have had to settle for Pepsi and honestly, I am thrilled with this new partnership.”
Others are concerned about losing access to Pepsi-affiliated drinks.
“The worst part is that now we don’t have Celsius in the vending machines,” Alison Aguirre said. “I don’t like energy drinks like Monster, they’re way too strong.”
Dorian Grant, a Starbucks barista at FIU’s Biscayne Bay Campus, said he personally preferred Pepsi.
“I think Pepsi comes first,” he said. “It’s more at the forefront of my brain—I think that might just have to do with the Super Bowl.”
Grant also noted that he had started to notice vending machines disappearing around campus.
“Now thinking back, some of them are missing. There are so many empty spots on campus,” he said.
As the red trucks roll in and new vending machines pop up, this partnership is about more than just drinks; it’s about creating new opportunities and strengthening the FIU community. Whether you’re a longtime Coke fan or still mourning your Pepsi favorites, this partnership represents more than just a brand change, it marks a renewed investment in FIU’s students and future.
